3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Well, went to start my car today and found the battery is dead (it was due to be replaced anyway). So obviously i need a new battery. I want to get an Optima battery (i'm leaning towards the red top but i'm still not sure. Anyway i was wondering, for those of you that have the optima batteries, which ones did you get (and what size fit) and why?
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The worst part of dying is being alive.
Red Top Optima batteries are usually just for starting the engine, and running a few factory accesories. Yellow Tops are for made for cars with lots of after market electrical accesories (audio, lighting, ...ect). The Blue Tops are for RV, and marine use, but I've been told they'er not as good as the Yellow Tops. As far as I know there is no exact Optima size that will fit, I just went to the parts counter and asked for an Optima Yellow Top. I had to get a new battery to replace the diehard that I had. My stereo system, which is pushing about 1500 watts total, just killed the diehard. You'll need to get a battery hold down kit, and pull the battery cables out as far as they can go and bend the terminal clamps to make it work. Well...that's what I had to do. It worked for me. Another option would be to convert to GM style bolt in terminals. I'm planning to do that some time. Anyway, ask around, there may be a specific size for the Camry. There wasn't one when I bought mine though. Good Luck!
The Optima batteries are a tight fit in the Camry. There is not quite enough length on the cables. I am looking for some sort of cable clamp extension .... maybe a battery disconnect switch will add some length to one of the terminals.
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98 Camry LE, 2.2L, automatic
50k miles, drop in K&N A/F recent timing belt, water pump
i was interested in getting one of the optima's also after reading about them, but when i went to site, it didnt list any distrubutors in the USA , are there any national chains that regularly carry them?
i was interested in getting one of the optima's also after reading about them, but when i went to site, it didnt list any distrubutors in the USA , are there any national chains that regularly carry them?
AutoZone .... keep the receipt. You will need it for any sort of warranty return .... a 2 year period if I recall.
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98 Camry LE, 2.2L, automatic
50k miles, drop in K&N A/F recent timing belt, water pump
had no problems with my optima red top
did not have any issues with the +/- terminals not reaching
only thing was the battery was too low so i stuff a piece of metal between the battery and the tie down the battery is locked down and doesnt move
had no problems with my optima red top
did not have any issues with the +/- terminals not reaching
only thing was the battery was too low so i stuff a piece of metal between the battery and the tie down the battery is locked down and doesnt move
.... Actually, the Camry that gave me a problem fitting a Red Top was an '03. I haven't tried to put one in my '98 yet.
.... Also with the Optima, you get one or two plastic tray pieces that you can cut up as needed, and either put beneath or on top to help with the tie down.
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98 Camry LE, 2.2L, automatic
50k miles, drop in K&N A/F recent timing belt, water pump
As far as fitting, it fits just fine. You will need to either replace or extend the existing wires. I'm running two yellow tops and they're great =D
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94' Camry V6 - Sold
96' Lexus SC400 - Crashed by brother
93' Lexus SC300 Turbo - Jackass ran a light and slammed into me
99' GS300 - Sold
02' Subaru WRX Turbo
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recent timing belt, water pump
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