Ok..I checked our forum, looking for the correct Optima model that will fit in the SC, and really did not come up with a good find.

As most of you known, the battery cables are very restrictive and on the Optima 34R, they there is just about 1 inch too little length to fit. Tried it today.

I see that allot of people use Optima..my battery of choice..

Please let me know what model will work..time is short, and the battery is about gone!!

Love these Optima batteries..had one in my 6 volt VW for 14 years (!!) and still cranking!

 

After doing my homework I chose the red top 34R. The original Lexus box or cover for the standard battery wont fit so I just left it off. The battery holder works fine with the Optima. The amp-hour capacity and cold cranking capacity of the 34R is a good match. The factory bends of the battery post clamps have to be jiggered a little but they eventually work. If you go with a yellow top there's no reversed terminal equivalent so you will have to turn the battery around but that works too. There isn't a better Optima solution to be found afaik.

 

I also have the red top Optima. Works really well with the SC. Just remember to turn the battery around.

 

I tried the 34R..but the terminal on the positive side just would not make it over..can you bend it? I was told by the dealership don't even try to extend the line.. it is not a good idea.

 

Yes, I just bent it and I'm not the first to do so. Everyone that uses the 34R in an SC has to do this. Actually you just open up the bend that is already there until it clears the side of the battery.

I also clipped the 90 degree corner of the positive battery post red cover to allow it to seat down on the terminal as it did before. This procedure was more-or-less successful. The only other option is to remove it all together. I kept the cover on as I had visions of the positive terminal touching the hood when I closed it for the first time. It didn't.

 

I did bend the cable too. Just about an extra 20 degrees more.

 

Installed the new 34 this afternoon in Carolyn's 04..modified the angles on the positive cable, modified the red plastic cover on the positive terminal cover...the actual install took about 30 minutes..was going to have the battery replaced with a "pro-rated " Lexus OEM, but the battery cost was $90.00, and Dealer said they would have to install in order to honor the pro-rated warranty...at an additional labor cost of $65.00...service writer advised us to buy the Optima and figure out the install...Bob

 

If you consider Interstate batteries, it was a piece of cake to install. No modifications at all - perfect fit. I just did mine today. Batt was $149.

 

+1, always liked the Interstate, dependable and the perfect fit makes it a winner. I've never had a warranty problem, good customer service.

 

Optoma battery's are not that great. I've bought tons of them and used to be a big supporter but they have all led to disappointment. Lots of better choices out there now.

 

What's the stock battery's CCA? Reason I ask is that Lexus just put a new one in mine, and it seems really low -- 575 or so. Wondering if they put in the right one?

 

Can't tell if I have the original battery in mine or not...looks brand new but then again my engine bay is spotless. I need to study my maint files again to see if the previous owner replaced. I need to check the battery labels too...it says lexus on it. 8/04 in service date...SURELY I am not running on the orginal battery?

So based on some of the reviews above, several of you love the optima, but others don't think it's worth the money and hassle and recommend interstate?

I would like to have something with much more CCA due to the ipod, luxlink and LED lights I'll be pushing.

 

We have used Optimas is all our cars for 13 years..my '66 VW which was 6 volt had one for12 years..always started, and sat for many months in a hot garage..in AZ, you get 2 years if your are lucky, because of the heat.

SCdroptop, if you post a picture, I think I can tell if you have a lexus battery or not. On our cars, the label on the side said when it was put in service.

Katy

 

I've read other posts about the Interstate MTP-91, which is 700 CCA. Can anyone confirm if this is a drop in/perfect fit replacement? I'm hoping the extra CCA will allow me to leave my car longer without driving, and not come back to a dead battery. Thoughts? Thx!

 

I purchased at MTP-H6 earlier this year and it was a perfect fit. Not sure about the one you mentioned. Here is a link to a PDF document published by Interstate containing specs...The one you mention has slightly different dimensions.

http://www.interstatedealers.com/ibc...mmon/specs.pdf

To deal with longer periods of non-use I picked up a battery tender from http://www.batterytender.com but found the best prices on Amazon.