Hi all,
I just found out last night that the battery in my 05 Sti is completely dead. I'm considering either replacing it with the Optima red top or yellow top battery. After searching through the threads, I getting really confused about which versions will fit without any modifications to the cables. I thought I needed the "35R" version of the red top, but sites like remybattery.com and batteriesplus.com only carry one version (model# 35-910, which is also referred to as model# 8020-164). Is this the correct model because it's labeled as "35" and I don't see another version labeled as "35R"?

Also, I read that the "D35" yellow top battery drops right in without any mods to the cable lengths. Is this true? It's not labeled as a reverse terminal model and I thought that was needed so that the cables would not have to be lengthened. As you can see, I'm confused. Any help would be appreciated.

If anyone knows where I can get a good deal on these batteries, that would be great too.

Thanks!
Kevin

The plain Group 35 is the correct one. The model #'s you posted are correct for a 35 Red Top. The D35 Yellow Top is physically identical, it's different internally and the specs are different (lower CCA and CA, weighs more, and better deep cycling capability).

cool! thanks mulder! that clears things up for me.

So the non-reversed Group 35 fits? Its terminals are opposite those on my 04, and from poking at the wiring harness, it looks like a bit of a stretch to get the extra 4" or so to reach the Group 35 terminals from the locations of the stockers.

EDIT: n/m, the 35-910 has them in the right location. It's the 35/75 one that won't fit.

Just got D35 perfect fit no problems or mods. $171 I think delivered to my door.

Yup, yellowtop d35 for me. D35 posts, when the battery is turned around, line up right and sit out on the edge where your cables will reach without a problem. Actually got it from an amazon supplier for like 149 w/ free shipping a few months back (looks like they're up to 170 there now). Doesn't look like they're quite so cheap anymore, and i know battery cost has jumped quite a bit in the last few years (red tops used to be barely above $100).

I opted for the yellowtop since it was basically the exact same cost as a redtop when i bought it, and the drop in CCA's (RT@720 vs. YT@650) still made it a better battery than most. The redtops don't like to come back from the dead on any charger i have. yellowtops shouldn't ever have that problem.

And to re-confirm, you're after
35-910 Redtop (910CA, 720CCA) or
D35 Yellowtop (810CA, 650CCA)

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4405

Some info there too with pics.

thanks for the help everyone. i ended up getting the red top 35 (model# 35-910). it dropped in without any modification to the stock cables. i just had to use the supplied adapter base to raise the battery up a bit.

I don't know if the numbers are different in Canada but for the sake of future searchers.

The Optima Red Top that fits perfectly is the 35 series and the Optima part number (the number on top of the battery) is SC35A

Interstate Batteries usually has them in stock ready to go.

I know this is kind of old news but the # 35-910 didn't help me much.

-J

35-910 is only a Remy Battery #, it does not apply anywhere else.
8020-164 is the actual Optima #.

You're right, its just a 35 series battery. 910 just refers to the cranking amps. There's only one current 35 series choice in either lineup.
(So, redtop = 35, and yellow top = D35)

Yup, yellowtop d35 for me. D35 posts, when the battery is turned around, line up right and sit out on the edge where your cables will reach without a problem. Actually got it from an amazon supplier for like 149 w/ free shipping a few months back (looks like they're up to 170 there now). Doesn't look like they're quite so cheap anymore, and i know battery cost has jumped quite a bit in the last few years (red tops used to be barely above $100).

I opted for the yellowtop since it was basically the exact same cost as a redtop when i bought it, and the drop in CCA's (RT@720 vs. YT@650) still made it a better battery than most. The redtops don't like to come back from the dead on any charger i have. yellowtops shouldn't ever have that problem.

And to re-confirm, you're after
35-910 Redtop (910CA, 720CCA) or
D35 Yellowtop (810CA, 650CCA)

apologies for bringing back the dead.. don't worry, bruce campbell is my neighbor

anyway, it appears that various sites have different specs for these things
remybattery - 650cca, 810ca
performancecenter - 650cca, 810ca
1st-optima-batteries - 620cca, 770ca

in any case, my yellowtop died for the 2nd time since i got it about 3yrs ago and these things do NOT like to be revived.. then again, i did get it used for a cheap price

anybody checked out shuriken yet? they make the batteries for electrical equipment forklifts and pallet jackets all that stuff. anyway there lightwieght battery puts out 850cca but they also make a group 35 950cca around 110bucks check them like mine so far
www.shurikenonline.com for info crucial racing sells them and jeremy gives a good deal.

anybody checked out shuriken yet? they make the batteries for electrical equipment forklifts and pallet jackets all that stuff. anyway there lightwieght battery puts out 850cca but they also make a group 35 950cca around 110bucks check them like mine so far
www.shurikenonline.com for info crucial racing sells them and jeremy gives a good deal.

Yup, yellowtop d35 for me. D35 posts, when the battery is turned around, line up right and sit out on the edge where your cables will reach without a problem. Actually got it from an amazon supplier for like 149 w/ free shipping a few months back (looks like they're up to 170 there now). Doesn't look like they're quite so cheap anymore, and i know battery cost has jumped quite a bit in the last few years (red tops used to be barely above $100).

I opted for the yellowtop since it was basically the exact same cost as a redtop when i bought it, and the drop in CCA's (RT@720 vs. YT@650) still made it a better battery than most. The redtops don't like to come back from the dead on any charger i have. yellowtops shouldn't ever have that problem.

And to re-confirm, you're after
35-910 Redtop (910CA, 720CCA) or
D35 Yellowtop (810CA, 650CCA)
the optimas have such a low resistance that you need to piggy back a regular battery for about 2 hours before charging the optima alone.

hmmm. interesting theory. I do have some redtops that will hold like 6v but thats its, won't take 12v+ anymore.

Still got my yellowtop in my sti, still fires right up like its nothing every time, even when i don't drive it for weeks. lovin it.

My Optima Red Top just died after 2-1/2 years of mostly commuting.

Sent it back to Remy for replacement.

I've got one in another car but won't be buying a third one unless these two last a long time.

wow only 2.5yrs?? they're supposed to last a lot longer than that

After reading some of the comments from owners about these batteries I am not real impressed with them. For about the same money I would rather purchase a Sears Platinum series battery.

I just put one in my car. A yellow top. I dont remember the model but its for an older honda Civic.
Its the same height and width as the stock but its not as wide front to back.

Dropped right in. Ill see if I can find the model # in the net and post it for you.

FYI the Sears Platinum is made by Odyssey <? spelling? and is a really good but heavy battery. I was going to get one but they did not make them to fit the Honda civic and I want that size battery.


Later.

http://site.unbeatablesale.com/img039/tbal2683.jpg

Its a D51R.

Has no problems starting the car and my lights no longer dim from my amp.

Later.