Optima battery alternatives in FFMetal battery box?

[Al_C]

I've got FFMetal's battery box installed in my trunk. I'm extremely happy with that product, but I have a question about your particular experience.

I currently have an Optima Red Top 34 installed in that box. In fact, Bill Dane specified that the battery box is designed for that particular product and told me that alternatives may or may not fit. It's the "may or may not" part I'm hoping you might have some experience with. It's time to replace the old red top and I'm looking to see what options I have.

So, if you have his battery box, have you installed anything other than an Optima? How'd it fit?

Worst case, I install another Optima. Best case, I can choose between maybe two or three options. Thanks in advance!

[Its Bruce]

I used a Diehard Platinum AGM 34 group size. I trimmed a small amount of plastic on the upper edge of both sides where the hold down threaded rods go, but it fit great otherwise. It definitely filled the box.

[Alan_C]

I put a Odyssey PC1200 in the FF Metal box. Much smaller than the box itself. I made a wood tray for the bottom where I routed out the shape of the battery base to hold the battery in place.
Going smaller is relatively easy to do, larger not so much.

[Jeff Kleiner]

From our conversation of a few days ago you already know where I stand on the subject of Optima batteries. The OEM lead acid battery for a Mustang with Coyote is a group 96. Dimensionally it's footprint is almost identical to an Optima Red group 34 but it is not quite as tall:

Length Optima 34....10.0"----Lead Acid 96...9.5"
Width Optima 34...6.8"---Lead Acid 96...6.8"
Height Optima 34...7.6"---Lead Acid 96...6.8"

Shop around for a brand you like; I'm partial to Interstate both for the service I've gotten from their products over the years plus the fact that in the event of a problem they have locations almost everywhere across the country.

Jeff

[rich grsc]

A size 34 battery is a size 34 battery. That is why it's a 34.

[Jeff Kleiner]

A size 34 battery is a size 34 battery. That is why it's a 34.

Actually Rich, when comparing an Optima Red 34 with a lead acid 34 their footprint is the same (10" by 6.8") however the lead acid is taller by over an inch; 8.8" vs 7.6". If Al has room in the box to accommodate the extra height then a conventional lead acid 34 would be a great option.

Jeff

[Al_C]

From our conversation of a few days ago you already know where I stand on the subject of Optima batteries. The OEM lead acid battery for a Mustang with Coyote is a group 96. Dimensionally it's footprint is almost identical to an Optima Red group 34 but it is not quite as tall:

Length Optima 34....10.0"----Lead Acid 96...9.5"
Width Optima 34...6.8"---Lead Acid 96...6.8"
Height Optima 34...7.6"---Lead Acid 96...6.8"

Shop around for a brand you like; I'm partial to Interstate both for the service I've gotten from their products over the years plus the fact that in the event of a problem they have locations almost everywhere across the country.

Jeff

Our conversation is a big part of why I started asking questions!

There are a few considerations: fumes, fit, cost, performance. The Optima checks the fumes and fit boxes. The lead acid alternative checks the cost, fit and performance boxes. The Odyssey checks the fumes, and possibly performance option. I think it checks the fit box, too.

What do you think about a lead acid in a mostly closed box? Is that an issue?

[Bill_VA]

Our conversation is a big part of why I started asking questions!

There are a few considerations: fumes, fit, cost, performance. The Optima checks the fumes and fit boxes. The lead acid alternative checks the cost, fit and performance boxes. The Odyssey checks the fumes, and possibly performance option. I think it checks the fit box, too.

What do you think about a lead acid in a mostly closed box? Is that an issue?

BTW, the box is very well ventilated - holes on the side of the box and a large 4" hole in the bottom. Ventilation shouldn't be a concern.

As a side note, I'm on my 3rd Optima RedTop in 17 years. That's pretty great in my book. Yeah, they're a bit more expensive, but isn't your car worth it? I know mine is.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Our conversation is a big part of why I started asking questions!

There are a few considerations: fumes, fit, cost, performance. The Optima checks the fumes and fit boxes. The lead acid alternative checks the cost, fit and performance boxes. The Odyssey checks the fumes, and possibly performance option. I think it checks the fit box, too.

What do you think about a lead acid in a mostly closed box? Is that an issue?

I made my own battery box (FFMetal didn't even exist 16 years ago when I built my car!) and have done the same for a few customer cars. I used a hole saw and did some ventilation holes. Here's an under construction photo:



It has a lid and over all that time I have experienced no corrosion issues and have never smelled any battery fumes in the trunk. I don't know whether the FFMetal box has ventilation holes but if not you could make a few with a hole saw.

Jeff

[TBull]

I'm using a 34 Diehard Gold from Autozone on mine and it works fine.

[Tremelune]

Why not something like a PC680 or PC925? Unless your engine is a real monster, or you're routinely starting it when it's well below freezing, they'll work and fit just about anywhere.

Lead acid just isn't worth the arguable savings over AGM anymore.

[first time builder]

I just tried a Die Hard purchased from ADvanced auto The Platium AGM So far very impressed.

[RBachman]

I'm another one of the NO-Optima battery people. My first one (way back when) was great and lived well past the warranty without issues. But the last two I got (over the last 5 years..one on a Rubicon, the other on a Tundra) were disappointing and both failed within 18 months on warranty.

[Theshandman]

Maybe not the appropriate thread in which to post a reply but WTH. I put an AGM group 34 (from O'Reilly's Auto Parts) in a Breeze battery box that I polished up a tad. Repurposed a section of an old kitchen stove SS back splash panel; polished, shaped and wrapped it around the battery.
IMG-5280.jpg

[Bill_VA]

Like I've said, my FFmetal.com battery box was specifically designed around the Optima Red Top, type 34 battery. Back in the day, they were excellent batteries, and the quality could've possibly slipped in the past few years, but I personally am still on my third Red Top in 17 years - which is A-ok in my book.

The box's internal dimensions are 7.0" width x 10 1/8" length x 8 1/8" deep.

Here are some numbers for you (assuming type 34).

	Width	Length	Depth
Battery Box	7.0	10.125	8.125
Optima Red Top	6.88	10.06	7.88
Die Hard AGM*	6.8125	10.25	7.875
Interstate MTZ-34	6.75	10.8125	7.8125

*Could be trimmed to fit, apparently

[Al_C]

Here's one more I found: AC Delco AGM 34. (part number 34AGMA) 6.7" wide, 7.5 high, 10.1 long. Looks like Summit has a pretty good deal on those.

Thanks, everyone, for your input! I had a feeling it would be all over the map, but that's what makes this forum fun. (not trying to end the conversation - keep it up!)