Optima 51R
#41
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by ruffellprefley
does the red top 35 fit without any modifications to the battery area, i.e. custom tie-down or reinforced tray or anything? from what i understand from the OP, the 51R YT requires nothing but stock parts and no modification to them.
#42
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Foxboro, MA
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Checking all of the Optima-related posts can leave you a trifle confused, so can someone who knows FOR SURE tell me:
Is switching to the 51R (Yellow Top) a drop-it-right-in, no-modifications-required proposition??? (Meaning that the terminal posts are where you want them to be and that the battery case and the car’s battery tray and tie-downs don’t need bending or cutting.)
And do I understand correctly that going with the Optima 35 (Red Top) necessitates making some changes (i.e. cutting, bending or doing away with the battery tray)?
Is switching to the 51R (Yellow Top) a drop-it-right-in, no-modifications-required proposition??? (Meaning that the terminal posts are where you want them to be and that the battery case and the car’s battery tray and tie-downs don’t need bending or cutting.)
And do I understand correctly that going with the Optima 35 (Red Top) necessitates making some changes (i.e. cutting, bending or doing away with the battery tray)?
#43
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by rx280
Checking all of the Optima-related posts can leave you a trifle confused, so can someone who knows FOR SURE tell me:
Is switching to the 51R (Yellow Top) a drop-it-right-in, no-modifications-required proposition??? (Meaning that the terminal posts are where you want them to be and that the battery case and the car’s battery tray and tie-downs don’t need bending or cutting.)
And do I understand correctly that going with the Optima 35 (Red Top) necessitates making some changes (i.e. cutting, bending or doing away with the battery tray)?
Is switching to the 51R (Yellow Top) a drop-it-right-in, no-modifications-required proposition??? (Meaning that the terminal posts are where you want them to be and that the battery case and the car’s battery tray and tie-downs don’t need bending or cutting.)
And do I understand correctly that going with the Optima 35 (Red Top) necessitates making some changes (i.e. cutting, bending or doing away with the battery tray)?
#44
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by rx280
Checking all of the Optima-related posts can leave you a trifle confused, so can someone who knows FOR SURE tell me:
Is switching to the 51R (Yellow Top) a drop-it-right-in, no-modifications-required proposition??? (Meaning that the terminal posts are where you want them to be and that the battery case and the car’s battery tray and tie-downs don’t need bending or cutting.)
And do I understand correctly that going with the Optima 35 (Red Top) necessitates making some changes (i.e. cutting, bending or doing away with the battery tray)?
Is switching to the 51R (Yellow Top) a drop-it-right-in, no-modifications-required proposition??? (Meaning that the terminal posts are where you want them to be and that the battery case and the car’s battery tray and tie-downs don’t need bending or cutting.)
And do I understand correctly that going with the Optima 35 (Red Top) necessitates making some changes (i.e. cutting, bending or doing away with the battery tray)?
#45
Professional Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Boston, MA
Age: 36
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So are cold cranking amps exactly what I think they are? Just more current flows when it's cold out?
Also, if I'm planning on getting some UR Pulleys and maybe upgrading my sound system in the near future is the Yellow Top a must, or should I still consider the Red Top?
I live in the Boston where it gets quite cold...
Also, if I'm planning on getting some UR Pulleys and maybe upgrading my sound system in the near future is the Yellow Top a must, or should I still consider the Red Top?
I live in the Boston where it gets quite cold...
#46
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by madmanmax3000
So are cold cranking amps exactly what I think they are? Just more current flows when it's cold out?
Also, if I'm planning on getting some UR Pulleys and maybe upgrading my sound system in the near future is the Yellow Top a must, or should I still consider the Red Top?
I live in the Boston where it gets quite cold...
Also, if I'm planning on getting some UR Pulleys and maybe upgrading my sound system in the near future is the Yellow Top a must, or should I still consider the Red Top?
I live in the Boston where it gets quite cold...
#47
Driver/Detailer
The yellowtop can be discharged with little loss of overall capacity. The redtop is not meant to be discharged to low capacity (will lose capacity over time) but provides higher CCA. If you like to listen to your system with the engine off, then go for the yellowtop.
#48
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Foxboro, MA
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry to say I’m still in a bit of doubt. Moda_way says the 35 “doesn't require any changes at all” and aaronng says if you go with the 35 “you'll have to remove the stock battery tray.” I see that JTso posted a message in April that says the 35 “will work but you have to remove the original battery box.” So, moda, are you or aren’t you using the battery tray (or box**)? My best guess at this point is that if you want to just be able to simply remove the OEM battery and put in an Optima without having to make ANY changes, you've got to go with the 51R.
** I assume the terms – tray and box – are being used interchangeably here.
** I assume the terms – tray and box – are being used interchangeably here.
#50
I spend 2 much time here
u need to toss the box AND the tray to make a 35 series fit. they are really not necessary anyways for drycell batteries because there is no risk of leakage.
#51
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by rx280
Sorry to say I’m still in a bit of doubt. Moda_way says the 35 “doesn't require any changes at all” and aaronng says if you go with the 35 “you'll have to remove the stock battery tray.” I see that JTso posted a message in April that says the 35 “will work but you have to remove the original battery box.” So, moda, are you or aren’t you using the battery tray (or box**)? My best guess at this point is that if you want to just be able to simply remove the OEM battery and put in an Optima without having to make ANY changes, you've got to go with the 51R.
** I assume the terms – tray and box – are being used interchangeably here.
** I assume the terms – tray and box – are being used interchangeably here.
Never doubt moda_way, especially since I have the damn battery in my car right now. Changes in my mind mean having to re-route wires, or bend or physically change the battery area. All you gotta do is remove the dang box and tray, which will come out the second you remove the OEM battery and put the Redtop in there with its riser (which comes on top of the battery delivered).
Any other doubts?
#52
Burning Brakes
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Age: 41
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
no more doubts here about fitment, but is the RT35 in the same price range as the YT51R? only reason i ask, is that batteriesplus, where i would likely buy either/or doesn't list a price for the RT35
#53
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by rx280
Sorry to say I’m still in a bit of doubt. Moda_way says the 35 “doesn't require any changes at all” and aaronng says if you go with the 35 “you'll have to remove the stock battery tray.” I see that JTso posted a message in April that says the 35 “will work but you have to remove the original battery box.” So, moda, are you or aren’t you using the battery tray (or box**)? My best guess at this point is that if you want to just be able to simply remove the OEM battery and put in an Optima without having to make ANY changes, you've got to go with the 51R.
** I assume the terms – tray and box – are being used interchangeably here.
** I assume the terms – tray and box – are being used interchangeably here.
There aren't any modifications/changes at all. Don't tell me you are afraid of lifing out the plastic battery tray in case it voids warranty?
#54
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Trenton, WI
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jiggaman
u need to toss the box AND the tray to make a 35 series fit. they are really not necessary anyways for drycell batteries because there is no risk of leakage.
Will the battery work without it? Sure it will, but heat is what kills batteries and if you look the heat shield is open on one side because air is coming in to reduce the battery temperature from the grill/headlamp area.
Since a 51R is available, why not use the size that Honda engineered the car for.
#55
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Air is going to move around my Optima just fine without the shield. Besides, sitting in traffic during summer or in a parking lot, do you think that "heatshield" is going to really insulate/cool the battery any more significantly than one in the open engine bay? The cover inlets are right behind the headlamp anyway, so I'm not doubting you, but seriously, if Honda wanted to engineer this area, they shouldn't have picked Panasonic's battery. Use the 51R or the 35, both are significant improvements over the stock POS and work.
#56
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Trenton, WI
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by moda_way
The cover inlets are right behind the headlamp anyway, so I'm not doubting you, but seriously, if Honda wanted to engineer this area, they shouldn't have picked Panasonic's battery. Use the 51R or the 35, both are significant improvements over the stock POS and work.
The group 35 is fine, but some people don't like to change their cars.
Lead has gone for about $0.43 a pound three years ago to $1.70 a pound today and an Optima has LOTS of lead, so the price has gone up to cover the increased material costs.
#58
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Foxboro, MA
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by moda_way
Never doubt moda_way, especially since I have the damn battery in my car right now. Changes in my mind mean having to re-route wires, or bend or physically change the battery area. All you gotta do is remove the dang box and tray, which will come out the second you remove the OEM battery and put the Redtop in there with its riser (which comes on top of the battery delivered).
Any other doubts?
Any other doubts?
#59
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by rx280
My simple goal was to find out whether either of the Optima batteries could be used without removing or altering the tray/box or the tie-downs. I’m now confident that I know what I’d have to do if I elected to go with the 35.
#60
Burning Brakes
Just to add my ...
I recently upgraded my battery. When I went to Advance Auto Parts, they had both the YellowTop 51 and 35 in stock (I'm going to upgrade my stereo soon, so I need a YT).
I tried fitting the 51 and the 35 in my car, and they both fit fine (the tray/cover removal to fit the 35 takes less than a minute). However, I ended up going with the YT51 mostly for the fact that it was lighter than YT35 by 10lbs. Our cars are already too heavy as it is, so since both batteries were significant upgrades from the OEM shiet, I wanted to minimize the added weight as much as possible. Also, I feel like the 35 would be overkill while the 51 was specifically designed for Hondas/Acuras.
As a side note, I went with the 51 and not the 51R like others have mentioned because the posts on the 51R only line up if you put the battery front-to-back. Being the anal-rententive prick that I am, I didn't like having the "Optima" lettering upside down, so I went with the 51 which also fits perfectly fine.
Also, I would advise anyone who is looking into the Comptech supercharger kit to add a new battery during the install. My car died on me while idling on the OEM battery - not even a sputter with my Optima YT51 .
I recently upgraded my battery. When I went to Advance Auto Parts, they had both the YellowTop 51 and 35 in stock (I'm going to upgrade my stereo soon, so I need a YT).
I tried fitting the 51 and the 35 in my car, and they both fit fine (the tray/cover removal to fit the 35 takes less than a minute). However, I ended up going with the YT51 mostly for the fact that it was lighter than YT35 by 10lbs. Our cars are already too heavy as it is, so since both batteries were significant upgrades from the OEM shiet, I wanted to minimize the added weight as much as possible. Also, I feel like the 35 would be overkill while the 51 was specifically designed for Hondas/Acuras.
As a side note, I went with the 51 and not the 51R like others have mentioned because the posts on the 51R only line up if you put the battery front-to-back. Being the anal-rententive prick that I am, I didn't like having the "Optima" lettering upside down, so I went with the 51 which also fits perfectly fine.
Also, I would advise anyone who is looking into the Comptech supercharger kit to add a new battery during the install. My car died on me while idling on the OEM battery - not even a sputter with my Optima YT51 .
#61
T.DoT P.I.M.P. lol
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 41
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Where can I find YT51 in Toronto, Canada? Or should I order it online?
I only find RT35 @ Walmart for now, and the Optima site didn't list any dealer for Canada region.
Thanks
I only find RT35 @ Walmart for now, and the Optima site didn't list any dealer for Canada region.
Thanks
#62
Driver/Detailer
Originally Posted by DAYTA
I tried fitting the 51 and the 35 in my car, and they both fit fine (the tray/cover removal to fit the 35 takes less than a minute). However, I ended up going with the YT51 mostly for the fact that it was lighter than YT35 by 10lbs. Our cars are already too heavy as it is, so since both batteries were significant upgrades from the OEM shiet, I wanted to minimize the added weight as much as possible. Also, I feel like the 35 would be overkill while the 51 was specifically designed for Hondas/Acuras.
Originally Posted by DAYTA
Also, I would advise anyone who is looking into the Comptech supercharger kit to add a new battery during the install. My car died on me while idling on the OEM battery - not even a sputter with my Optima YT51 .
#63
T.DoT P.I.M.P. lol
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 41
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Well, since I can't stand the stock battery anymore, I just went to Costco to purchase one. The one I got is called RedTop 75/35 w/ 720CCA, I think it's the right one? Charging up right now and will post comment later.
#64
Midwest TSXer
iTrader: (1)
As a side note, I went with the 51 and not the 51R like others have mentioned because the posts on the 51R only line up if you put the battery front-to-back. Being the anal-rententive prick that I am, I didn't like having the "Optima" lettering upside down, so I went with the 51 which also fits perfectly fine.
#65
T.DoT P.I.M.P. lol
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 41
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
The new battery seems pretty damn full, it only took about 15mins to fully charged (100%), where my stock battery took about 6hrs to fully charged. Even so, my stock battery seems pretty dead when I tried to start up with full charge in this weather.
It took me about 30mins to install the new Optima battery, most of the time has spent on tiny up all wires and figure out the height (use of tray). Took my car out for a spirit drive and WOW, the inital response felt much better than my fully charge OEM battery, and my car start up so confident like a piece of cake *** (Not making this up or placebo effect because I've also felt a big differences when the OEM battery has charged up compare than before). Overall, it's well worth the money~~!!!
It took me about 30mins to install the new Optima battery, most of the time has spent on tiny up all wires and figure out the height (use of tray). Took my car out for a spirit drive and WOW, the inital response felt much better than my fully charge OEM battery, and my car start up so confident like a piece of cake *** (Not making this up or placebo effect because I've also felt a big differences when the OEM battery has charged up compare than before). Overall, it's well worth the money~~!!!
#66
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by chuson
The new battery seems pretty damn full, it only took about 15mins to fully charged (100%), where my stock battery took about 6hrs to fully charged. Even so, my stock battery seems pretty dead when I tried to start up with full charge in this weather.
It took me about 30mins to install the new Optima battery, most of the time has spent on tiny up all wires and figure out the height (use of tray). Took my car out for a spirit drive and WOW, the inital response felt much better than my fully charge OEM battery, and my car start up so confident like a piece of cake *** (Not making this up or placebo effect because I've also felt a big differences when the OEM battery has charged up compare than before). Overall, it's well worth the money~~!!!
It took me about 30mins to install the new Optima battery, most of the time has spent on tiny up all wires and figure out the height (use of tray). Took my car out for a spirit drive and WOW, the inital response felt much better than my fully charge OEM battery, and my car start up so confident like a piece of cake *** (Not making this up or placebo effect because I've also felt a big differences when the OEM battery has charged up compare than before). Overall, it's well worth the money~~!!!
Cranks like a mother now... right? I love it. No more of that weak chugga chugga shyte. I've come to be accustomed to mine now, but that first cold crank I had to do a week ago, reminded me of how sucky that OEM battery is. My only issue now is where to take my stock battery for recycling. We have this batteriesplus store up the street who is going to restore my DeWalt 18v batteries, so I wonder if they could recycle them....
#67
Acura tech told me my OE battery (3 yrs old/only 20,000 mi) is down to 50% capacity and should be 'replaced.' Though he added it may have a year left. Out of the 3 year warranty by a month or two-but should have pressed him on a pro-rated replacement since mileage is so low.
Local Advance stores only have YT D51R on sale for @ $150. CCA are only 460-80. Seems low. They know nothing about the RT 51R coming back, but another source told me they expect them in January. Since the RT is more suitable for my needs may just hold out for the arrival of the updated 51R.
Local Advance stores only have YT D51R on sale for @ $150. CCA are only 460-80. Seems low. They know nothing about the RT 51R coming back, but another source told me they expect them in January. Since the RT is more suitable for my needs may just hold out for the arrival of the updated 51R.
#68
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by moda_way
Cranks like a mother now... right? I love it. No more of that weak chugga chugga shyte. I've come to be accustomed to mine now, but that first cold crank I had to do a week ago, reminded me of how sucky that OEM battery is. My only issue now is where to take my stock battery for recycling. We have this batteriesplus store up the street who is going to restore my DeWalt 18v batteries, so I wonder if they could recycle them....
#69
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Trenton, WI
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by chuson
Where can I find YT51 in Toronto, Canada? Or should I order it online?
Thanks
Thanks
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/w...to/default.asp
If he doesn't have it he can get it.
#70
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 49
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by LoveMyTSX
You should be able to return your battery to where you bought the new one and get a deposit back. I did mine at Auto Zone.
#71
Called optima and claimed no new RT 51R is in the pipeline. If you want the perfect fit you gotta go with the Yellow. Since I have no deep cycling needs (though one website claimed the yellow may actually have a longer life span than the red if you don't engage in excessive dc). Still partial to the red for its greater CCA and warranty. The local RT one I've found has a model #35-925 at a buck twenty eight. All other RTs on the web are simple model #35 at @ a buck and a half.
Btw, as I look at my OE the red positive terminal is on the left, black on the right. And yet the recommended Y51R (R for reversed terminals) show them the opposite way. Does this matter? Also, is the 'freshness' date on these batteries as important as with all other conventional brands?
Btw, as I look at my OE the red positive terminal is on the left, black on the right. And yet the recommended Y51R (R for reversed terminals) show them the opposite way. Does this matter? Also, is the 'freshness' date on these batteries as important as with all other conventional brands?
#72
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by moda_way
Air is going to move around my Optima just fine without the shield. Besides, sitting in traffic during summer or in a parking lot, do you think that "heatshield" is going to really insulate/cool the battery any more significantly than one in the open engine bay? The cover inlets are right behind the headlamp anyway, so I'm not doubting you, but seriously, if Honda wanted to engineer this area, they shouldn't have picked Panasonic's battery. Use the 51R or the 35, both are significant improvements over the stock POS and work.
#73
T.DoT P.I.M.P. lol
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 41
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by rifleman
Called optima and claimed no new RT 51R is in the pipeline. If you want the perfect fit you gotta go with the Yellow. Since I have no deep cycling needs (though one website claimed the yellow may actually have a longer life span than the red if you don't engage in excessive dc). Still partial to the red for its greater CCA and warranty. The local RT one I've found has a model #35-925 at a buck twenty eight. All other RTs on the web are simple model #35 at @ a buck and a half.
Btw, as I look at my OE the red positive terminal is on the left, black on the right. And yet the recommended Y51R (R for reversed terminals) show them the opposite way. Does this matter? Also, is the 'freshness' date on these batteries as important as with all other conventional brands?
Btw, as I look at my OE the red positive terminal is on the left, black on the right. And yet the recommended Y51R (R for reversed terminals) show them the opposite way. Does this matter? Also, is the 'freshness' date on these batteries as important as with all other conventional brands?
D35 is the same thing as 75/35 that's on the Optima Battery label.
#75
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by madmanmax3000
So we can use the 51 with no modification? Or do we need the 51R?
#77
Professional Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Boston, MA
Age: 36
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where are you guys buying the yellow top from? I tried the website posted earlier in the thread and they said they were out of stock and didn't have any shipments planned. I also tried my local autozone and they didn't carry optima.
#79
this might be a noob question but when u guys say optima yt51 is the d51 the same?? im lookin at the optima page
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/
D51 8071-167
---
SC51DA 12V 38 AH 450 CCA 560 CA Small 66 Case Size Category: Small
9.25 x 5.0 x 9.0"
Height includes 1" terminals 26.5 lbs Top Post $179.95
(includes shipping)
Online ordering page
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/
D51 8071-167
---
SC51DA 12V 38 AH 450 CCA 560 CA Small 66 Case Size Category: Small
9.25 x 5.0 x 9.0"
Height includes 1" terminals 26.5 lbs Top Post $179.95
(includes shipping)
Online ordering page
#80
Burning Brakes
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Age: 41
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by madmanmax3000
Where are you guys buying the yellow top from? I tried the website posted earlier in the thread and they said they were out of stock and didn't have any shipments planned. I also tried my local autozone and they didn't carry optima.
check @ batteriesplus.com