Can Someone Please Provide a Part # for Optima Red Top

[01sapphireGTS]

Hello Gang: I have a 2001 GTS. I need a new battery and I did a search for the subject here on the boards. What I came up with so far in battery choices are ->

Lightning Audio # SBATTEX1 ( Which I can't locate for sale anywhere )

Odyssey Drycell Battery # PC1200MJT & HD102 adjustable hold down kit

Optima Red Top # ?


Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[iowaviper]

red Optima # 7535 cut top post off , fill with silicone .

 

[GTSnake]

don't cut anything on the red top. It causes an open circuit and eventual failure.

 

[Eric H]

just turn the redtop on its side and use some metal banding and a nut/bolt with washer.

 

[96 B&W GTS]

DO NOT CUT RED TOP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL KILL IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can flip it on its side.

 

[ViperJohn]

I have noticed red tops seem to fit with no modifications on late model Gen II's. Mine went in with no mods. Some have suggested using a bottle jack to stretch the battery pan down for the posts to clear. Do not cut the posts, it will drastically reduce the life of the battery and you will void the warranty.

 

[01sapphireGTS]

Thanks guys. I think I like the Odyssey the most out of the group, but it requires a sideways mount and drilling two holes for the hold down J-Bolts, which I'm not thrilled about. Looks like the Red Top for me. I'll let ya know if it fits or not.

Thanks Again !

 

[95Viper]

One note, I bought the Optima 75/35 two years ago and Autozone had it in two different amps. Same size case too. I paid $10 more and got the higher amp one.

 

[Matt M PA]

I tried to fit a red Optima in my 2000 GTS. No go. As some said above, if you cut the terminal off an Optima...the battery is ruined. These sealed batteries work on a slight pressure that is released. The terminals are not solid in most cases, and the battery will vent after the post is cut. (I know this from personal experience.)

I did not want to drill holes, or stretch the battery hanger, so I wound up putting in an Interstate. Fit perfectly. FWIW, the Interstate is a very well rated battery.

I frankly don't see the excitement over the Optimas. My local store sells both Optimas and Interstates and more Optimas come back bad than Interstates.

 

[Vintage Racer]

I just installed an Optima Red Top in my 2000 GTS. It was a tight fit, but it went in okay. The top negative post comes close to the frame, so I kept the plastic cap on it. There was plenty of clearance on the top positive post.

I think the fit problems has to do with each car's install of the battery tray. A quarter inch makes a big difference.

 

[iowaviper]

Sorry, I was miss informed about cutting the top post. I thought you could. The battery man that told me , was to just cut enough of the post to clear, then cover with silicone. Thanks for the info.

 

[01sapphireGTS]

Matt: I have used and loved Interstate batteries in several other applications. Interstate would have been my first choice for the viper but I guess I need to look for something that is "sealed" and won't leak onto the battery tray & frame ?

I wasn't going to make the purchase until this weekend. Is the Optima what I should be buying ? They seem to get good overall feedback from guys here on the board (if they fit)...

 

[Matt M PA]

01SapphireGTS...I have had three Vipers, a '94RT, '96 GTS, and now my 2000 GTS. The only one that had a battery leakage problem was the '94 with the factory battery.

That said, anything you can do to prevent a problem is time and effort well spent. At least in my 2000 the Optima was taller than the area it had to occupy.

 

[01sapphireGTS]

For What It's Worth & FYI: The Optima red top did fit without any modifications. BUT it had a dead cell right out of the box. I have heard of three or four of this part number all purchased from Summit Racing that have been DOA. Maybe a bad run, or Summit is buying seconds.

A 900CCA sidepost Exide wound up being installed due to time restraints. If I would have known all of this was going to happen, I would have just bought an Interstate to begin with and had it installed a month ago.

 

[KERS-VPR]

I installed the Optima 7535 in my 99 with no problems at all. When the original battery went dead I couldn't even jump start it.Luckly it happened at home.

 

[FlyBryViper]

Just finished an entire season of Viper Days with the Odyssey 1200 MJT battery. It is the perfect Viper battery with more than enough power for any usage.
It comes in a metal box (jacket), which I bolted to the factory battery tray. In this way, there is no oportunity for the battery to ever move!