posted 01-17-2004 03:13 PM                  

Advance Auto has them ...for 109.00

posted 01-17-2004 03:28 PM                  

I later found out that it is also stocked at Costco for $99.99, so I picked one up there as well.

Size 75 does not fit the PT Cruiser, some say it will fit the Prowler. If it wasn't so cold this weekend, I would know by now. The Optima web site does not list any battery to fit the Prowler.

Catwoman tells me that the one installed in her car, with the help of Alley Cat, is 34-1050 (which is a size 34, common for Chrysler). My Advance Auto says they can't get it.

During the chat last night, someone mentioned that the bolts for the battery hold-down are accessed from below. Sounds strange, but if there's no obvious way from the top, sounds like we need to crawl under.

I DEFINITELY want to know if you can get the size 34 from Advance Auto and I'll wave it in their face. I will report on whether the size 75 fits when the weather improves.

-GRROWL

posted 01-18-2004 04:29 PM                  

The Group 75/35 Red Top Optima fit just fine (Costco $99.99 or AdvanceAuto $109.99). GRROWL now turns over faster than new. This is the "Universal" Optima with posts on the top and screw terminals on the side (plastic plugs can just be left on the side).

Didn't need to remove anything else, such as the grill (if you have added an upper frame brace, of course that will need to be removed - very quick and easy). The battery does need to be rotated 90 degrees as it's lifted or replaced since the front-to-back clearance is more than side-to-side.

I didn't need to go underneath as some have reported, but there is a captive bolt for the battery hold-down, which I can see how sometimes a wrench from below might be required.

The front clearance is tight to get to the battery hold-down bracket and nut, but the usual tricks work just fine - I tilted the battery back to put the clamp in place and greased the nut to hold it in the socket while I positioned it for reinstall (tape would also work, but the grease was handier).

All in all, an easy 15-minute job to a new Mod.

-GRROWL

posted 01-18-2004 05:24 PM                  

------------------

posted 01-19-2004 09:45 AM                  

I tried "Lou's Battery Acid Neutalizer", which worked well. However, this wasn't much of a test since there wasn't much corrosion (there was some red stuff that looked like rust, but Lou's took care of that). I'm concerned about the Mopar battery since my PT Cruiser battery has the worst corrosion I have ever seen, and I don't want the same to happen in GRROWL - some have said that it cost $1,000 to replace the battery cable since a large part of the wiring harness must be replaced as well. A more complete review of Lou's Battery Acid Neutralizer will have to wait until #2 son is back from college with the PT.

Some say that the Optima is expensive and they can buy two regular batteries for the price. If the Optima prevents the corrosion (it's sealed like a drycell to address leaking, gassing and corrosion) it can actually be VERY INEXPENSIVE as compared to a cable replacement.

The Optima is supposed to last twice as long and be 15 times as vibration resistant (sounds like they're designed for Prowlers). The Group 75 that I put in is 720 CCAs compared to the original 525 CCAs.

I dutifully wrote down the radio stations before I disconnected the battery for the 10-15 minutes. Strangely, I didn't need to do this as the radio stations were retained.

So, GRROWL no longer has that old-fashioned lead/acid battery and has a new gel cell in it's place. The Red Top looks sharp!

-GRROWL

posted 01-19-2004 01:29 PM                  

The correct battery for your application is a Red Top Starting Battery Grp
34 Part# 8002-002

Thank you for your interest and support of Optima Batteries.

Optima Batteries
Customer Service
1800 292-4359

ddemaio1@twcny.rr
.com To: questions@optimabatteries.com
cc:
01/10/2004 02:56 Subject: Optima battery for Plymouth Prowler
PM

Hi,
I need a battery for my 2001 Prowler...It is not a stock car...

Upgraded alarm system, upgraded 6 speakers, added hard-wired K40 remote
radar system...and underglow lights are next...the car does sit for 5
months
or so each winter..in a cold garage...not much room in these cars for a
larger battery...

I will post your answer on the <prowleronline.com> site if it's ok with
you..

Thanks so much...

Dave DeMaio

posted 01-20-2004 07:26 PM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1buddyc:
Grrowl- When you put your Optima in, did you have to modify the original hold down? If so, let me know what you had to do to make it work.
Thanks, Buddy in Texas

---

Hey, Buddy,

No modifications were required, but there was one more trick that might be helpful:

The bottom lip on the rear of the Optima is tapered and you have to force it under the rear fixed holddown. I pushed the bottom of the battery rearward to force the taper into the recess using a prybar. After that I also pushed back on the front metal holddown with the prybar as I tightened the nut. I just checked, and the battery has stayed tight.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

-GRROWL

posted 01-21-2004 03:23 PM                  

I see a few clamps on that page, but they're all for GM or Ford. Even if you used a different clip, I would still suggest pushing back on the bottom of the battery to seat the tapered lip under the rear holddown.

There was enough adjustment in the stock holddown clip that I don't see where you'd be gaining anything.

Let us know if you use it and how/if it helped.

posted 01-25-2004 10:55 AM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1buddyc:
Hi Steve. Got my Optima Redtop installed yesterday. I think I got one that is different than the one you got. Mine is for size Group 34, and didnt come with a base. Used the Clips and it fit fine. Did have to install it facing the engine so the cables would reach though. The Kat cranks over with authority now! Got the new battery for less than $100.00 at Sam's Club, a Walmart offshoot here in Texas. Kind of like Costco. Anyway, thanks for the insights, GRROWL.........Regards,Buddy.

---

Glad to hear it worked. Sam's is competitive with Costco, and yes, it's an offshoot of Sam Walton as in WalMart fame. Apparently they carry the "Chrysler" Group 34.

Not being one TO CAUSE ANY TROUBLE AT ALL, I had similar discussions with Davedem. It seems that the Group 75 "GM" battery actually fits a little better, pops right in with no modifications at all (just make sure you get a firm grip on the rear lower lip, as mentioned above). My point is, if someone wants the Optima, and only a Group 75 is available (as was my case at both Costco and Advance Auto) go for it - it works fine (better?) than the "correct" Group 34.

-GRROWL