JTso

iTrader: (2)

The engine will turn over faster by the starter, but not necessarily start faster due to other fuel/ignition related components. However, it will continue to provide the available power to turn over the engine, whereas a weaker battery may fail after repeat attempts should the engine fail to start due to whatever reasons.

Still Water

I had a Wal Mart EverStart in another car and it lasted less than 2 years - Had to tow the car in, bad Cell. The next one last even less - Another bad cell. Got a 3rd one and sold the car. Having talked with a lot of car techs, etc., I was basically told for various reasons, "They don't make'em like they used to." BTW the car was totally stock.

I now have a Red Top Optima in my '04 TSX and it starts in an average of 3 turns. When I installed it I was thinking I'd have to do something like what JTso did with the try replacement. It won't fit in the acid tray like the OEM does, just a little too big. I did find that it was pretty well supported without the try and when torqued down on the tray's pad it seemed well anchored. Being that it doesn't have any liquid in it I decided to forgo the acid tray replacement for now.

As to the cost difference you've just got to do what you feel is best. I for one am trying to avoid having the time & trouble of a dead, dead car and having to tow her in or spend a good part of a day of my time all for a dead battery. And yes I know the Optima could go bad but I'm putting my faith in them as opposed to other options.

runner453

I just had my 04 TSX 28,000m in and had them test the battery on a whim, as it is quite cold here and I've been having some bad starts.

My 410 oem was testing at about 20% of its potential and shot.

They've just offered to replace it with another oem at 50% pro-rate while giving it a 3 year warranty and then 100months of partial coverage

$40 isn't so bad, eh?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Costco also has direct replacement batteries with higher CCA and good warranty. I got two for my other cars and they work well.

runner453

i'd just as soon prefer to keep all my warrantied parts covered under the same manufacturer at the same location, as the costs are nearly identical

peter_bigblock

The Ever Start 56-3N dropped right into the battery tray with no modification at all, it turns out. Slight modification to the retainer across the top (had to flatten the little "tooth" on the firewall end since the battery's a half-inch wider). Especially in cold weather, the car turns over much more solidly than with the OEM. At 580 CCA, this is an excellent replacement, the Costco Kirkland battery was 500 CCA and about the same price -- also a good replacement as it's a direct fit 51R.

PatrickB

Okay, I'm ready to buy one of these... I'm looking at the red top model 34 or 35.

I can get the 34 from a local store for $129.99. It has 800 CCA and it's price online is $154.95. But it's bigger 10" x 6.8" x 7.8". Weighs 5.8 lbs more. And the posts when installed would be toward the front of the battery (or closer to me as I'm looking from the front) and 2.25" in from each side. Here is the top view http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/schema_34.asp

For the model 35, I can get it local for $139.99 which is the same price online. It's 720 CCA and the posts would be toward the back of the battery and only .75" from each side. Here is it's top view http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/schema_35.asp

The one that JTso installed was a 35 so I know that will fit, but does anyone know if the 34 will fit?

stage5tsx

yes the 34R RT will fit, given that u remove the tray or not... try search some1 here has done that 34 , ref. to https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...hlight=battery

patrick_RENAMED

I tried a 34 last night (based on finding a few people on here that did it) and didn't like how the positive connection fit. Since I had to move it towards the front and towards the middle of the battery it just didn't fit well. I'll be going with the 35 now.

stage5tsx

did u try the 34R or the YT34 ??

PatrickB

It was a Red Top 34/78. It did have the positive on the left side, but closer to the bottom, but even if it were the other way, it was in to far for a nice fit.

Type S Zero

we got a letter last week from acura :
410 CCA replacement batteries are now 550 CCA

aaronng

^^ Lucky...... Us in Ozland still get crappy 300CCA replacement batteries. Some dealers do take the initiative to supply 430CCA, but that is still nothing compared to 550CCA.

stage5tsx

my battery die today, so i'm in the same boat...went and got myself a Exide 35 , gold series... like the optima 35, but with a 770 cca. ahahah just to be on the safe side, here's the link http://www.exide.com/products/automo...t_orbital.html

PatrickB

Well I now have decided against the Optima and will be going with the new improved stock battery (really need one since It's at 300 cranking amps at 42 degrees after a 30 mile highway trip). They will give me 50% off so I can get it for $50. And it has a 3 year free replacement/100 month prorate warranty. According to him the '05 and newer ones already come with that warranty.

Oh yeah, I have an '04 w/ 50K bought in Nov. of '03. I've been having really slow starts when my car is sitting in the cold and have had some really inconsistant idle once it starts.

jiggaman

so all of the acura dealerships are now providing new improved batteries?

PatrickB

I asked the service guy when I called and he said "Yeah, now they are like high 500's or even into the 600's" when I asked about cca. I'm picking it up on Saturday so I'll let you know what it actually is. I'm assuming 550 as mentioned on here.

rdc

when did you guys change your battery? i have an 04 with 61k miles

ATsxMan8305

Does anyone know if Interstate makes a battery that fits the TSX?? That's one of the best brands I know of.

PJS

Did you consider using Google to find their site and see if they list one?

ATsxMan8305

Simba91102

Sounds like I lucked out. I had my 05 in for service (50K service @ around 52K miles) and they found (somehow) that the battery tested low (I never had any trouble with it). They replaced it under warranty (under goodwill even though the warranty had expired). Oh, I have the 100K mile/6 yr. extended warranty, but it doesn't cover the battery. As far as the Wal-Mart thing goes, a while back Consumer Reports rated the batteries they sell a best buy. I've bought a couple of them and definetly would use them again. I'd say as a rule of thumb, chances are by the time you need a battery it's going to be for maybe another two years or so. $30K car or not, why spend twice the money for the next guy?

LoveMyTL-S

Battery died on me while getting gas this past Saturday. My son took me to get a new one. I got the Optima Yellow top 34/78. Dayum what a difference. No more flickering at all. Just vroooommm!!

jiggaman

how did that size fit?

timd38

A yellow Optima 51R is the exact replacement. How did you get the others to fit? I work for a battery company, and we make the Honda replacement batteries and I don't show that those big batteries will fit correctly.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

You just need to remove the stock battery tray.

timd38

Good the Optima 51R is sold out out for a couple of more weeks, so I will put a yellow 35 in it. I have the same battery in my Corvette.

LoveMyTL-S

It fit perfect. Just had to take out the old battery cover and bottom. Used OEM bracket. Fit like a glove.

vidgamer

My battery let me down today. Took it by Acura, and they think it's fine. (Fine for who?) I'm not going to get a stock replacement, that's for sure! But how do I know what will be better?

I dunno about getting the larger Optima batteries... Seems overkill, plus you're adding weight where I thought the idea was to save weight? ;-) Interstate has a replacement rated at 500 CCA. Is it really worth the extra for a deep cycle?

timd38

Optima started shipping 51R batteries last week and I think Advance Auto Parts has them and they have stores in Florida.

Do you need it, No, but with the heat in Florida, I would get one.

vidgamer

What was the story with the 51R? People were reporting problems and they weren't available for, like, a year or so... is it redesigned/fixed/better now? Optimas come so highly recommended, but I'd like to be sure.

Other stores carry Optima... is it just that Advance Auto got these first? I might call around tomorrow.

Thanks for the info, Tim!

LuvMyTSX

Are you sure it's the 51R and not the 51? I just went out and looked under the hood, and the positive charge is on the left side if you look at the battery while standing in front of the grille. I want to be sure I get the right one if I go ahead and order.

jiggaman

thats good news! i'm planning on getting one when they are available. i have been reluctant to get a heavier sized one as well.

i am running the original battery and i picked up my tsx in late 2003! its amazing that thing still is working fine. especially since i have an aftermarket stereo system.

aaronng

It's 51R. With the 51, you can still turn it 180º to get it to have the positive terminal on the left side, but th eterminals will be at the front of the car instead, needing you to pull the cables to the front. You want 51R. Not 51.

LuvMyTSX

Oh, ok. It was confusing to look at.

timd38

I believe that Advance placed the first orders.

Optima got a new winding machine that should have addressed the previous issues.

vidgamer

OH man, Advance is awesome. They even replaced it at no charge. (I could handle it, but hey, if they're going to volunteer....) Fits right in, of course.

So far, I think it starts slightly better, but its CCA rating is not a whole lot higher than stock (480?). What I will like is not worrying so much about draining the battery if it's parked for a few days or if I want to play the radio a bit when it's off. It's not a huge battery, so I'm sure I still can't expect the capacity to be too great.

Um, in case I still manage to run it down, what kind of battery charger should I use? A typical trickle-charger? (I used to have a really nice one that somehow got away from me...)

jiggaman

were you already able to get a optima 51R from Advance?

kaliraver69

Are these 51R's going to be available anywhere else besides Advance? Since I am in the west coast and they don't have any Advance retail stores anywhere nearby.

LoveMyTL-S

The Optima Yellow may be overkill, but I have peace of mind that it's gonna CRANK!!