1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Just wanted to write to describe the process of replacing my factory battery with a brand new Optima Red Top - I used the 34/78 DT. I bought it from Pep Boys for $119.00.
The battery fits in the existing spot however I had to replace the Ground cable and auxillary body ground cable with slightly longer cables that I purchased at Kragen- I believe I used a 30 inch ground cable- the stock is about 23 inch. I replaced the auxillary ground with a heavy guage black starter ground cable- I believe it was about 15 inches. I had extensive corrosion on the positive terminal- so much so that I had to cut it off with my roto-zip (battery removed of course- because you do not want any sparks near a battery - there are explosive gases). I cut the insulation off the positive cable - back about 4 inches- then dunked the corroded cable into an empty wine bottle filled with water and baking soda. I then coated the wires with corrosion control paint and some heat shrink wrap tubing. I clamped a new gold plated postive terminal to the wire. Due to corrosion and to give a little extra room for maneuvering cables- I replaced the small pig tail cable from the pos. terminal to the fuse block located next to the battery. Once again I used a heavy gauge starter cable- I think it was 25 inches.
I found to properly hold the Optima battery in- you need to turn the stock battery clamp upside down. Seems to be secure- although I'd like to hear how other secured their Optima Red Tops.
All seems to work great. Keep in mind if you find the Orange Top R34 instead of the Red Top 34- you'll be able to use the stock cables- because the terminals are reversed like on the stock Saab battery. Otherwise use the Red Top and turn it around- posts on front. Fortunately, Optima puts the terminals close together toward the center of the battery - so with some finessing you may be able to use the stock cables.
- Kurt
posted by 64.173.24...
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