Performance battery options

[6500rpm]

My second Motorcraft battery had green crap growing out the top of the positive post, so I cleaned it and tested.
It's down to 178cca and surprisingly not showing any signs of being weak but it's days are numbered. Is there a replacement battery that stands out as a winner for our platform? Is there a good CCA number to look for in terms of having enough capacity to provide for our cars electrical needs when pushed.

 

[Irish Pride]

I like Optima. I've had a red top in my car for about 8 years now.

 

[SHOdded]

Motorcraft Tough Max. Felt washers and periodic battery terminal protector application on ANY battery.

Best choice is the Odyssey group 65 battery. A slight stepdown is various AGM batteries under the Exide, Advance Auto, Autozone etc labels, around 720 CCAs typically.

If you do not drive regularly or far enough, weekly use of a charger will prolong battery life.

 

[Majestic]

I like Optima. I've had a red top in my car for about 8 years now.

Same here. Optima goes in all of my vehicles when their original batteries die.

 

[GHNorth]

I put a Sears Diehard AGM battery in mine when the lead acid died in May 2016. I always try to go AGM to avoid the corroded battery cable (which mine had), as well as the maintenance required. Other than a couple times when I had not driver for a few weeks, it has performed flawlessly (shuts off entertainment system). I have a battery maintainer handy for those times when I know I will not be driving, especially during winter months.

 

[6500rpm]

After researching I was leaning toward the Optima in the 900-1000cca range but nothing shows that its a direct fit for our Taurus as the Optima is a bit smaller (no 65 series I can find but they all list the sizes L-W-H and positive post position). I think the majority of the new batteries are AGM's and unfortunately they still can leak electrolytes so the point about using the post rings is valid across the board. The Odyssey also rated high but I puckered up a little at the price in the $300 range. Thanks for the replies, time to make a decision before I find myself in tennis shoe mode.

 

[Majestic]

After researching I was leaning toward the Optima in the 900-1000cca range but nothing shows that its a direct fit for our Taurus as the Optima is a bit smaller (no 65 series I can find but they all list the sizes L-W-H and positive post position). I think the majority of the new batteries are AGM's and unfortunately they still can leak electrolytes so the point about using the post rings is valid across the board. The Odyssey also rated high but I puckered up a little at the price in the $300 range. Thanks for the replies, time to make a decision before I find myself in tennis shoe mode.

A red top is about $240 at O'Reilly. I purchased a different hold down bar because the stock one really stretches the positive battery cable.

 

[Irish Pride]

Look online for coupons. Retailmenot.com and similar. Advance Auto parts runs online coupons all the time for batteries. When I bought my Optima Red Top, I used a 25% off coupon and picked it up in the store.

 

[Irish Pride]

Just did this thru Retailmenot.com
Look for the one that says $100 maximum discount.

 

[Matt M PA]

A number of years ago, something changed with the Optima batteries and friends with an auto parts stores stopped selling them. I don't recall if ownership changed, or where they are made...but the returns/defects got to the point where they didn't want to sell them anymore. (Some of the Dodge Viper guys seemed to find the same)

A couple years ago, I swapped out the original Motorcraft battery in my 2005 Excursion. It was 10 years old and I just didn't want to take a chance. Our old Vipers have Deka Intimidator AGM batteries. These were highly recommended from friends with a repair shop. In the older Vipers, a leak would be a real problem as the battery is completely hidden.

I think if I were putting a new battery in the SHO, it would be the bet Motorcraft or a Deka.

 

[SHOdded]

At advance auto, the coupon code Irish pictured UR25BX netted a straight 25% discount. So use that one.

MKT25 has a $50 limit. Do not use if over $200 in cart.

Happy to have a 6% sales tax compared to the 9% Irish is paying too

 

[Matt M PA]

Info on the Deka AGM for what it's worth. I bought one of the these for the Viper as they claim to be spill proof and leak proof. I can't comment on fitment for our SHOs.

http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/1143.pdf

 

[SHOdded]

Looks like they have a 65, should fit per MC sizing
http://machenry.com/documents/batteryspecs.pdf

 

[Irish Pride]

Happy to have a 6% sales tax compared to the 9% Irish is paying too

It's actually 9.25%....

Anyway, it's a trade off. We don't have a state income tax here, we only pay tax on automobiles once(when we buy them), and our gas is cheaper than any surrounding state(especially Georgia!).

 

[Lostneye]

Go AGM and as already said find a coupon code for your local retailer.

 

[The Gemini]

One thing to be aware of concerning the AGM batteries - they are HEAVY. You're looking at 50+ lbs for one of those batteries. Just keep that in mind if you are performance oriented. The batteries themselves are great, but you're looking at a major weight penalty up front where more certainly isn't better.

 

[Majestic]

One thing to be aware of concerning the AGM batteries - they are HEAVY. You're looking at 50+ lbs for one of those batteries. Just keep that in mind if you are performance oriented. The batteries themselves are great, but you're looking at a major weight penalty up front where more certainly isn't better.

An Optima Red Top weighs between 32 and 38 lbs.

 

[The Gemini]

As someone else already noted, Optima batteries are nothing compared to what they used to be, except for the name only. Additionally, there are various types of AGM technologies, and that used by Optima is nowhere close to being the best. Those are the Northstar and Odyssey AGM-types, and those batteries are 52 lbs plus.

 

[The Gemini]

Sorry. Meant to type "50 lbs plus"

 

[limited02]

I've always had great luck with Everstart Maxx (aka Neverstart...) from Walmart. Just put one in the wife's car the other day.