From: Ralph S. Smith [ralphssmith@qwest.net]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 3:27 AM
To: 928
Subject: [928] Optima battery fits!


I put an Optima in my GT and it does fit, with some work.  First the battery
is smaller (and lighter) and therefore needs something to fill the box to
keep the battery from shifting.  Second the positive cable is too DA^%
short, so I loosened all 3 million of the retaining clips and shifted the
cable rearward about 1.5 inches which is enough.  This was a PITA, but
really not prohibitive and only really took 1 to 2 hours, just a nasty
tedious job.  There was enough service loop at the starter end to allow the
cable to move back that much.  Last, as someone stated, protect the terminal
from contact with the cover, I used a piece of plexiglass glued to the
cover.  Another solution is to use the other brands of spiral cell batteries
that have their terminals near the edge of the battery like god intended.
The other brands don't seem to have quite the amp hour rating although the
Optima has a good bit higher ratings than most auto batteries.

The spiral cell and the dry (paste) elecrolyte are the reasons why the
battery is lighter and more electrically efficient.  The circular cell
allows a shorter average net length of conductor from terminal to plate with
the same (or better) resistance.  The electrolyte makes the any position use
and no refill needed characteristics possible.

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