what to do, what to do..

[AlmostSlammed]

So im in the process of piecing together my system and all i really lack my electrical system upgrades (Alternator, batts, ect..)

My amp im running is a kicker 2500.1 and im wondering if i should run 2 Optima Yellows, or 1 Optima Yellow and a Kinetik Cell orr....??

Anyone have any experience with the Kinetik's?

[01cherryreds10]

I would say before you get any new batteries or a new alternator, do the Big 3 upgrade. You'll probably need a new battery for the Kicker, but it's good to see what the 3 can do for you.

I'd personally go with a Kinetik and say screw the Optima. I got a red top and I'd rather have something better.

[AlmostSlammed]

I plan on doing big 3 when i get it all put in. All i lack is batteries, alternator, and a box.. plan on buying alternator next week

[ExtCab96S_Dime]

I've had only good things happen with my one Optima Yellow Top. I do know they're not the best battery money can buy, but they're good enough for me. Those Kinetiks are quite a bit more, right? I'd say if you've got the money, do one Optima and one Kinetik. If you'd like to save a bit, do both Optimas. With a new high output alt and two Optimas, I'm sure you can run your stereo with no problem. Also, to the guy that said he had a Red Top, what are you using it for? They're not made constant for high electrical demands.

[timtp2004]

PowerMaster makes some good a** bats also.

[AlmostSlammed]

I was thinking about using the yellow top in the engine compartment for all my bags, compressors, ect. and use the other yellow/or kinetik for soley stereo only. If i get a kinetik itll probably built into my box somewhere, if optima im thinking ill have it under my bed

[timtp2004]

Yea thats what im doing- a Yellow for my starter and PM for my set up

[skinnyg]

how can you one battery soley for one or the other? Dont have the one in the back hooked up to the alt? Charge it when it gets low? When they are all wired together it becomes one big system.

[walker01s10]

I would put a dual battery isolator in which would give you the ability of one battery for stereo and one for everything else. If your gonna spend the money then do it right and truely seperate the batteries. And they do make different sizes that might work better for you and space.

This is just an example

http://www.redarc.com.au/smart-start.htm

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...y-isolator.htm

[triple r]

Quote: Originally Posted by 01cherryreds10

I'd personally go with a Kinetik and say screw the Optima. I got a red top and I'd rather have something better.

thats because the red top isnt a deep cycle battery, it is for quick starting bursts. you need a yellow top bud

[91sonomast]

i would use a yellow top under the hood and go with 2 either Odyssey, or Powermaster batteries. The Big 3 will help you, but ur gonna need more power lol.
I am soon to be running a Odyssey or Powermaster, another factory alt that solely takes care of that battery, just for my W7 and T10001BD.

[skinnyg]

Dont waste your money off the Optima name. Get a Deka intimidator or an Exide orbital, if you search around you can get one at local battery stores for $120

[triple r]

yea thats a good point, but i only pain 80 for my yellow top but most stores ask 180+ for the yellow tops. they are expensive. imma have to get me one of them exides under the hood

[AceX]

I run 3 kinetiks in my truck right now and don't have a single complaint. They hold tons of power, that's for sure.

Two yellow tops should have enough juice though. Be sure to swap that alt for a HO unit though.

Also, you don't need an isolator to run multiple batteries, just fuse each one.

[AlmostSlammed]

i planned on isolating the power and planned on doing it right the first time. thats why its taking me so long, the right way takes $$$ and lots of them.

Thursday im going to get 1 of the yellow tops. More feedback on my next move would be appreciated.. 1 more yellow after that? Maybe a kinetik perhaps?

[triple r]

i wouldnt get a yellow top unless you got it discount or something like that, they are wayyy expensive

[AceX]

Optima's? Expensive...? Please If I could grab a Kinetik for even close to the same price as an Optima I'd be ecstatic.

Since it sounds like you're already on your way and want to do things the right way, a Kinetik 800, 1400, or 1800 will be just what you need, depending on future upgrades.

Since you already mentioned integrating the battery into the box build, go with Kinetik. Optima's are not a true, sealed battery from what I'm told. I know for sure that the Kinetik's will take the abuse and ask for more. I can't say the same for the Optima's.

Currently, I'd go for the HC800 or the HC1400. Takes up the same amount of space or less as the stock battery with alot more charge available.

Now, before someone flames me (I know it's coming) I know that the Optima is a dam good battery that can take alot of abuse, but for the application, you have to admit that a Kinetik is hands down, a better choice

[AlmostSlammed]

so you recommend the kinetik to run my system correct?? Then which would be better in my engine compartment with my switches and compressors running off it?

[AceX]

Kinetik is a better battery all around, regardless. I'd recommend using Kinetik's all around, but at the same time realize that they are dam expensive. Running a Yellow top under the hood is a way to get more juice and save some money, plus, you won't have to fab up or by a new battery tie down I don't think. With a Kinetik, you will.

[AlmostSlammed]

exactly what im thinking ^^ My battery tray collapsed and had a new one made not too long ago

[AceX]

I just finished designing my battery covers/tie-downs for my truck for under the hood. Should be nice when I get them done later this year. Gotta save for those shiny Stinger terminals I want and like 20ft of 8ga wire...

[timtp2004]

You have to save for that? Arnt they only 25 bucks?

[AceX]

Not sure. The one's I'm looking for have the voltage display on the terminal. That, and I need two sets because I'll be running twin HC1800's under my hood.

[91sonomast]

ur gonna run all that kinda power and only using 8ga? what kinda system are u running?
i think u would be happy with a Kinetik, i have heard really good things about them but never had any experience, idk much about powermasters and odyssey's either but have heard good things

[ExtCab96S_Dime]

Quote: Originally Posted by AceX

Not sure. The one's I'm looking for have the voltage display on the terminal. That, and I need two sets because I'll be running twin HC1800's under my hood.

I thought the ones that showed voltage also sometimes created noise in your music? Or is that just with the capacitors that display the voltage? Either way, I'm with this guy. The Optimas are good batteries, as long as you buy the proper type for the application. They do cost quite a bit, but nowhere near as much as a Kinetik. However, the Kinetiks are worth it for the extra power, if you need it.

[ExtCab96S_Dime]

Oh, and by the way, I'm pretty damn sure the Optimas are sealed. I know a few people running them on there sides and they have had no problems for years.

[triple r]

thats right, they are made to be mounted any way that works best. they are sealed gel and heavy as hell

[AceX]

There was a guy that told me that they vent through the top of the battery. Maybe I'm mistaken. In any case, Yes, I'll be running a ton of 8ga wire. Probably going to run 4ga between the batteries themselves, but for the power I'm running, 8ga is fine. I don't have any voltage issues.

My system only runs a little over 1300watts RMS, so it's just a baby compared to what some of you guys are running...

As far as the terminals creating noise, I don't believe so. I know a guy who has them on his '65 El Camino and just knowing the way he builds his stuff, I can't imagine he'd compromise SQ for something shiny.

Sorry to hijack the thread.

[91sonomast]

then u would be ok with a 200A alt and one yellow top under the hood

[AceX]

Except for the fact that my truck is indoors for several shows with a battery charger for a power supply, so starting the truck is out of the quesiton. On the street, I'm fine with the just the two HC600's and my 140a alt. but when I'm showing, I need more juice on tap. Adding the first HC1800 helped alot. I'm doing the second one just for good measure and also aesthetics.

[AlmostSlammed]

i just went and picked up a Kinetik HC-800 today. should do the trick. im wondering if i could get away with running dual alts.. a 150 amp for the system and leave the stock to do what its doing now. Bc man... $400+ for an alternator is REDICULOUS. haha

[AceX]

I think powermaster makes a HO alt. for around $250. Should be around 150amps.

[triple r]

oh god, they sell powermaster alts at the local advanced auto and they go for 300+ for any alt

[AceX]

Dam, I got mine for $215 from the local speed shop.