Optima battery size?

[Flyn]

I picked up an Optima yellow top battery last night and attempted to install it in my Cobra. Turns out the battery doesn't fit into the battery box. It is about 1/4" too long. I was wondering if any of you have Optimas in your cars and if so, did you have to modify the battery box?

Auto Zone had a hard time finding the battery so I am wondering if they may have taken an available one that is the wrong size. I'd rather find out for sure before I cut up the battery box. The one I have is part number D34-78. Model number 3478DT.

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[Flyn]

I did some searching and found out that other guys have had the same fitment problem with the 34-78. Answers included switching to a smaller Optima or cutting the battery tray. Modifying the battery hold down or getting an optional hold down from Optima was also required. I may just return the Optima and get an Auto Zone Duralast Gold which has a 3 year free replacement and 8 year pro rated warranty. It may not have the deep cycle abilities of the Optima but with that warranty, it should be a good battery... and it will fit without modifications.

 

[TERMINATED97]

The autozone by me has a whole shelf of optima batteries, red and yellow.

 

[Vobraman]

Cliff,
I started a thread on modfords and was told that on a red top the part number is SC34U, and its the battery with 730 CCA. there is a small insert that goes with it and it fits in the stock tray. The reds have 2 different size batteries and one does not fit. Not sure about the yellow top. Hope that helps.

 

[RAPER]

yellow tops are deep cycle and are deffinitly on the large size. when I put the yellow top in my 00 gt forever ago i made a new battery tie down brace. You really have no need for the yellow unless you're running some major audio equipment in there. I suggest getting the redtop and saving yourself a bunch of hassle unless you really need the benefits of deep cycle.. but that's just my .02 cents

 

[Flyn]

I decided to go with the Duralast. It's much cheaper and has a better warranty than the red top. Drops right into the car without any modifications. Plus, while looking for sizing info, I read several threads today on Optima failures and that has me a little concerned as to the quality control with Optima batteries. Some guys love them but some guys [like Doug] have nothing but problems. Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[rdsnake]

You should go with the Red Top. Yellow top is for running subs etc (also a stock battery). Yes you'll have to cut the tray

 

[Flyn]

Duralast dropped into place. No cutting, no hold down modification needed. Ask me in three years if it's a good battery.

Now I have to go out to the garage and re-set 24 radio presets, the clock and the funky Pioneer EQ.

 

[rdsnake]

^^^Battery saver FTW

 

[nytebyte]

For the regular batteries (like the Duralast), are they different for our Cobra's compared to a Mustang GT of the same year?

 

[ITLLOWNU]

i dont like big batts. so i got a small one lol