Heedz

iTrader: (51)

Battery died this morning and looking for a replacement. Just though I'd ask before I go get one this afternoon if anyone's used a slightly oversized battery in their wrx before.

norcalbro

iTrader: (11)

Just get a red top optima and be done with it

Heedz

iTrader: (51)

Ehhh optima quality isn't as great. Imma check out what Jason has and compare to a possible die hard platinum(relabeled odessey)

OneManArmy

iTrader: (7)

If you're running in to issues it's from the crap alternator. but getting a dry cell/gel cell is the way to go in my opinion. I've had my red top for like 8 years. LOL!

04GG

iTrader: (33)

I think Optima gets a bad rap for some QC issues at one point. I think that's resolved and they are fine again. Zero issues with my redtop as well.

queeg9k

iTrader: (11)

Never heard of putting an oversize battery in but if there is space and you can properly keep it in place than why not.

I am quite happy with my Sears Diehard Platinum with the 56 month warranty. After the 56 months it is prorated if it fails.


EDIT: I have brought back a little life to batteries by adding in some Magnesium Sulfate to the cells. It can DE-suficate the plates and extend the life of a dead battery. It will not "fix" a dead battery but you can get a little more life from it.

2kool

iTrader: (2)

Why add the extra weight? You don't get that much more cold crank power. Red top in mine.

Heedz

iTrader: (51)

Better cranking. I have over 1500w running. The yellow top currently in there is from 2006-7ish.

queeg9k

iTrader: (11)

Are you trying to run your electronics solely off the battery?

Heedz

iTrader: (51)

No but a little higher cranking and reserve won't hurt from a slightly larger core. I'll probably stick with a die hard.

queeg9k

iTrader: (11)

You could always run two batteries. With the limited underhood space it is probobly best to just stick with a Sears Die Hard Platinum.

quick search and I found a 160amp alternator! That is a lot of amps!!!

OneManArmy

iTrader: (7)

You don't want a battery with too many cranking amps. You'll end up overpowering your starter and causing yourself a headache down the road with a broken starter and teeth knocked off your flywheel.

red top
cold crank 720
crank amps 910

yellow
620
770


So the yellow actually has less cold crank and crank amps yet it costs more... why?


Crank amps aren't necessarily the only thing you should be looking at. We don't have huge motors that require huge starters that need a huge bump. Like my caddy. LOL!

OneManArmy

iTrader: (7)

best way to go with our cars is to run a red or yellow top with a rewired alternator. You can buy aftermarket ones or have a stock one rewired.

I saw a dude on nasioc used to do that back in the day. Probably still out there. I think it bumps the stock one up to 130ish... More than enough.

but that is what you need if you're running a lot of watts. I was running 800 and even with the red top I got dimming. Our stock alternators barely put out enough to run the car. like 75.

04GG

iTrader: (33)

Yup, sounds like you need moar alternator, not moar battery.

LegAC_GT

iTrader: (38)

Upgrade your alternator and get new battery to Megatron plus or mtp-35