BlueCrabby

anyone using Optima battery in RX300, if so, how does it fit?
are special brackets needed? (and which model of Optima)

thanks!

salimshah

I am using optima red. You need to get the pedestal along with the battery and reangle [change than 90degrees to a slightly flatter ~110 degrees] the terminal.

Salim.

There are other alternatives which are cheaper and drop-in. I like optimas as they are No-maintenance type and are sealed.

hypervish

I'm not using an optima battery, I'm using an interstate battery. But, I know Lexmex does use a Optima Red battery so I'm going to let him chime in and tell us if he needed any brackets.

carguy07

I would avoid the Optima battery completely if you want dependability.

Lexmex

I use the 34/78 Red Top. It's been in my RX since late Dec. 2004. When I installed it, the issue was the cables for positive and negative were reversed, http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2215309/5 thus I had to cut the ties to the battery cables to extend the cables more.

As far as a mount or platform you don't need it. There are some washers I put on the bracket that goes vertical to the back of the battery to help position the original clamp correctly.

I am looking shortly on ditching my Optima (have had issues, but to be expected after 5 years). I am looking at a Deka ETX30L which is a 21 lbs battery that's similar to the Braille lightweight 21 lbs battery, but a lot cheaper.

salimshah

A few years back the optima's did not come with the platform and then the display stand at the shop would carry them as free extra. Last optima I purchased, had the platform as a post protector and now it comes with it. Use it if you need it or throw it away.

Costco also sells them, but they have a unique model number. That one failed on me in less than 4 years.

Salim

BlueCrabby

when I started this thread 3 years ago, I thought my Lexus battery was about to die.
Had it jumped once. It has been fine since then. The battery was originally installed
by a Lexus dealer back in 2004.(according to the invoice, they put it in for free under
the Lexus warranty... can't remember what happened to the old one) It's still fine after
9+ years.

so... I never bought the Optima battery. However, now I'm thinking about it again
because a 9-year-old battery just doesn't feel very comforting.(even if it starts up
strong every single time, even after sitting at the airport parking lot for 3 weeks
last month)

I managed to get the Optima Red 35 from Amazon for $112 a couple of week ago
when Amazon.com had it as a daily lightning deal. Normal price was $145. (local
Advance Auto Parts wants $210) The battery was delivered in two days with
Amazon Prime shipping. It came inside Amazon "Frustration-Free Packaging" which
was just a heavy-duty cardboard box. It was in perfect condition. The manufacture
date was 10/13 in Mexico. I measure the voltage while it was still inside the box and
got 12.67 volts, which was good.

Two weeks later, it's still sitting in my garage because i never go around to putting
it into the RX300. I assume the included height adjuster should allow me to install
it with relative ease..... if I ever get around to doing it.

mshumack

You should consider the AGM battery it is superior to the old lead acid battery. Google "AGM battery". there are superior in every way (except price).
The newer RXs use a group 24F battery. I don't know if the 1st Gen RXs do too, but regardless, the AGM is the way to go. I bought two (different vehicles) in the last couple of years off the internet. No problems with handling/shipping. They last longer and will survive harsher environments.

See http://www.gnb.com/Media/files/Downl...n%20spread.pdf

And

BlueCrabby

wait... Optima batteries are AGM batteries.. or am I wrong?

mshumack

You're right.
I'm not familiar with Optima (I just goggled and it is an AGM).

ATLs460

Our batteries are group 24F as well. I have an interstate. They're damn good batteries.