| |
I've always stocked and installed the 800U "red-top, dual terminal"
batteries. The mounting bracket requires some cutting or grinding to fit
correctly in a GTi-VR6. Also, I've only installed them in cars with
aftermarket (stereo, etc.) wiring, so the terminal ends are always different.
In my personal car, I've used both the front terminals with GM style gold
adapters to rings, as well as the top-mount for more conventional styled gold
plated connectors.
Optima batteries are worth the expense and effort, but for a stock car, a
$40. Champion battery goes a long way.
The best advice I can give to any owner is that the factory grounds and
battery to starter to alternator harness is minimal. It pays BIG dividends
to upgrade the factory wiring and grounds, providing less resistance and
therefore more current flow to the starter (for faster starts requiring less
energy) and faster battery recharging. In fact, my 1995 stock battery lasted
4 years (4 winters), and still worked fine before I converted to an Optima
(and I live in upstate NY). My first modification? You guessed it- upgraded
the factory wiring. I learned this lesson working on 16V GTis and GLis.
When upgrading the wiring, I crimp AND solder and shrink tube (or vinyl tube)
all connections. This requires at least a 400W soldering gun for 4ga. wiring
and larger. I have a 500W gun which works even better!
I have Interstate-branded Optimas in stock. I sell them for $125, and if
pre-paid, free shipping. Wiring is generally done on a custom basis
depending on quantity, size, and connections. With most customers this is
approx. $200. with labor included.
Mark Rosenkrantz
Marker510@aol<img src=/i/dc.gif border=0 width=35 height=15>
|
[mailto:]
>
>
>