I've had a Red-Top Optima for 3 years and am very happy with it. If your car is daily driven and doesn't have any high-power accessories that you need to run with the engine off, a Group 35 Red-Top is a good solution.

 

Oh.......oops!

 

+1...I have the same one and it has been great so far.

 

I will probably get the Red-Top also

 

Go with The Red -Top 75/25. Part # 80-22 091

 

Is that the model that fits the WRX just right?

 

Yes. Here's the pic.

 

No, the correct part # for a drop-in replacement is the 35-910 as in this link-
http://www.remybattery.com/350/shope...at=166&L2=&L3=
The 35/75 "universal" model can be used (I have one because the 35 was not available at the time), but requires a longer starter cable for a proper installation. The 35 uses the OEM cables and no special steps are needed to install it.

 

Here's the flyer I picked up at Danville Automotive Parts:

This is the new size from Optima. However, Optima doesn't have a specific part # for the Impreza's

 

There's also the Braille 'No-Weight' battery. Not suggested for those with high-powered sound systems or auxiliary lighting or for those that live in areas with severe winters where you might need a lot of reserve cranking capacity. It also frees up quite a bit of space where the normal sized battery sits because it is so small and lays flat on its side. I've seen the Braille installed in an '04 STi and it's very compact.

Not sure if any i-Club vendors carries this battery but found it online here. One of our members had previously ordered the Braille from kingofimports.com (King Of Imports) but they now redirect ordering to the So JDM site.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Most stores that sell the Red-Top will only carry the 35/75 because it fits a wider range of cars. To get the drop-in 35 you will probably need to order it online.
The fact that there is no specific listing for Subaru is irrelevant, the Group 35 IS a direct fit.

 

i've had the factory battery since i bought my wrx in may 2001 and i've never had problems with itbut about once a year you have to open it and refill it with distilled water that could be the problem when the water level gets low the voltage drops dramatically

 

My opinion - When it comes down to you having to open up the battery to service it, then that is the time for a new battery. I would think this shows signs of a battery getting ready to fail on you.

 

You don't really "open up" the battery, just remove the cell caps to check/add water. On batteries with removable caps this is a normal maintenance item and having to add water does not indicate impending failure as long as the level in all the cells remains the same. Should any individual cells lose water more quickly than the rest, this points toward that cell being shorted which would call for replacing the battery.
Neglecting this maintenance and allowing the battery to run low on water for an extended period will adversely affect its performance and life.
Replacing the OEM battery with one that is fully sealed eliminates the need to deal with this once and for all.

 

So what is the correct Optima battery replacement number? Is it 35-910? Who carries it? My battery just gave out on me this morning. I had to drive my 67 Barracuda to work. I called serveral auto part stores this morning and they dont carry it for the 2002 subaru Impreza? They stated they have to order it.