Specialty batteries, optima’s, etc
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=50878
Printed Date: July 14, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Topic: Specialty batteries, optima’s, etc
Posted By: crazykev81
Subject: Specialty batteries, optima’s, etc
Date Posted: February 25, 2005 at 10:55 PM
Hello, i have a question about deep cycle batteries. i think that is what they are. the Optima red top / yellow top, Exide Orbital 34XCD, Motomaster Eliminator with spiral grid, etc. I have had a few systems in my cars over the years, but havent had much experience in batteries, alternators, etc. because i never really had systems big enough to cause me voltage problems. I see alot of guys use these batteries as secondary batteries in the trunk for amplifiers, my main question is.. can you use these batteries to replace the regular battery under the hood? like as a starting battery AND to run the audio system?? my system isnt huge, i am running a Kenwood eXcelon X810D currently putting out 400W RMS at 4ohms (about half its power) to a pair of Kaption COMP-108 (Canadian brand) subs. I see some batteries here in a Canadian Tire catalogue that range from 690cca to 770cca, so yea, i am just wondering if i can replace my regular battery with one of these specialty batteries, and if i would gain anything by this. Its not alot of wattage by any means, but the dash lights and headlights still dim in my '94 cavalier even with the capacitor. down the road i may consider a high performance alternator and bigger wires. Anyways, thanks for reading.. I appreciate anyone bringing me up to speed on the batteries:)
Replies:
Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: February 26, 2005 at 3:21 AM
Kinetic batteries....................................they R like a power cell..... Google , em........ -------------
Posted By: crazykev81
Date Posted: February 26, 2005 at 8:33 AM
huh? 
Posted By: supradude
Date Posted: February 26, 2005 at 11:49 AM
If you are having problems with lights dimming with what you are using, you could have alternator trouble. I would lean more to the HO alternator and upgrading the wires. If you ever get more power you will definitely have to buy one anyway. A stock battery and alternator should be fine with what you have, providing they are both in good shape.
------------- '85 Toy
Posted By: crazykev81
Date Posted: February 26, 2005 at 12:13 PM
yeah i got the voltage checked on the alt, it wasnt putting out what it should. so i picked up a rebuilt one from a salvage shop with a 6 month warranty lol.. u think i should get a high preformance alternator and new wires before considering an Optima Yellow Top? cuz i figured the Yellow Top holds the charge better, and therefore would be easier on the alternator? yeaa all this stuff is so confusing, at least if i bought a yellow top i could hold onto it when i sold the car and put a cheap one in so i could use the yellow top in another rig. but if i put a $400.00 H.O. alt in a 11 yr old car and the car dies on me in 6 mos im s*** outta luck right. i dunno kind of an "i dont know what i should do for the long run" situation. Thanks
Posted By: supradude
Date Posted: February 26, 2005 at 12:28 PM
If you are planning on getting rid of the car I wouldn't worry about the HO alternator. I thought you were keeping it and looking for long term answers. I would just use what you have for now. One thing to do though, get the battery a full charge before you hook the alternator you bought up. It is weak if your old alternator wasn't charging like it should have been, and it will put a strain on the one you bought. If you have put the other one on already, I would still charge up the battery anyway.
------------- '85 Toy
Posted By: crazykev81
Date Posted: February 26, 2005 at 12:35 PM
ok thats cool.. yeah i am selling the sunbird soon, its a '91. i have another car a '94 cavalier coming down on a truck, needs some TLC but i got a good price on it. the cavalier also needs a battery, so i was thnkin i could *kill 2 birds with 1 stone* if i could just put a yellow top in there. would the yellow top help anything at all if i keep the stock alt? maybe just upgrade the wires or something? i just dont think i want to put parts on it that i cannot use in another rig right.. a battery i can take out if i sell the car and use it on something else, whereas an alternator i cannot. will the yellow top help my charging system at all though? or would it just be pointless
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