Hi Spencer, an appropriately-sized RedTop will offer plenty of cranking amps for starting applications, but it sounds like your electrical demands require a battery with deep-cycle capability. An appropriately-sized YellowTop will offer plenty of cranking amps for starting, while also offering reserve capacity and deep-cycle capabilities for high electrical demands.
Unfortunately, there are more than 60 different sizes of automotive batteries and we do not offer batteries that we consider “direct-fit" replacements for every vehicle, including yours. However, many MX3 owners have successfully used our batteries in applications that we consider “custom fitments" and may be able to offer input as to which batteries they used and how they safely mounted them.
Any custom application should consider these guidelines-
" Hood Clearance There should be at least " clearance between the top of the battery terminals and the underside of the hood. When we do our fitment studies we put a ball of clay on top of the post, and VERY carefully close the hood to make sure that nothing makes contact. By measuring how much the clay is squeezed down when the hood is closed, we can know how much hood clearance we have.
" Trunk/Interior Mounting If your battery is mounted inside the passenger compartment or trunk (common in many European makes) the battery must be vented to the outside of the vehicle. Optima group 27, 51, 78, 34C, and 31 batteries all have ports for connecting a vent hose.
" Side Terminals Optima 34/78, D34/78, 75/25 and D75/25 batteries have both top and side terminals. If you are using one of these batteries in a vehicle that uses the top terminals, it is important to ensure that the side terminals can not come into contact with anything metallic (for example, the firewall or fender well), thereby causing a short. We suggest keeping the post protectors on the terminals you are not using.
" Battery Modifications Cutting, drilling, trimming or otherwise modifying your Optima battery may present a safety hazard and will void the warranty.
" Mounting Your Optima battery must be securely mounted. The terminals are not intended to be used to secure the battery. Using the terminals in this way will damage the battery and void your warranty.
" Heat Protect your battery from high heat, such as turbochargers or exhaust manifolds
Given the demands of your electrical system, it might also be worthwhile to review your wiring and alternator capacity and consider doing "The Big 3" upgrade. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I appreciate your interest in Optima Batteries!
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Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 AT 4:02 PM
