New Battery

[mechatron]

Hi Guys,

I'm thinking that I'll probably need a new battery soon for my H/C VY SS. I'm currently in the process of getting a new sound system installed in my car so I'm fairly sure that I'll require something bigger and better than the stock type. I also want to be able to have my car stereo playing for a few hours without the need to have the car running (and I also want my car to actually start up pretty easily).

My setup will be:
Focal P165V30 6.5" splits
Focal 165CVX 6.5" coaxials
Focal PC690 6x9s
Focal FPS4.160 amp (120W rms x 4 @4ohms, 200W rms x 4 @2ohms)
Alpine PDX-M12 1200W rms monoblock amp
Alpine 12" Type R boxed sub
0 gauge cabling

I may also install a 2nd 12" boxed sub and another 2 channel amp if I feel the need for it.

The questions that I have are:
1.What battery are most people installing with this type of setup? Optima Yellow Top D34? Or is there something better now?
2. How much do I need to spend???$300-$450???

Thanks guys

[Wonky]

I've got a D34 in the ute driving splits, 2 amps and a subby - love it! A few sellers on eBay have them for around the $250 mark with free delivery.

[mechatron]

I've got a D34 in the ute driving splits, 2 amps and a subby - love it! A few sellers on eBay have them for around the $250 mark with free delivery.
Thanks Wonky, I was just looking on eBay and found one for around that price...$245 delivered...which is pretty awesome considering they used to be closer to the $400 mark a few years ago.

Another question...would I need to upgrade my alternator as well?

[VRIIClubby]

would I need to upgrade my alternator as well?

Simple answer - no....

[mechatron]

Simple answer - no....
That's good to know. Thx mate

[vz hsv]

i have a yellow top driving 4 amps . 2 subs running at about 500 rms each. running perfect.(unless i overdrive the amps that is.....lol
def go the yellow top as i paid around $ 400.less than $250 delivered is a steal!!

[mechatron]

i have a yellow top driving 4 amps . 2 subs running at about 500 rms each. running perfect.(unless i overdrive the amps that is.....lol
def go the yellow top as i paid around $ 400.less than $250 delivered is a steal!!
That's great info there vz hsv. Thanks bud

[IJ.]

Had a Yellow Top0 D34 in my last project car for close to 10 years, never failed to start, when I built the current car I retired it to my Tractor and it gets started maybe once every 3 months no fail, I replaced it with a BlueTop D34, brilliant batteries you can't go wrong!

[mechatron]

Had a Yellow Top0 D34 in my last project car for close to 10 years, never failed to start, when I built the current car I retired it to my Tractor and it gets started maybe once every 3 months no fail, I replaced it with a BlueTop D34, brilliant batteries you can't go wrong!
Thanks mate, are the Blue tops better than the yellow tops?

[brycieboy]

i have a blue top 34m and a blue top d34m running via a dual battery set up in my vu (tub mounted) iv had them both for about 4-5 years now and were in my previous 4wd. i loved them so much i couldnt part with them when i sold it so they made the way into my ute... ute searoe runs 3 amps, 2 12" subs, 4x 6x9's and some splits n the doors and iv never had a problem... also never had a flat battery... oh and i normally run a fridge to.

[mechatron]

Damn...two batteries. I hopefully won't need 2 batteries.

Ive been doing more research and the car audio forums in the USA are saying that Optima batteries are shit and the better choices are Kinetik, XS Power and Shuriken. I've also read that some audio shops say that the red tops are better than the yellow tops.

[vicarious]

Damn...two batteries. I hopefully won't need 2 batteries.

Ive been doing more research and the car audio forums in the USA are saying that Optima batteries are shit and the better choices are Kinetik, XS Power and Shuriken. I've also read that some audio shops say that the red tops are better than the yellow tops.

at work(4wd gear) with all the fridges and other power gear running, we only fit century & optima yellow tops, so i doubt they are shit with all that crap running off them.

[mechatron]

at work(4wd gear) with all the fridges and other power gear running, we only fit century & optima yellow tops, so i doubt they are shit with all that crap running off them.
That's good reinforcement...maybe these other batteries (Kinetik, Shuriken) are much cheaper than Optima in the USA hence the reason for the bad reviews from the Yanks...who knows

[IJ.]

Thanks mate, are the Blue tops better than the yellow tops?


From Optima>>


Note: The difference between BLUETOP® and YELLOWTOP® deep-cycle batteries is that BLUETOP® batteries have both automotive (SAE) posts and threaded studs, while YELLOWTOP®S (other than D31T) only have SAE terminals.

If you ever get confused on the colored tops, just remember: if it has a dark gray case, then it’s a starting battery; if it has a light gray case, then it’s a deep-cycle (dual-purpose) battery. I needed/wanted the threaded studs ;)

[seldo]

Are these Optimas suitable for a WM Grange?

[mechatron]

From Optima>>

I needed/wanted the threaded studs ;)
Ah I see...thanks for getting back to me

[IJ.]

Are these Optimas suitable for a WM Grange?
I'd think there would have to be a bolt in for your car Seldo!


Ah I see...thanks for getting back to me
Very welcome!

Because I run mine back under the tray on the Tonner and already had eye terminals on my cables I figured stud mounts were easier than clamps or I'd have gone Yellow again!

[Wonky]

Are these Optimas suitable for a WM Grange?

Suitable from what point of view? As for fitment I know of a few guys who've used them in VE sedans to drive big amps etc and apparently no great drama. From memory I think it was Dean (EXCESSV) who was running dual D34s for his sound set up. :eek:

[seldo]

Suitable from what point of view? As for fitment I know of a few guys who've used them in VE sedans to drive big amps etc and apparently no great drama. From memory I think it was Dean (EXCESSV) who was running dual D34s for his sound set up. :eek:
Mate's Grange's battery is on its last legs and he would just want a straight bolt-in with no rooting around.

[A^K^T]

Mate's Grange's battery is on its last legs and he would just want a straight bolt-in with no rooting around.

The 35 (red top) and D35 (yellow top) are a drop in fit VT to VZ , not sure on the VE.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/Arronkt/IMG_0196_zps704bdc14.jpg

[mechatron]

I've read that the positive and negative terminals on the D34 YellowTop battery are on opposite sides compared to the factory fitted battery on a VT-VZ. Is it as simple as rotating the battery around 180 degrees so the power cables line up correctly?

Does the mounting plate or anything else need to be modified in any way or does the D34 slot straight in when rotated the 180 degrees?

[BLACK 346]

I've read that the positive and negative terminals on the D34 YellowTop battery are on opposite sides compared to the factory fitted battery on a VT-VZ. Is it as simple as rotating the battery around 180 degrees so the power cables line up correctly?

Does the mounting plate or anything else need to be modified in any way or does the D34 slot straight in when rotated the 180 degrees?

The photo of the yellowtop on the previous page of this thread shows it to be exactly the same configuration as the century that I have in mine. So no changes required.

Edit: I see what you are saying, the D35 is indeed different to the D34. A quick google search shows the poles to be opposite. I guess it would depend how much play you have in your cables as to whether they will reach with the battery rotated.

[Wonky]

Yep - the terminals on the D34 are opposite way around to usual. However, even given the very confined working space the VE ute battery is in behind the front passenger seat my auto elec was able to make the necessary modifications and install it in 10-15 mins. In the WM boot with easy access it should only take an extra minute or two Seldo, or get a D35. Lower CCA and AH ratings but still plenty enough for a car without lots of sound gear or other accessories.

From memory the mods required to make it fit in mine were basically trimming the clamps so the positive lead couldn't short on it. The battery itself went in the normal way so the leads had to be slightly rerouted to reach.

[mechatron]

Cool, thanks Black 346 and Wonky

[seldo]

Yep - the terminals on the D34 are opposite way around to usual. However, even given the very confined working space the VE ute battery is in behind the front passenger seat my auto elec was able to make the necessary modifications and install it in 10-15 mins. In the WM boot with easy access it should only take an extra minute or two Seldo, or get a D35. Lower CCA and AH ratings but still plenty enough for a car without lots of sound gear or other accessories.

From memory the mods required to make it fit in mine were basically trimming the clamps so the positive lead couldn't short on it. The battery itself went in the normal way so the leads had to be slightly rerouted to reach.Thanks Wonks - That's the answer I was looking for. The car has no extra gear to speak of but does get left to sit for a few weeks at a time

[mechatron]

Anyone heard of or used a DEKA ultimate series battery. There's some on eBay for $250 plus freight. They are rated at 12V 800CCA (COLD CRANKING AMP) 85AH (AMP HOUR) 115RC(RESERVE CAPACITY). And like the D34 the positive terminal is on the LHS.

[dazzrael]

the Yellow top is also good for repeated re-charging. I have a electrical gremlin in my WH that keeps on draining my battery and I have a yellow top that I have completely drained half a dozen times, hook it up to a charger overnight and works great until the car is stationary for a while again....

[A^K^T]

Anyone heard of or used a DEKA ultimate series battery. There's some on eBay for $250 plus freight. They are rated at 12V 800CCA (COLD CRANKING AMP) 85AH (AMP HOUR) 115RC(RESERVE CAPACITY). And like the D34 the positive terminal is on the LHS.

DEKA have the 04 GTO listed in their fitment guide (should be same as VT-VZ) LINK (http://www.dekacatalog.com/) , But the ones listed don't have the capicty of the one you are looking at.

[mechatron]

Thanks mate. Below is the ebay link to the Deka battery. It does have the weird side mounted terminals though

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BATTERY-DEKA-ULTIMATE-SERIES-7AG78DT-SIDE-TERMINALS-800CCA-CHEV-CORVETTE-SEALED-/290832934788?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b6fe6784

[XUV]

i run a delkor 610 cca , they have 680 cca , don't know the AH , drop in fit on VY/VZ and a lot of bang for ya buck

shit just saw this 680 cca 99 bucks delivered http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DELKOR-12V-680CCA-BATTERY-HOLDEN-commodeore-VT-VY-VZ-EARLY-FORD-3YR-WARRANTY-/300685690680?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4602438738&_uhb=1#ht_4276wt_906

[mechatron]

i run a delkor 610 cca , they have 680 cca , don't know the AH , drop in fit on VY/VZ and a lot of bang for ya buck

shit just saw this 680 cca 99 bucks delivered http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DELKOR-12V-680CCA-BATTERY-HOLDEN-commodeore-VT-VY-VZ-EARLY-FORD-3YR-WARRANTY-/300685690680?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4602438738&_uhb=1#ht_4276wt_906

Damn that's good value. Would this battery have similar performance to the Optima YellowTop?

[XUV]

Damn that's good value. Would this battery have similar performance to the Optima YellowTop?
FRom what i've manged to find , the the 22f-510 is be 65 AH , quiet good http://www.scavengersupplies.com.au/our-products/batteries/delkor-heavy-duty-batteries.html

compared to d34 = 55AH or d35 = 48AH ,

Plus you'll have 150 bucks in ya pocket or you could do a dual battery set up for a yellow tops price 2 x 99 + wiring = ....

[mechatron]

FRom what i've manged to find , the the 22f-510 is be 65 AH , quiet good http://www.scavengersupplies.com.au/our-products/batteries/delkor-heavy-duty-batteries.html

compared to d34 = 55AH or d35 = 48AH ,

Plus you'll have 150 bucks in ya pocket or you could do a dual battery set up for a yellow tops price 2 x 99 + wiring = ....

Thats sounds pretty good. These Delkor batteries come with a 3yr warranty as well.

When you say dual battery setup...does that mean that one of the batteries would go in the boot?

[XUV]

Thats sounds pretty good. These Delkor batteries come with a 3yr warranty as well.

When you say dual battery setup...does that mean that one of the batteries would go in the boot?

Yes , or if you run an OTR , you could put the battery where the air-box was ......

[mechatron]

Yes , or if you run an OTR , you could put the battery where the air-box was ......
That's a great idea...I didn't think of that. Thanks heaps

[mechatron]

I just found out that these 680CCA Delkor batteries are rated at 75AH, so they seem to be a much better battery all round.Although, I don't think they're a deep cycle battery....but I could be wrong. Bloody great for $99.99 though...and being in the Syd metro region delivery is free :)

[XUV]

I just found out that these 680CCA Delkor batteries are rated at 75AH, so they seem to be a much better battery all round.Although, I don't think they're a deep cycle battery....but I could be wrong. Bloody great for $99.99 though...and being in the Syd metro region delivery is free :)

75AH , that's pretty good , would it matter that much not being deep cycle , as it's got a 90 min recharge .

Actually I mite pick one of those up and use my 610 as the 2nd battery

now , who do I collect my finders fee from :)

[mechatron]

75AH , that's pretty good , would it matter that much not being deep cycle , as it's got a 90 min recharge .

Actually I mite pick one of those up and use my 610 as the 2nd battery

now , who do I collect my finders fee from :)

Good work mate. Finder's fee...lol...how about I give you the thumbs up :thumbsup:

[XUV]

Good work mate. Finder's fee...lol...how about I give you the thumbs up :thumbsup:

no drama , hope it works for ya , let us know how it all goes , if u go down the delkor path .

[mechatron]

no drama , hope it works for ya , let us know how it all goes , if u go down the delkor path .

Thanks mate, I'll speak to my audio guy (also an auto elect as well) early in the new year to see what battery he recommends or his thoughts on a dual Delkor setup

[white lie]

The Intimidator series is Deka's deep cycle range. Marty at FHRX currently has them on special for around $265 (depending on which model you want) and that will be freighted to your door... they're normally a $335 battery I believe.

[mechatron]

The Intimidator series is Deka's deep cycle range. Marty at FHRX currently has them on special for around $265 (depending on which model you want) and that will be freighted to your door... they're normally a $335 battery I believe.
Thanks white lie. Would you know which model would most likely fit a VY commodore?

[white lie]

Wouldn't have a clue mate, send them an email, Marty would be able to tell you

[mechatron]

Wouldn't have a clue mate, send them an email, Marty would be able to tell you
No worries mate...I'll do just that