will battery fit w/top post?

[Andrew/USPWR]

I'm trying to install an Optima jell battery and the top post are about 1/4 inch to tall. Should I try to force it? or cut the post?

 

[Ron]

I think your best bet is to return it and get a side terminal conventional battery. From what I've heard cutting the terminal ruins it.

There seems to be some variability in the position the battery tray was attached to the Viper's frame which is why it works for some.

 

[Bandit400]

What about Apex Motorsports Battery Kit? I think it includes the Gel battery and a billet battery tray which ensure no contact with the frame. Does anyone us it? I think the cost is pretty high though(around $330).

Bandit400

 

[GaryA]

I have an Optima Red battery that I just installed in my 2000 RT/10. The positive post clears the frame with no problem. I just had to file down the negative post about half way to get it to fit in the battery box. If it contacts the frame it's not a problem since it is grounded.

I connected the battery leads to the side posts and have had no problems for about 2000 miles.

 

[Roadkill]

I think your best bet is to return it and get a side terminal conventional battery. From what I've heard cutting the terminal ruins it.

There seems to be some variability in the position the battery tray was attached to the Viper's frame which is why it works for some.

I've heard cutting the terminal only ruins it if you wish to return the battery? ie: destroys warranty

 

[GTS Bruce]

DO NOT CUT TOP POSTS ON OPTIMA!If cut too much you lose power to the side terminals and you have voided the waranty.They can stand a very light shave.Mine didn't fit either.The batery boxes are not all the same.Some like mine need to be stretched a little using a bottle jack.Check out the how to do it section. Bruce

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

To late....... I cut the negative post about 1/2 inch. and installed my steel smoth tubes I'm going for a ride

I'll contact Optima Friday and see if I'm going to have problems with it. My other battery leaked at the seal and made a mess I'm going with the gel come hell or high water.

 

[DChan415]

If you can see a circle line inside the battery post that you cut, you cut too far and will have no power one day. If you dont see the circle, then you're ok.

 

[jimandela]

DChan415,
is correct, i went thru 2 batteries cut too short, one by me, one by the vipertech,
3 was a charm cut correctly by Finalgts here on the board.
it has been in and fine since spring.
autozone replaced the 2 "bad" batteries with no problems....

good luck
Jim

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Everyone here is correct Andrew. I suspect most from first hand experience, myself included. Until Optima builds a battery that fits, I use Die Hard.

 

[Tiepilot]

Lay the battery on it's side and slide it in, use marine brass terminals that are available at Auto Zone and they relocate the terminals to make the cable connection.

I did it took pics of the install (not developed yet) and it looks like a factory install. Rember they DO NOT LEAK and the battery dosen't care id it's right side up or upside down.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

Yes I can see the ring on the cut negative terminal. This other battery was 3 months old and maintanece free and it made a mess of my back body panel and everything around it. I'd like not to ever go though that again. If this Optima battery dies I'll try another way.

Could I bend a noch in the frame or lower the battery tray OR lay the battery on its side?

Meen while I'm still thinking

 

[Ulysses]

Don't bend a notch in the frame.

 

[prodiver]

2 years ago I cut the top post on an Optima battery and I didn't know you should not do that. Got 100 miles from home and the car would not start. Last thing I thought about was a bad battery. After about 4 frustrating hours of checking everything else I narrowed the problem down to the battery. It still showed 14 volts wth a volt ohm meter but almost nothing when trying to crank the motor over. It was midnight when I finally figured it out and I had to borrow a friends car to come home and get another battery. Very long frustrating day and night over a goddamn battery. DON'T CUT THE TOP POST. Doing so not only destroys the battery but it voids the warranty. Of course they don't mention this when you purchase the battery. Sometimes I get real tired of learning the hard way. Good luck.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

The auto parts store I bought the battery from contacted Optima and they said it shouldn't effect the battery but it would void the warranty. Now I only cut the negative side

If I have a problem down the road (no pun intended) I think I'll try in lower the battery tray a 1/2 inch

 

[Nasty 10]

I spoke with an Optima rep a couple of weeks ago about this problem. He said don't mess with the top post. He also said they have a side post only battery coming out soon...

 

[Chuck B 98 GTS]

I spoke with an Optima rep a couple of weeks ago about this problem. He said don't mess with the top post. He also said they have a side post only battery coming out soon...

I've used the factory battery for some time now. I'm on my second one and lasts with keeping it charged all the time. I would like to wait for the side posts from Optima...... good info thanks

Cheers,
Chuck