I just picked up an optima redtop battery model # 34/78 (8004-003)
RedTop®; Battery; UNBOXED; Group 34/78; Cold Crank Amps 800; Crank Amps 1000; Reserve Capacity 100; Ampere Hour 50; Dual Terminal; L-10 in.; W-6 7/8 in.; H-7 13/16 in.; My question is when i put this battery in my 1988 mustang i had a AMP symbol come up on my dash? the car started ok and the light went out when started I do not recall this light coming on when the old battery that came with the car was being used, I do not want to blow anything if this battery is too strong? do I need thicker wires? do I need to upgrade my alternator to a 130 amp? My car is completely stock any info would be appreciated thanks.

 

Too strong? lol! If anything you'll find the gel cell not strong enough: I tried a yellow top, and had to go back to a regular because it sucked so bad. Would never buy a gell cell again, lousy performance, and it weighs like 60LBS. Yes go with 130amp at least, I have one and it works great with my sound system.

 

I killed a red top with a stock charging system and under drive pullies ( lesson learned ) I went with a powermaster one wire 140 amp .
G3 / 140 is highly recomended to keep the gelcell powered up.

 

Oh welcome aboard .

 

Welcome aboard. Geez I thought those batteries were supposed to be one of the best you could buy. Hope you get your small issue worked out.

 

optima's i find are very specific for thier purpose. I ran a red top in my talon TSI for two years and never once had an issue, but as soon as i put it in my eclipse (had a decent sound system) it seemed to give up. so thinking it might just be age, i got a new red top, and it too died. as soon as i went to a yellow top with the eclipse. it lasted... i'm not an expert on batterys by any means but my guess is that the red tops are more performance CCA kinda thing, and yellow tops are more for high drainage setups..
i might end up with another red top in the stang after it;s rebuilt, but i'm also looking into a smaller/lighter racing battery as well (weight savings)

 

Ya know, the OEM battery on my Mustang lasted 13 years. When it came time to a replacement I was really debating on getting a deep cell but why mess with a good thing. I ended up going right back to the Ford Dealership and picking up an exact replacement for the origional battery. I've had absolutly no problems at all with it.

 

Mine never last as I listen to the stereo while I polish the car. A battery costs what 100.00, cheap entertainment I guess.