Re: [T3] Duralast batteries anyone? (and Optima)

[Toby Erkson <air_cooled_nut@pobox.com>]

<x-flowed>Picture of Optima in my baby:
http://www.icbm.org/erkson/gallery/t3_misc

Fits fine.  Because I don't drive her very often now I do put the 
battery on the trickle charger -- I have several batteries (including my 
jet ski and motorcycle conventional batteries) and one maintainer so I 
have a loose rotation, thus it's not always being externally charged.  
But that is something I would do even if all of them were conventional 
batteries.  Also, because I don't drive her often I have to crank the 
engine over longer to get fuel to the carbs and a conventional battery 
doesn't crank as long as the Optima I'm using.  Side note:  I'm 
seriously thinking of putting an electric fuel pump on a momentary 
switch so I can prime the carbs that way.  When I did have an electric 
fuel pump the additional cranking was never necessary.

I like Optimas because there's no worry whatsoever about battery tray 
corrosion.  Having two T3's and a Porsche 914 the peace of mind right 
there is good enough reason.  They can be mounted in ANY position!  
Also, they have more CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) than a conventional 
battery of the same size and that's particularly important for really 
cold weather climates.

I look at it the same way I do with oil.  Synthetic oil and Optima 
batteries are superior and progressive technologies.  Sure, the 
conventional oils and batteries are fine and do the job -- no complaints 
there -- but they are NOT equals and they are on the lower end of the 
spectrum.

Keith, the Turbonator/Tornado and after-market oil additives are 
complete wastes of money (they do nothing).  If anything, one would 
simply say that the Optima is not worth the extra money (it does 
something).  Big difference.

 Toby Erkson  --  http://www.icbm.org/
 '72 VW Squareback Darksider, 5-speed, 2.0L, rag top
 '72 VW Squareback Lightsider, automatic, FI, sunroof, gas heater
 '95 VW Jetta ~ SCCA Solo 2 EP #3; '73 Porsche 914; '81 Honda Gold Wing
 Portland, Oregon



Mark Fuhriman wrote:

> ...
> Toby, do you have an Optima in a squareback?  If so, how is the fit?  Stock hold-down clamp OK?  I thought they were too tall for a stock installation...?
> ...
> My conclusion was a complete waste of money.

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