[Jakerx]

I'm interested in replacing the OEM Panasonic battery with a similarly sized but better performing unit (i.e. I do not want a "race" or light-weight battery). However, most important to me is to have a battery with a vent tube hookup (if one is required for the specific battery for passenger compartment mounting).

Die Hard platinum batteries (manufactured by the same company which manufactures Odyssey batteries - Enersys) have no vent tubes. Optima Red Tops only have vent tubes on a few of their group sizes.

Anybody have a recommendation?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: Do Die Hard Platinum batteries or Odyssey batteries even need a vent tube? I've heard they recycle their own gas.

 

[irmerm]

I stuck a non-vented battery in my car recently, full size Autozone replacement.

 

[Jakerx]

Did some research and talked to Enersys. Odyssey and Die Hard Platinum batteries are safe for the passenger compartment (i.e. trunk of our Evos) without a vent tube as they do not leak any gas.

The correct Odyssey battery is the 34R-PC1500T.

The correct Die Hard Platinum option is the Group 34 battery. However, this one needs to be turned around 180 degrees in the battery tray to work with our cables' orientation (not a problem at all as I just finished installing one myself.)

 

[lab rat]

^ you got the wrong size. it should be group 35. fits perfect no need to turn aroun 180 degrees to position it in the trunk. i just changed mine today with die hard platinum after 3 yrs. with the panasonic.

 

[Jakerx]

Oh the group 35 fits perfectly? I was worried it might be slightly too tall at the back end of the battery (the side closest to the back seat) because of the sloping metal bracket.

No biggie, I guess. The 34 has more CCA and still fits well (very similar dimensions). There's no harm is spinning the battery around 180 degrees.

Thanks for the post though. I'm sure other people will find it useful.

 

[EvoX8168]

I assume you mean that they turn the battery 180 degrees horizontally, right?

 

[Jakerx]

I assume you mean that they turn the battery 180 degrees horizontally, right?

Correct. I meant I just rotated the battery around its vertical axis (spinned it around). I definitely wouldn't have turned it upside down.

 

[EvoX8168]

Thanks for the clarification. Do you know if the DieHard Gold batteries are also completely sealed? They are about half the price of the Platinum.

 

[01cbr929]

I recently ordered an optima as it was fully sealed.

 

[Jakerx]

Thanks for the clarification. Do you know if the DieHard Gold batteries are also completely sealed? They are about half the price of the Platinum.

Die Hard Gold batteries are not completely sealed. Only the Platinum is fully sealed. The Platinum is a steal even at its high price. The reason for this is because it's the exact same thing as an Odyssey battery (much more expensive) with a different color case. The same company, Enersys, makes both batteries.

I recently ordered an optima as it was fully sealed.

The Optima Red Top is indeed fully sealed. However, both the Red Top and Die Hard Platinum are capable of discharging noxious gases under "overcharging" scenarios (i.e. >15v situations). This is why Optima makes a few versions of their Red Tops with vent tubes. Unfortunately, they don't make one for the Evo with a vent tube. But anyway, if you have a 15v situation, you have some other problems to worry about. :thumbup:

 

[doibugu2]

Fuck me, $200+ for the battery! I didn't realize it was that much. I don't think I ever paid over $70 for any other vechile.

Guess I'm going to suck every last bit of juice out of my original before I upgrade!

 

[trick3d]

Die Hard Gold batteries are not completely sealed. Only the Platinum is fully sealed. The Platinum is a steal even at its high price. The reason for this is because it's the exact same thing as an Odyssey battery (much more expensive) with a different color case. The same company, Enersys, makes both batteries.

The Optima Red Top is indeed fully sealed. However, both the Red Top and Die Hard Platinum are capable of discharging noxious gases under "overcharging" scenarios (i.e. >15v situations). This is why Optima makes a few versions of their Red Tops with vent tubes. Unfortunately, they don't make one for the Evo with a vent tube. But anyway, if you have a 15v situation, you have some other problems to worry about. :thumbup:

Battery Newb here. What are the chances you are injured by said fumes prior to realizing you have an issue?

 

[Kenevox]

I've had crappy luck with optimas I got a die hard platinum in my previous vehicle and it was great.

Sent from my ADR6400L using AutoGuide App

 

[Jakerx]

Battery Newb here. What are the chances you are injured by said fumes prior to realizing you have an issue?

If it's a sealed battery like the Platinum or the Red Top, it probably won't ever happen. The battery has to be in an overcharging situation (car's electrical system has to be >15v), but even then, gas release isn't guaranteed. It's just a possibility.

If you're working with an unsealed battery without a vent tube hookup, I would not risk installing it, especially with the battery in the passenger compartment (i.e. behind the rear seat). If it were under the hood like in Porsches, it wouldn't be as big a deal.

I'm sort of a battery n00b as well. I learned the above information by calling Enersys customer support and asking them whether Odyssey/Die Hard Platinum batteries were safe for the passenger compartment.

 

[trick3d]

Thanks jake. Good info.

 

[shallow whits]

I have an Optima Red Top with a vent tube but it was a dealer replacement for a failed Panasonic and I have not been able to find this particular Red Top anywhere else. The Red Top is cool looking and that's about it as it's performance is a hit or miss. Considering you never see it I would highly recommend something else...I'm getting the DieHard platinum as my Red Top is not holding up in the cold very well. I just had it Deep Cycle charged back to full after it tested good(just needing a re-charge). After the full charge it won't hold it there and it keeps saying it just needs to be re-charged, that the battery is good? I'm also not the only one having this issue either with the Optima series...

 

[yacoub]

I'm hearing the Die Hard Platinum line has been discontinued. Any ideas for a good substitute that's also appropriately vented, dependable and long-lasting?