New Optima Battery - 51R

[D'Ecosse]

Optima has a new yellow-top out - designed for Honda/Acura applications. I'm considering this for my NSX.
It's a deep cycle model, feature I would like for my audio equipment. It has 625 CCA at 32 deg F - don't need much better than that in CA!
Anyone see any problems with this unit?

Model ----------------------------------------- D51R
Voltage --------------------------------------- 12V
CCA @ 0 deg -------------------------------- 500
CCA @ 32 deg ------------------------------ 625
Reserve Capacity -------------------------- 70
Capacity (C/20 Rate) -------------------- 41
Internal Resistance (ohms) ------------- .0046
Dimensions - Length-Width-Height ---- 9 5/16" - 5 1/16"- 8 15/16"
Weight (lbs) -------------------------------- 26
Post Type ------------------------------------ SAE

 

[D'Ecosse]

Decided to go with the Optima Yellow-Top D34 - it is a lot heavier but has lots of juice available! (It's not designated an "R" reverse connection - but on the NSX it doesn't make a lot of difference)
Nice product.
FYI - had great service from Tim at www.tna-sports.com - good price & very prompt delivery

 

[ChrisK]

I went with a red top optima. Like you said, it doesn't seem to matter much where the posts are since I just turned the battery around and was able to connect everything as well as strap it down with the OEM bracket.

 

[Tony Montoya]

I went with a red top optima. Like you said, it doesn't seem to matter much where the posts are since I just turned the battery around and was able to connect everything as well as strap it down with the OEM bracket.

You crossed the wires? Is this OK or will the wires fray by rubbing against each other?
I had a battery like that in my car but I keep the posts on the correct side. The positive was dangerously close to the firewall but nothing happened.

 

[D'Ecosse]

The cables don't cross - the battery is turned around so the posts are on the correct side where the cables are located - with the tray design on the NSX it doesn't make a lot of difference - on the Optima yellow-top I purchased the posts are not right at the edge anyway but maybe 1/3 of the way across - they are nowhere close to the firewall & easily accessible, even when the battery is clamped in with the stock bracket.
If you want a regular starting battery rather than deep cycle there is a reverse Optima model - the 34R orange-top .
http://www.tna-sports.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=detail&id=11196&product=8
It has the same properties asa red-top & I believe the orange was only to designate the reverse - I think the latest 34R's are now red-top.
If you look at the difference between the posts for the "34R" vs "D34" when rotated, there is at most only a couple inches difference in the ultimate location of the posts.

 

[ChrisK]

The cables don't cross - the battery is turned around so the posts are on the correct side where the cables are located - with the tray design on the NSX it doesn't make a lot of difference - on the Optima yellow-top I purchased the posts are not right at the edge anyway but maybe 1/3 of the way across - they are nowhere close to the firewall & easily accessible, even when the battery is clamped in with the stock bracket.

Exactly. When I turned my battery around to get the post on the correct side, it was only about 1/2"-3/4" difference in position since the posts are close to the center. I'm planning on swapping out the OEM cables and terminals for some aftermarket 4 or 2 ga and nice gold plated terminals anyway. Those will give me extra taps for my aftermarket stuff. Oh, if you are worried about space, I even use the side posts for my audio/video system and still have enough room. My top posts are for the OEM terminals only.

 

[D'Ecosse]

... Those will give me extra taps for my aftermarket stuff. Oh, if you are worried about space, I even use the side posts for my audio/video system and still have enough room....

With all your ancillary equipment what made you select the red top rather than the yellow D34/78 (which is different from my D34 in that it also has the side posts like the one you have)? Was that a conscious choice to get the red & why? (Debated myself & found general recomendations for audio applications are to go yellow - especially if you want to utilize w/o engine running)

 

[ChrisK]

With all your ancillary equipment what made you select the red top rather than the yellow D34/78 (which is different from my D34 in that it also has the side posts like the one you have)? Was that a conscious choice to get the red & why? (Debated myself & found general recomendations for audio applications are to go yellow - especially if you want to utilize w/o engine running)

The only reason why I went with the Red Top was because the local Costco had them for about $99. The Yellows are still going for $140+ in my area. Maybe later I'll try a Yellow Top when the time comes.

 

[atatexan]

I am new to the NSX world but have had an extremely good experience with a red top Optima (trunk-mounted in my '94 Mercedes E420. Deals with a cold Indianapolis winter beautifully but I do not put a lot of audio "stress" on it.

 

[Tantheman]

I have the Optima with the Positive and Negative set to Honda/Acura Vehicles. Also upgraded the battery connectors to Monster gold plated.

Tan