Hey gang,

The battery on my truck is starting to wear out.
Im shopping for a new battery and i want to know what is the very best battery on the market today.

Im looking for a battery that will last at least 5 years and
have MORE than ample "amps" for easy reliable starting power.
If you guys could recommend the best battery available i would be appreceiative.



97 F150 V8 4.6
Automatic.
Longbed/shell

 

optima, red top.

 

HI!... MOOSE-MAN : I would go with a OPTIMA "YELLOW TOP" deep cycle battery. I've had mine now for about 6 months and luv it! The YELLOW TOP can be totally discharged over 315 times and will still except a full charge. I kept killing my factory battery all the time at the dragstrip in the pitts, running my twin electric fans and tranny cooler fan. Now I run them all at full power with engine off up to about 30 minutes and the truck always starts like it's on steroids!LOL!

 

The optima is probably the best battery on the market. However, if a good battery will do you fine, then I would highly recommend AC Delco. Most battery shops carry them, they are resonable $60-$85, have very high CCA ratings and I typically get about 5+ years out of them. Avoid Motorcraft, good ratings but only last about 3 years. Champion is also a very highly rated by and consumer reports gave them high ratings as well. Typically very resonably priced at your chain auto stores, usually about $10 cheaper than Delco.

 

How do you guys feel about Interstate batteries? I don't know anyone using them.

 

I've heard they have a big price tag to them don't know how good they are just know they are exspensive from what I heard.

 

I just put an Interstate Intnt58 in the Lariet for 68.85. 5 yr warrenty-supposed to be full replacement,not pro-rated.

 

Keep in mind that batteries are made by a few manufacturers and branded for their customers. I used to work in a warehouse that stored batteries and we would get a couple of loads of one brand and then another and then another and so on. All from the same production line. Optima wasn't around then so I don't know who makes them but all of the other brands listed above came through at one time or another. The battery in my Mustang is one of those 5 year guaranteed replacements and I've had to take it in for a new one many times. It didn't cost me a cent but it's a pain to have to return it for a new one every 8-10 months. I'd spend the extra bucks for the Optima based on the feedback here.

 

I had an Interstate MEGA- something battery in my nitrous injected 403, and I also beat it to death by leaving fans on, etc, but it never failed me. One day I loaned it out (after selling the 403), and the jerk get's into an accident and wrecked the battery. Haven't seen much of him since as a matter of fact. Hmmm

Anyway, Optima is the only way to go. They are a dry cell battery, which means there is no acid to cause damage should the case crack. They do not emit hydrogen either, meaning it won't explode in an accident or while being worked over by a mechanic that smokes. Should you desire so, you can also mount a dry cell battery in any manner you like, even upside down. I only have experience with the red Optima's, but I have heard good things about the yellow Optimas from two friends who have them installed in their boats.

Take care,
-Chris

 

I've had the best luck with Diehard Gold--over 5 yrs in my Lincoln--I've had Interstate, Motorcraft, and Wal-Mart and nome have these have ever gone more than 3 yrs.

 

I just installed a new battery in my 97 4x4. It had the original Motorcraft battery in it ( 5 & half years old ). I put in a Champion Gold battery. It has 850 CCA @ 0 degrees F and 125 minutes reserve capacity. Carries a 36 month free replacement and prorated to 84 months also 24 months roadside assistance for a jump should you need it. Price--59.96 at K-Mart. I was just perusing in the Auto dept at K-Mart when I saw the batteries and thought that it was a good price and time to replace before winter.

 

Moose-man,

Check out the Optima site; http://www.optimabatteries.com
Click on "Using an Optima" and they will recommend which battery to use based on your needs.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Hey Neal or anybody else that wants to answer.What is the difference between the different Optima batteries.Yellow top, Red top, and Blue top.I know the prices are different for each battery but I was wondering what else is different.Thnks.

 

Steel Breez,

Check out the optima site. They explain the intended usage for each color.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Wow, thanks for all the feedback guys.

I wanted to ask a few questions about the yellow vs redtop though. The websites seems kinda vauge on the application for the batteries so im hoping you gentlemen could be of some assistance. My basic use for the battery is just the normal startup and drive! Once in a while i have the radio on while im sitting in a parking lot or a flashlight plugged into the cig lighter, but for the most part that is it. So i _-think-_ the red top battery is what im looking for.

Lets say though for example i left my domelight on one night and in the morning i still expect my car to start right up. Should i get the red or yellowtop. Any input would help guys.
Thanks!