Optima Batteries

[DeputyCSChavez]

Has anyone replaced their OEM battery with an Optima battery? And what specific size or type of battery fits an 03 MM? I probably need a Deep Cycle because of the heavy electrical load I place my battery under i.e. Whelen Strobes, Take-Down Lights, Code3 Wig Wags, Able2 ShowMe LED Lightbars, ect. Thanks for any info and help on this subject..........

[FordNut]

Has anyone replaced their OEM battery with an Optima battery? And what specific size or type of battery fits an 03 MM? I probably need a Deep Cycle because of the heavy electrical load I place my battery under i.e. Whelen Strobes, Take-Down Lights, Code3 Wig Wags, Able2 ShowMe LED Lightbars, ect. Thanks for any info and help on this subject..........
I have a red top.

[FiveO]

I have a Yellow Top and have already replaced it once. If I have to replace it again I'm getting the stereo install wiring re-wired to fit a regular battery. Right now its an exact fit for a Yellow Top.

[SergntMac]

Buy Interstate, they fit.

[2003 MIB]

Has anyone replaced their OEM battery with an Optima battery? And what specific size or type of battery fits an 03 MM? I probably need a Deep Cycle because of the heavy electrical load I place my battery under i.e. Whelen Strobes, Take-Down Lights, Code3 Wig Wags, Able2 ShowMe LED Lightbars, ect. Thanks for any info and help on this subject..........
I had a red top Optima until I put it in the daughter's DOA Focus. I'd been looking for an excuse to get a yellow top. I loved both. I think you'd be best suited to a 34/78 yellow top. You'll need a holder- lots on ebay.

[Second Wind]

Has anyone replaced their OEM battery with an Optima battery? And what specific size or type of battery fits an 03 MM? I probably need a Deep Cycle because of the heavy electrical load I place my battery under i.e. Whelen Strobes, Take-Down Lights, Code3 Wig Wags, Able2 ShowMe LED Lightbars, ect. Thanks for any info and help on this subject..........

I put a yellow top in right after I bought my MM (03), and already have had to replace it. For the price, you can buy a couple of regular batteries. I know it has advantages over conventional batteries, but longeivity is not one of them. A waste of money for my use.
:down:

[MI2QWK4U]

I have always had the best luck with diehard batteries.

[DEFYANT]

Ok, will someone explain to me what the big difference is between these Optima batteries and the conventional battery I (we) have?

[2003 MIB]

Ok, will someone explain to me what the big difference is between these Optima batteries and the conventional battery I (we) have?


Inside the unique shell of the OPTIMA battery is a radically superior internal design. The structure of conventional batteries — lead plates hanging in pools of acid — requires those lead plates to provide their own structural support. To accomplish this, the lead is diluted with high percentages of inert stiffening metals that rob those conventional batteries of performance.

The unique engineering concept of the OPTIMA battery uses long thin layers of lead wound into tight spiral cells. Because they're tightly supported on all sides by high strength cylindrical cell casings, the lead ribbons of the OPTIMA aren't required to provide structural strength, so they can be made from high-purity, high-performance lead. This translates into dramatically lower internal resistance and higher output at temperature extremes. OPTIMA batteries can be fully recharged in about an hour, twice as fast as conventional batteries. They also can sit unused four times longer than other batteries, losing less than half a volt in over 6 months of nonuse.

An absorbent glass mat, alternating with the layers of lead, holds electrolyte in contact with the OPTIMA'S greater lead surface area. This laminated construction provides far more active surface area in the OPTIMA. It also supports a thicker layer of plate paste, for prolonged service life — typically half again to twice the life of conventional batteries. This technology is called "AGM" for "Absorbed Glass Mat" and it is a major advance in battery design. The OPTIMA'S revolutionary Spiralcell design produces more power and increased energy, resulting in fast, reliable starts even in extreme conditions. Because OPTIMA is the only battery with Spiralcell construction, no other battery offers OPTIMA'S combination of performance and reliability in land and marine applications. OPTIMA delivers power!

No, I think all that up by myself. It's cut and paste from their website.:D

[martyo]

It's cut and paste from their website.:D

And remember kids, no running with scissors in your hands when you are cutting and pasting on the internet. Someone might get hurt.

[DEFYANT]

With all that fancy technology and design, why are guys above having problems with these batteries?

[2003 MIB]

With all that fancy technology and design, why are guys above having problems with these batteries?
Well, they're obviously all lying- filthy, dirty liars. :rolleyes: :lol:


Seriously? I don't know. I've never had anything but a good experience with any Optima battery I've ever purchased. My Marauder can often sit for weeks at a time. Maybe that's a factor?

[Shaft333]

With all that fancy technology and design, why are guys above having problems with these batteries?
It's got'ta be price. See they have a high price and use good propaganda so it must be superior. Right?

I've seen this a lot in motorsports and many other of my hobbies. We're a susceptible crowd because we are usually willing to pay extra in hopes of eeking "better." It stinks. My only defense has been trying to question everything. I'll even try things and I'll be honest when they suck or at least don't do better than their lower cost equivalent. Zaino is first thing that comes to mind in that regard.

I don't see how the Optima is worth it's cost, unless you intend to mount your batteries sideways. Or just like the look of them (Which is a fair argument for some).

[2003 MIB]

Or just like the look of them (Which is a fair argument for some).
That's certainly a fair comment- I do like the way it looks compared to a regular battery.

[JACook]

Lots of choices out there. Optimas have some advantages, but they're expensive, and, as others have already
pointed out, higher price doesn't always seem to buy any additional longevity. For me, factory fits is important,
and the Optimas don't fit the MM like the original. I'm also anal enough that I'm not impressed by battery companies
that can't be bothered to carry both top and side terminal versions. I don't want any "one size fits all" parts in my car.

OTOH, one thing the Optima definitely has going for it is it'll never get that nasty acid ooze all over the top that
eats up your battery cables. Some batteries are worse than others, but pretty much the only other car battery
I ever had that wouldn't ooze was the Delco Freedom. But those seem to be extinct in the aftermarket. Die Hards,
Interstates, and the ones they sell at Sams, Costco and WallyWorld are all oozers.

The past couple times I've needed to buy a new battery for my Ford product, I've taken to buying original
Motorcraft because they stay fairly clean right up till the end. And they fit perfectly. A little on the pricey side,
unless you find a dealer running a special, but I don't mind paying a bit more for Factory.

[rayjay]

If you are using your MM as a patrol vehicle the 1st thing you should be looking at is the alternator. Is it putting out enough amps? All package vehicles have a heavy duty alternator. Have the radio wired so that it is switched, not on constantly. The LED bars are low drain, shouldn't be a problem but, strobes eat power. Look into replacing the strobes with LEDS, they last longer and are brighter. Have the LED bar on a seperate switch so you can run it without the engine running. Works great for details.