I just got the Exide Select Orbital Battery and did not have any problems
with the side posts. They have caps on them if you do not use them. The
battery is 850CCA and starts my truck fine. I got it at Pep-Boys for $120.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Roderic
98 4X4 CC 5.2L
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 00:29:51 -0600
From: "Kyle Kozubal" <grndak4x4@home.com>
Subject: DML: Let's Talk Batteries
First off,I have some questions for those using or for those who know about
Optima batteries:
#1. The Optima battery BCI Group is 34/78, I believe my truck's BCI group is
27. Will there be any kind of sizing and mounting problems? Otherwise, I
will just measure my current Champion 4x4 battery tomorrow and compare
sizes.
#2. I would need the Optima 800U. This is the one which has both top and
side posts. However, I am concerned that the stock battery hold down bracket
might interfer with the two side mounts, since they a close to the middle of
the battery.
I also did find an Exide Select Orbital, which has plenty of posts for my
needs; 4 top posts and two side posts(which are at the far corners of the
battery away from the hold down bracket). The Orbital costs $132.59, plus I
would also get $30 off of this price; once again found at Carparts.com.
However I definitively cannot find CA/CCA ratings on this Orbital battery; I
will call my local Exide dealer Monday. NAPA also carries a battery, called
the NAPA Nascar Orbital, which is the same battery, only I can buy it for
$124.95 in the stores. I think it may come down to how much shipping and
handling will be. I have found the Optima online for $139, minus a $30 off
coupon CarParts.com)......plus shipping. Any idea what shipping would be on
a battery?
There is also another battery, Champion Vortex.
http://www.gnb.com/ourstory/vortex.html
Champion is currently working with Optima and the battery looks identical
to the Optima red top batteries, but it has alot better placing of the side
terminals. Anyone know about how much this Vortex costs? In my initial gut
feelings, the Optima will not work for my needs, just due to the side post
interference, so I am going to pursue finding more out about the Champion
Vortex, NAPA/Exide Orbital, and the Interstate Extreme Performance. The
Interstate battery I also know little about, other than it's 1000CA and
800CCA ratings, and the fact that it has dual terminals and the same exact
specs, including dimensions as the 800U red top Optima. So I guess I will
have to call around local dealers on Monday, if I cannot find anything out
tomorrow. I have noticed that the far majority of this next generation
batteries have a BCI group size of 34, will this affect the secure mounting
of the battery in my truck at all? Thanks for every bit of battery related
info, as I want to buy one this week.
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6
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