Bartman Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I decided to switch to an Optima from my Odyssey battery for better starting. The Odyssey mounted nicely behind the passenger seat, but if the engine didn't start right away it didn't have enough power to keep cranking. At first I thought I would just put the battery in the same spot as the Odyssey, but it's a little too big and the passenger seat has to sit farther forward then I would like. Then there's the issue of venting that is discussed in this thread. http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=88259 My Odyssey was not vented, but it appears that I should vent my Optima. So I have a battery box that I bought a while back but never used, or I could try and build something that would fit under the car. Is any part of the tool bin structural? I'm thinking it is. It might be neat to somehow enlarge the tool bin behind the passenger seat so that the battery would fit in it (extend it rearward if possible). Then if I ever need access I could just open the tool bin lid. My LS1 tank pretty much takes up all the room behind the rear wheels (including the old spare tire location). Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted November 22, 2006 Author Share Posted November 22, 2006 So I don't have any room to mount the battery anywhere but in the passenger compartment. When I bought it I thought it could mount like my Odyssey did without needing to be vented. Now I'm thinking of getting a bigger Odyssey (PC 925MJT) and getting rid of the Optima. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Just for the record, your optima red top does NOT need venting and can be mounted in ANY position. The mis-information regarding these batteries needing to be vented and not mounted in the passenger compartment is BUNK. Sometimes, a simple search on the net can lead to an innovative solution. From their website: "OPTIMA batteries withstand the high underhood temperatures associated with these Performance vehicles. The sealed cells make the battery spill-proof, even if you install it on its side! This prevents external gassing and leaking which can damage engine components and limit battery performance." For more info as to where this quotation came from, see their website. I realize that space is limited, but don't worry about it spilling or needing to be vented. They wont and don't. However, it's best if you do not mount them in a sealed battery compartment or box. (as stated by the line in their Tips section on their website : "Do not install batteries in a non-ventilated or sealed compartment." So mount it wherever you can get it to fit and enjoy the additional cranking power you'll be gaining over the Odyssey. Warren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted November 23, 2006 Author Share Posted November 23, 2006 I realize the Optima can be mounted in any position, but it still needs to be vented when installed in the passenger compartment. I called Optima to ask them about this, and they recommend to vent it because it will give off gas if it is overcharged. I think that getting an NHRA approved vented container that can be used in the passenger compartment is around $100 or more. As I understand it, the Odyssey is a true dry cell and does not require any venting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Seems odd that sealed cells, as they claim to be gasless would emit any gasses. I believe the real reason they recommend it not be in an enclosed container is due to the heat factor. During charging, a battery will get warm to hot, depending on ambient temperatures. I don't doubt that you called them, or that they told you that it will give off gasses if overcharged. Perhaps they need to change their claim of having sealed cells to include "when properly maintained and charged", as it is a little misleading. Either that, or some independent tester needs to actually test one of these babies under controlled circumstances and dispell the rumors and prove just how hot they need to get before emitting anything. No animosity intended. Warren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted November 23, 2006 Author Share Posted November 23, 2006 No problem Warren, I was under the same misonception when I bought the Optima in the first place. I'm still at a loss an the best way to move forward. On my installation I don't have room for a battery to be installed anywhere else than in the passenger compartment. My PC680 Odyssey was mounted behind the passenger seat without any kind of ventilation. The problem was that it didn't have enough cranking power when needed. I thought an Optima would give me the extra power I was looking for, but it takes up a little too much room behind the passenger seat, and it would take even more if I need to put it in a vented container (not to mention cost). The PC925 Odyssey provides addtional cranking power, and could still possible fit behind the passenger seat...especially if I don't have to install it in a vented container. Does anyone have any experience with this battery? Here's some spec's: 925 cranking amps for 5 seconds 870 cranking amps for 10 seconds 765 cranking amps for 20 seconds Short circuit current over 2400A 28 amp hours 50 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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