I need to get a new battery today and thought I'd spring for a Red Top considering how often I run my dead. The guy at Batteries Plus where I was going to buy it said they are too tall and you have to mount them on their side. Can anyone here confirm of deny this? It's about an inch taller than my OEM one and looks like it would fit, but I'd rather not spend $185 to have it not fit for mount is funny.

Thanks, JR

 

There are three or four sizes of red tops.
He only seems to stock the one thats too tall for the S197 Stang.
Seeing how he sells batteries, its very obvious that he
is lying and only wants to sell you what he has in stock.
Beware of buying anything from him in the future.
Insist on the right size and no sideways mounting required.
Its been done before without sideways mounting.

Optima Search in the S197 section

 

I'm not sure Optima batteries are really worth it. I put one in a 2000 GT. I got it in, but it was a PITA to get it bolted down. When I had to replace the battery in my '06 GT, I considered Optima, but decided to go with an Interstate MegaTron size 40R. It is the optional battery size made for the S197. You just remove the two plastic spacers and it falls right into place. In case you didn't know, Interstate is a hell of a battery.

 

Bought the Red Top 35 and it seems to fit closely, but it works. Omitted both spacers it comes with and it seems to fit right in there. And MAN, does that think crank!

 

Could you post a pic?

 

does anyone know if a red top 34U will work for our cars? A local store has a special on a size 34U for $125 but i can't find if it'll work and i don't know a lot about them. Thanks everyone!!

 

Every couple of years or so, Consumer Reports does a battery test. The top three are always Interstate, Autozone, and Diehard. Optima is never in the top 5. Unless you need the special features of the optima - namely, heavy duty sealed case - it's not worth the money. You can get a better battery with more resurve and a smaller package for less money.

 

+1

Optimas are great batteries, don't get me wrong. They have their place as far as applications go but they're not NECESSARY in our Stangs unless you do a lot of "engine-off" power usage. Their combination deep cycle/cranking battery is great but again, you can get a combo cheaper from the other manufacturers.

My choices, in order: Interstate, Delco, Diehard