Batteries are fickle beasts. I've seen such variations even within the same manufacturer's product line that it makes me wonder. My stock battery in my Toyota is 8 years old (I know I'm playing with fire but I'm curious to see how long it'll last). I believe that if you make a lot of short trips that you'll decrease battery life as compared to those that drive steady an hour or more per day, essentially giving the battery a decent recharge.

I tournament fish and few of the club members have Optima's. They DO last longer than most conventionals but don't produce any more power. In marine use, I suspect the cell construction can take more punishment in rough waters then the marine lead acid cell constuction. As far as use in a car, I think they're overkill... But then again, I use Amsoil but also think Mobil1 (at 1/2 the cost) is just as good, so go figure.

 

I currently have the red top due to my other battery dying on me and not being able to re-charge all that well...and since it is a redtop optima battery it has a jelly rather than regular acids inside of it and hence will last me longer through the summer.

 

I know I need a Yellow Top. An upgraded ALT and a reserve batt in the trunk should probably be on the list as well. My amplifiers can pull well over 200amps if it were available.

My only question right now is which yellow top fits without modification.

 

what kind of system do you have because im asuming thats why you want the yellow top?

 

Sundown Audio SAX100.4 with Infinity 682.7's and stock 8's.
JBL 1200.1 with a SSA Icon 12"

 

i still think the red top would be fine but the yellow top will do as well... up to you... but nice system

 

I had a Kicker KX1200.1 and a KX650.4 in my truck. I had a yellow top and never had any problems. It's always better to have more, than to get something smaller and realize you need more.

However, after I saw how much that systembeat up the truck I'll never do anything like that again.

 

I have a XLT Performance Series NXDT34 from Sam's Club that was in my Buick. Its just like a optima red top. I was going to put it in the mustang, but its a little to tall so the strap won't reach. I'll have to figure out a way to get it in there.

 

i see i see...hmm... good luck

 

Red top hands down.
The engine starting will take a toil on the yellow tops.
Extra batteries in the trunk is pointless unless you plan
on running the 200Amps of amps with the engine off.
Put the $$ into an Extra Heavy Duty 300Amp alternator instead.
Alterntors produce amps and batteries just store amps.
A cap in the rear is just for instantanious needed amps
and dont supply amps for very long.