Is it worth the swap if I don't run a big stereo system? I am running HIDs (Xenarc's) and an e-fan. No big subs, amps, or anything of that nature though. Just a TV, XM, and PS2.

Do I need a yellow top? If so, what all is the minimum requirement for one? Tie-downs and terminals? Do you remove the stock battery holder? If so, what do you do with the vacuum packs?

 

If you have had your stock battery for about two years you need to change it now, don't wait . A friend of mine who was showing me his Optima told me that when the battery goes, sometimes
they just short out. Well guess what, the very next day I was at a shopping plaza, finished what I was doing, go to start up the L and ......zapppppp, thats all I heard, no ignition lights no radio nothing. The only thing I saw were the gauges going haywire, speedometer went from 0-140 in like two seconds, now that's fast Anyways, there was no warning like sluggish starts or anything, it just plain died, so I called my wife who picked me up and went to Pepboys and buy me a Red top Optima, they are expensive at $119 but should last me a looong long time. Yes change that stock battery.

 

BTW the optima should come with a ford kit for installation, mine did, so make sure when you purchase one that it's included.

 

Does the kit come with everything I need for installation? I know some have replaced tie-downs, battery holders, etc. but always wondered if it was necessary or just for bling.

Also, red top or yellow top?

 

The kit comes with two adapters that attaches at the bottom of both sides of the battery to allow the battery to use the original bolt, no problem. The bling bling covers can come afterwards.

 

red top is a startin battery. yellow top is a deep cycle for running large accessory loads. i have a yellow top to help with power for my stereo. yellow tops are good if you run you efan at the track, or if you use i/c fans when the truck is off. it was mentioned on here that you can get a ford adapter to mount it.

i had my yellow-top from a previous car, so i just went to autozone and got a universal battery hold-down, and drilled 2 holes in the factory tray.

you can see it in this picture at the top:

 

I've had my original since Nov 99. Still running strong and holds it's amps under load. I must have a freak battery.

 

Are all of the Optima batteries rated the same for Amp Hours, Cranking Power, etc?

Other batteries are rated different and come in different sizes.

 

They're known for long life. 4-7 years is reported commonly here.

 

The yellow top Optima battery is the way to go. My stock battery died on me several times in the past. With the yellow top Optima battery, you never have to worry about your Lightning not starting or starving for electricity. Get one soon if you can.

 

It's the only battery in my cars. Just to give you a quick story:

I had a yellow top sitting on my shelf for nearly two years. Had a battery die... put the voltmeter on it and got 12.4 volts. Put the charger on it and it said full....

I love those batteries.

Coldie

 

Got any pics of your setups for those running Optima batteries? I'm curious to see what you all did....

 

Check my gallery.

Basically, All I did was use some epoxy in a plastic baggie to mold a fitting to hold the battery in the stock location.

Works great.

Coldie

 

The Yellow Top Optima is the way to go. I've had mine for 2 years now, many 1/4 mile passes with E-fan cooldowns in between runs and never a failure. They are worth every penny, around $180.