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Author
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Topic: what's a good battery to use (drag racing)
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rustang@home
Gearhead Posts: 152
From: Clarion, PA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 08-21-2005 09:36 PM
 
I'm having trouble keeping my "top of the line" Walmart batttery charged between rounds. I run a small 35amp alternator, and last year it worked fine. But this year I've got an electric fan and water pump added, and I'm only running 11.5 to 12v with the alternator working.Should I go to a deep cycle battery? Will that give up cranking power?
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kid vishus
Gearhead Posts: 7251
From: middle of NC
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 08-21-2005 09:54 PM
I had to go to an Optima Yellow Top this year. That coupled with my Ford Racing starter, the car starts better now than it ever has.
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n2oMike
Gearhead Posts: 3058
From: Spencer, WV
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-21-2005 10:07 PM
For automotive use with an alternator you can't beat the red top. They are cheaper as well. The yellow top is a deep cycle, and is built to be almost fully discharged, then slowly recharged. If you keep the battery near a fully charged state, the red top is the one to have. Optima batteries are also GREAT for cars that sit all winter. The redtop I had in the mustang lasted 10 years, and it sat all winter, untouched. It still worked ok, but not 100% when I let it go. I replaced it with another Optima. I believe it was $109 from Advance. If you don't NEED a deep cycle, the red top is the way to go. The yellow top might not last as well as the red in a continuously charged state. Good Luck! ------------------
Mike Burch
66 mustang real street
302 4-speed 289 heads
10.63 @ 129.3
http://www.geocities.com/carbedstangs/cmml_mburch.html
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/healey/367
http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?220
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kid vishus
Gearhead Posts: 7251
From: middle of NC
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 08-21-2005 10:20 PM
I went with the deep cycle because I have so much drain on the battery, and in the later rounds I don't get much chance to charge it. I figured the deep cycle reserve was better for that kind of use. I have my water pump drive, 2 electric fans, a BIG electric fuel pump, lights, a big ignition system, and when I run Top, a delay box and a transbrake solenoid. So I have a considerable amount of draw on the battery. Plus with 15-1 compression, I need to make sure the battery has enough ~oomph~ to start it if it doesn't get charged every round. If this motor didn't have that much compression, I would have bought another Odyssey dry cell for it. They are light, and work exceptionally well when coupled with an alternator (I used to run a East Coast super mini, but haven't fangled up brackets to use it with this combo yet.)
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F551
Gearhead Posts: 284
From: Manitoba, Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 08-22-2005 01:28 AM
We have a redtop in the 68 - works great.We had 2 conventional batteries and were buying 1 a year. Now the single Optima just works, we also have the fan and water pump wired to a plug and do between round cool down off a external battery in the pit. The Optima's biggest and only job is starting - no more charging between rounds. Have always run an alternator. Redtop - Yellow top either one will work, I just bought a Bluetop (Marine/RV) starting battery for the motorhome. From the website: OPTIMA YellowTop Benefits
Dual Purpose starting and deep cycling.
Lasts up to 2 times longer than other batteries.
Constant performance quality keeping your battery running at the same level even as it's being discharged.
More power in the initial 1, 3, 5, and 10 seconds of the starting process than comparably rated conventional lead acid batteries.
Ideal for seasonal use, fully charged, it can sit unused for up to 12 months at room temperature (or below) and still start a car.
15 times more resistant to vibration than other batteries.
Nonspillable and can mount in almost any position.
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Fred
68 Mustang 500CID/Powerglide - "No Tubs"
86 Mustang GT Cobra
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Rustang
Gearhead Posts: 880
From: Clarion PA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 08-22-2005 06:26 AM
Good info! I'm going to check out the optima's today. Also investigate a deep cell.
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V8 Thumper
Gearhead Posts: 4777
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 08-22-2005 12:37 PM
Red top here as well. They're completely sealed, so if you're mounting it in the trunk it's also a safety plus in that you won't be accumulating explosive gasses in a limited-ventilation compartment  ------------------
1965 GT coupe, 333ci aluminum headed/solid cammed stroker, four speed, 3.70:1 9" 12.58/110 on street tires, more to come;) All Blue Oval, no blue bottle
http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/V8Thumper.html
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 918
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-23-2005 04:28 PM
I've been using the yellow top for about 4 years. Even when my car has sat without being used for several months it starts right up. A little expensive but sure beats a dead battery.
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Built351c
Gearhead Posts: 140
From: Big Lake, MN
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 08-23-2005 09:34 PM
I have a red top in my mustang. Its 12 years old and still running. Even after sitting all winter. Thumbs up on the optima. Never had another battery like it.
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 08-24-2005 07:53 PM
I have a "small" red top in my '68 FB and a yellow top in my '98 Cherokee. Both vehicles sit a lot and both batteries have been great. I went yellow in the Jeep because I have a winch and lots of winch time can really drain the battery. With the FB sitting is it's only problem and the smaller lighter red top has performed perfectly for 3 years and counting.B-loose
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XR7
Gearhead Posts: 191
From: north Idaho
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 08-24-2005 09:03 PM
as far as batteries go for drag racing. When you mount them in the trunk does it make a difference if it is oriented parrallel to the bumper or 90 degrees to the bumper. I have heard conflicting advise on this. Which is the best and why? ------------------
68 Cougar XR7, 428 4-speed, Best ET 6.82 @ 101 1/8, 10.69@ 127.44 with 1.51 60 ft. Street legal all steel car w/ full interior.
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