Optima vs. Odyssey battery question.

[underground57]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new battery since mines currently dead. I'm not going to bother having it recharged, because its about time to replace it anyways. I figure I might as well upgrade. I have a '93 fb. I'm debating between the Optima (75/35) or the Odyssey (680MJT). Eventually I plan to put in a sub and amp, so that's the only extra draw I see. Have any of you had experience with either or both of those?

The Odyssey I could mount under the passenger seat. The Optima is about twice the size and weight of the Odyssey but has considerably more power. If I go with the Optima, I'll mount it in the stock location for the time being. Maybe I'll relocate it to either the backseat (removed of course) or trunk later on. Advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[gehzumteufel]

well how long do u expect till u get the system? if its within the next 6 months then just get it. if not...just find an interstate distributorship and buy a used standard battery for around $30. i used to work for interstate batteries and unless u have the system the optima wont benefit a stock car. those gell cell batteries are made for a deeper power drain than just using it to power a fully stock car without a big audio system.

[underground57]

I think I'll get the stuff somewhere between 6 months to a year. Would it be bad to have a deep cycle and not use it to its full capacity? I just don't want to buy a standard one and find out within a year that I'll need to upgrade, you know.

[gehzumteufel]

it will wear it out if you dont start using it for the intended use within the 6 months..which is EXACTLY the reason im suggesting getting a USED interstate battery (interstate batteries is the manufacturer of optima gell cell batteries) because they run right around $30. very cheap and it will last ya 2+yrs if need be. that way you dont spend $80 on a battery you may replace in 9 months. the used batteries from them are good they just dont carry the warranty a new one does. thats all. honestly i recommend getting a used one if you have a stock car anyways. they are cheaper and almost always last about the full amount of a new one or around 3/4 the time. dont bother with the deep cycle gell cell untill you have your system. or right before so you dont burn it up. the regular starting of your car isnt a deep enough drain to keep it from burning up.

[madbouncy]

How big of a system would you recommend a deep cycle for? Right now I just have a 300 watt amp powering the stock speakers. Working on buying the new speakers and then I plan on a 500 watt or so amp to power a single sub, not entirely sure on the size of it yet. I don't ever plan on running the system with the car off, and I thoguht most of the drain would be put on the alternator. So would a deep cycle make a difference? Also, would running a little better alt be a better idea than a deep cycle? I'm really new to all that stuff so I don't know much about it. I don't mind losing a few hp to power a bigger alt if it helps keep me from having to worry about draining my battery too much.