Notices
Series I Tech Garage The place to discuss anything technical about the RX-8 that doesn't fit into any of the categories below.

Best Aftermarket Battery

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-11-2010 | 04:13 AM
  #1  
huckfarper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Question Best Aftermarket Battery

It's time to replace my battery, so...

What is the best aftermarket battery that delivers the most cold cranking amps, fits our cars, and otherwise makes you think that battery is the best. Please explain why in your response.

Thanks!
Old 02-11-2010 | 04:21 AM
  #2  
TeamRX8's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 26,866
Likes: 2,083
Click here for the best ...
Old 02-11-2010 | 04:22 AM
  #3  
Gr8Bullet's Avatar
Im Sir Earl of Sandwich!
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, VA
^
Old 02-11-2010 | 04:26 AM
  #4  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 3
From: So. California
^LOL@ TEAMRX8... im Going to use that now LAWLZ!!!!!

but in reality.... OPTIMA DRYCELL.... I have the Yellow Top... I suggest you get the Blue TOP
Old 02-11-2010 | 04:54 AM
  #5  
huckfarper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Well I guess I should have said I already searched and found conflicting information in the threads (based on price, CCA, etc.) This is why I asked for people to explain their rationale.

Thanks for reminding me that I needed to state that in my post, TeamRX8.
Old 02-11-2010 | 09:52 AM
  #6  
nycgps's Avatar
Out of NYC
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 32
From: Planet Earth
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
thats my line you ***.

only I can tell people to search !



Anyway, this is the best battery money can buy
Old 02-11-2010 | 10:05 AM
  #7  
nx04's Avatar
zoom-zoom
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: brampton
lmfaoooo
Old 02-11-2010 | 10:51 AM
  #8  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 3
From: So. California
No.... seriously though...

For Racing/Track- Braile Batteries are your best choice

For Aftermarket Electronics (radio, tv's neon, subwoofer) - Optima Yellow Top.

For Performance/Track - OPTIMA Red Top

If you plan on making your car into a boat- OPTIMA Blue Top
Old 02-11-2010 | 12:02 PM
  #9  
Razz1's Avatar
Mu ha.. ha...
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,361
Likes: 3
From: Cali
Originally Posted by nycgps
thats my line you ***.

only I can tell people to search !



Anyway, this is the best battery money can buy
I agree..

I think the Moderators should give Team a warning.

Sears Die Hards and Interstate batteris with enough CCA for your car is fine.

You don't need a special battery for your car unless you track it or have a BIG Boom box.
Old 02-11-2010 | 12:24 PM
  #10  
Nubo's Avatar
Lubricious
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area, California
In terms of reducing maintenance hassles to zero -- get an AGM battrey (absorbed glass mat).

In terms of capacity, CCA is not a great yardstick. Look for reserve-hours, or amp-hours. If the mfr doesn't give those, screw 'em.

In terms of longevity, deep-cycle capability gives you insurance against battery damage in the event of deep-discharge. Something to consider if you park for extended periods, or like to run audio equipment with the car not running, or would just like to be able to recover from a flood without toasting the battery in the process.

Don't use a battery size larger than group35; for airflow and cooling considerations.

My recommendation for anyone who's not weight-conscious is the Sears DieHard Platinum P5, Group 35. This appears to be a re-branded Odyssey. Well-respected deep-cycle battery company, AGM, no leaky, good amp-hours and reserve capacity, great warranty, fits, easy to find.

If the cost bothers you, consider you're talking less than the price of a tank of gas per year over the life of the battery. Not a big deal, and you did say you're looking for the best.

For a bang-for-the buck approach get the cheapest brand-name battery you can find. It'll work, and as long as you deal with the maintenance and don't deep-discharge it, will give reasonable service.

Last edited by Nubo; 02-11-2010 at 12:28 PM.
Old 02-11-2010 | 12:26 PM
  #11  
Vlaze's Avatar
The Angry Wheelchair
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 1
From: In da woodz, lurking after you
For a DD long term use, I'd suggest Diehard Platinum. They have a warranty of 4 years contrast to Optima's 1 year for a yellow top.

But whatever floats your boat

*edit*

Looks like an Optima yellowtop non commercial battery has been bumped up to 3 years now (36 months) from what I read.

Last edited by Vlaze; 02-11-2010 at 12:31 PM.
Old 02-11-2010 | 02:18 PM
  #12  
EDZRIDE's Avatar
2005 White GT
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 2
From: Spokane Valley, Washington
Originally Posted by Nubo
In terms of reducing maintenance hassles to zero -- get an AGM battrey (absorbed glass mat).

Don't use a battery size larger than group35; for airflow and cooling considerations.

My recommendation for anyone who's not weight-conscious is the Sears DieHard Platinum P5, Group 35. This appears to be a re-branded Odyssey. Well-respected deep-cycle battery company, AGM, no leaky, good amp-hours and reserve capacity, great warranty, fits, easy to find.
Originally Posted by Vlaze
For a DD long term use, I'd suggest Diehard Platinum. They have a warranty of 4 years contrast to Optima's 1 year for a yellow top.
+1 on the above advice.
Old 02-11-2010 | 02:28 PM
  #13  
Huey52's Avatar
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,089
Likes: 6
From: New England
I've been 'round and 'round on this planning myself, but have to say the OEM Interstate has served me very well and I'll probably just re-up with that one when the time comes - still crankin' strong going into its 5th year.
Old 02-11-2010 | 02:40 PM
  #14  
Jedi54's Avatar
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22,444
Likes: 2,797
From: The Dark Side
I've had an Optima Yellow Top for 4 years now and it's a stud. I've run the battery quite low with my 1400 watt amp and dual subwoofers and it keeps on going.
I let my car sit for almost a month in the garage and it still started up.

"Best" is such a subjective term that you'll never get a "true" answer on it as we all have different requirements / demands of our batteries. (Cold cranking, deep cycle, longevity, etc)
Old 02-11-2010 | 03:39 PM
  #15  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 3
From: So. California
Yellow Top- FTW!!!!
Old 02-12-2010 | 05:06 AM
  #16  
TeamRX8's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 26,866
Likes: 2,083
Originally Posted by ZumnRx8
No.... seriously though...

For Racing/Track- Braile Batteries are your best choice

Really? Mine died in under a year. It was the best POS I ever owned. That it had a warranty was meaningless because it has to be sent back for inspection which in the meantime meant I was dead in the water. Replaced it with an Odyssey, which was carried locally, and never looked back.

This is why you get conflicting data. What exactly defines best; best price, best value, best quality, etc.? Not to mention, what makes you think any one here has a clue about what is "best"?

In other words, you asked a conflicting question. How could you expect a clear answer. It's just a battery, not a life planning event. Go down to Walmart, keep your receipt, and don't waste your time over-thinking such trivialities.


.

Last edited by TeamRX8; 02-12-2010 at 05:09 AM.
Old 02-12-2010 | 05:26 AM
  #17  
Chad D.'s Avatar
Spinnnnnnnnnnn
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 2
From: Windsor, Ontario
I would suggest an optima red or yellow top
Old 02-12-2010 | 05:35 AM
  #18  
swoope's Avatar
Zoom-Freakin'-Zoom
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14,602
Likes: 36
From: orlando, fl
wow,

thread full of fail..

team states if right.. op.. you are where?

the right battery is like beer.. right place right time..

the correct battery will start the car when it needs to be started.. how hard is that..

cant wait to see you post in i flooded my engine thread..

beers
Old 02-12-2010 | 06:37 AM
  #19  
ken-x8's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
Originally Posted by Vlaze
For a DD long term use, I'd suggest Diehard Platinum. They have a warranty of 4 years contrast to Optima's 1 year for a yellow top...
No need to spend a lot of money for a long warranty. For $50 to $60 (less if you catch a sale) you can get a battery from Advance Auto or similar places, with a 5 or 6 year warranty, full replacement for the first one or two years.

That would be a conventional battery that does need to have its electrolyte level checked every now and then. Since the 8's battery is buried under under a cover, it might be worth spending more for a maintenance free battery.

Ken
Old 02-12-2010 | 07:27 AM
  #20  
Vlaze's Avatar
The Angry Wheelchair
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 1
From: In da woodz, lurking after you
^It wasn't just for the warranty but also the fact that I've never had a Die Hard fail on me *looks for wood to knock on*

And they are maintenance free
Old 02-12-2010 | 08:55 AM
  #21  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 3
From: So. California
Originally Posted by ken-x8
No need to spend a lot of money for a long warranty. For $50 to $60 (less if you catch a sale) you can get a battery from Advance Auto or similar places, with a 5 or 6 year warranty, full replacement for the first one or two years.

That would be a conventional battery that does need to have its electrolyte level checked every now and then. Since the 8's battery is buried under under a cover, it might be worth spending more for a maintenance free battery.

Ken

Where is your full replacement when the battery dies on you on the road? Or when you stop to put gas a gas station in the night, your battery fails & there is no Autostore around, especially the same Autostore that carries your warranty on your battery? Drycell FTW
Old 02-12-2010 | 04:00 PM
  #22  
ken-x8's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
Originally Posted by ZumnRx8
Where is your full replacement when the battery dies on you on the road? Or when you stop to put gas a gas station in the night, your battery fails & there is no Autostore around, especially the same Autostore that carries your warranty on your battery? Drycell FTW
I'm going to lie awake nights worrying about that.

Speaking of nights... a couple of times I bought batteries at an all-night drug store. Kind of cool. Batteries were dry, with a bag of acid I had to pour in myself. No worry about how long the battery had been sitting on the shelf before being sold. One did die on me late at night. I was able to get it replaced some time after midnight. Had I been reckless enough to buy a Diehard, I'd have been stuck waiting til Sears opened in the morning.

Ken
Old 02-12-2010 | 04:02 PM
  #23  
chino0314's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 1
From: Miami, Florida
this thread is a joke lmao i laughed on every link
Old 02-13-2010 | 02:39 AM
  #24  
Nubo's Avatar
Lubricious
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by chino0314
this thread is a joke lmao i laughed on every link
I'm here 'till Thursday. Try the veal.
Old 02-13-2010 | 07:07 AM
  #25  
huckfarper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Canada
For those wondering, I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I occasionally drive up north where it gets really cold. I'd prefer not to have to post in the "flooded" thread.

Thanks for all the advice.


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Best Aftermarket Battery



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:36 AM.