I finally got to see one of these installed so here it is from CT:

http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=42674

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l159/Learjetpilot/PC130066.jpg

I wish this was about three weeks ago. But at least I will know next time! It looks good. It gives you more space too. Thanks for the pic pops!

Well, my Walmart battery hasn't been holding up perfect in the cold weather so I may have to switch to something else before too long. Quarky things happen like I've noticed the doors locking or unlocking by themselves (not from the key remote either), CD changing songs on its own, ABS making wierd sounds rarely, Seat Heater warming inconsistantly. These happen only when it's below 30 degrees outside so it seems to me that the Walmart battery in an Armada is a no-no. :D

that's pretty huge compare to my red top.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b116/brysig228/IMG_0014.jpg

hopefully next time i'll be able to get that one.

I've seen them both side by side and they are physically pretty much the same size. The part that we have to watch is the Post Polarity unless we want to run Cable Extensions like you did. (I always wondered how that was done) :D

Well, my Walmart battery hasn't been holding up perfect in the cold weather so I may have to switch to something else before too long. Quarky things happen like I've noticed the doors locking or unlocking by themselves (not from the key remote either), CD changing songs on its own, ABS making wierd sounds rarely, Seat Heater warming inconsistantly. These happen only when it's below 30 degrees outside so it seems to me that the Walmart battery in an Armada is a no-no. :D

I know I feel ya. I got an interstate battery from Sam's and It was a mistake! I have some of the same quarks as you. But the battery died in the Sam's parking lot so I really didn't have a choice. Also, I didn't want to lose my 2 degree advanced timing. I am going to buy the grounding kit today from Active Tuning so hopefully that helps out! Or better yet a group buy? Because it sounds like quite a few members are thinking about buying this kit. I think this would be a great gift for the holiday season! Have you had this done pops? brysig228 it looks like you have the grounding kit how do you like it? Any improvements?

Great Idea!!!! Ask him about the Group Buy. I'll get a Grounding Kit if it'll contribute for Group Buy Pricing. If it's reg price then I'll just wait until later.

Great Idea!!!! Ask him about the Group Buy. I'll get a Grounding Kit if it'll contribute for Group Buy Pricing. If it's reg price then I'll just wait until later.


I just contacted Dave at Active Tuning and I am waiting on a response. I will keep you posted.

Whats the difference on the color tops? Which one has the highest cranking amps?

From my understanding, the Yellow Top is the one we need because it has a Deeper Cycle. I'm not sure what that means but I think it has to do with the longevity of how long it holds a charge and makes a big difference for where you're located. The Cold Cranks Amps are only 1/2 of the story. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a special market sector for batteries where you're at. You and your Armada in Alaska is going to be a learning experience for all of us.

I know I feel ya. I got an interstate battery from Sam's and It was a mistake! I have some of the same quarks as you. But the battery died in the Sam's parking lot so I really didn't have a choice. Also, I didn't want to lose my 2 degree advanced timing. I am going to buy the grounding kit today from Active Tuning so hopefully that helps out! Or better yet a group buy? Because it sounds like quite a few members are thinking about buying this kit. I think this would be a great gift for the holiday season! Have you had this done pops? brysig228 it looks like you have the grounding kit how do you like it? Any improvements?


i just made those wires. bought a larger gauge wire and cut them to specs.. i think one of the titan site shows what needs to be done like where the wires go to and it was cheaper for me to do it that way. after installing all the wires it made a big difference when i play my stereo loud.. still there are some flickering on the head lights but not as bad as before.

Pops, I dont think its the CCA as much as it is the battery fluids start to "gel" in extremely cold conditions when not kept warm (heat blanket). Yes, the higher the CCA the better, which is what I am looking for. Somebody told me to get a marine battery. Not sure what the difference is,,yet.

<edit:> I've posted the "best battery" question over on CT for the guys who are living up there.

http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=42680

Here's everything I could find for now. You'll have to plug in a 2006 Armada in the "Lookup by Vehicle" but it will give you some of the specs of the Red and Yellow Tops.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/truck_suv/find_your_optima/


Part Number: 35 (9020-164)
RedTop®; Battery; Group 35; Cold Crank Amps 720; Crank Amps 910; Reserve Capacity 90; Ampere Hour 44; Top Terminal; L-9 5/16 in.; W-6 13/16 in.; H-7 5/8 in.; BOXED;


Part Number: D35 (9040-218)
YellowTop®; Deep Cycle Battery; Grp. D35; Cold Crank Amps 650; Crank Amps 810; Reserve Capacity 98; Amp Hour 48; Top Terminal; L-9 5/16 in.; W-6 13/16 in.; H-7 5/8 in.; BOXED;

Toll Free: 888-8OPTIMA (888-867-8462)
Phone: 303-340-7440
Fax: 303-344-9905
E-mail: questions@optimabatteries.com

http://www.exide.com/faq/faq_auto.html


What is Cranking Amp (CA) Rating?

Similar to CCA; Cranking amps is a measure of the number of amperes a lead acid battery at 32 degrees F can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell. (CA ratings are more commonly used in climates where temperatures rarely drop to 0F.)



What effect does extreme cold have on my battery?

Cold temperatures dramatically reduce the effectiveness of chemical reactions within the battery, while increasing the battery's internal resistance. Both of these cause a reduction in cranking power as temperatures drop. Batteries left in a discharged state are also susceptible to freezing, which damages internal components and containers. Cars require an increased amount of cranking power in cold weather, due to the fact that motor oil is thicker and makes engines harder to crank.



http://www.pacificpowerbatteries.com/aboutbatts/Car%20Battery%20FAQ/carfaq7.html

In the future, you can expect more expensive AGM or recombinant gas technology (GRT) batteries in the $100 to $150 price ranges. Examples of AGM batteries are Optima, Interstate's Extreme Performance, Concorde's Lifeline, Delphi's Freedom Extra, Exide's Select Orbital, AC Delco's Platinum, and Champion's Vortex. The use of this technology is because car manufacturers want to extend their "bumper-to-bumper" warranty periods, to relocate the battery from under the hood to avoid temperature extremes, to provide more weight in the rear, or to save under-hood space. The advantages of AGM batteries are they are maintenance free without the disadvantages of wet lead acid maintenance free batteries; they will last two to three times longer, if not overcharged. An AGM battery can replace a wet low maintenance battery, but a wet low maintenance battery cannot replace an AGM battery without adjusting the charging voltages. Expect to see 36-volt AGM car batteries with 14/42-volt dual or 42-volt electrical systems introduced by some of the car manufacturers in 2002.

Here's an answer from one of the CT guys who's in the North Slope.

http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=42680&page=2

if he has the funds, optima is a good choice, i went with the oddysey p1700, heck the stock will do as long as its maintained properly. if he has any mods, re: amp, speakers etc.... the stocker is junk and won't last long, i put 2 tens and a amp and it took about a week for the battery to start leaking. any sealed battery would be a good choice.

from what i understand the red top is more of a replacement for the OEM (or any of the other oem like battery). that is if you dont have a sound system. it will start better and last longer then your OEM battery. The yellow top is a dual purpose one..it meant for ppl who would put a drain on their battery like a decent sound system. where u can drain the battery many times without it dying on you like the OEM.

i have use the both one in my old prelude (red) and one in my current accord (yellow) even though im not running a sound system now it still good as a starter battery. i will probably get the yellow for my armada just incase i decide to run any kind of system where i would need the juice. :D

brysig228, i think you need to get a 1farad capacitor to stop the lights from dimming. assuming ur system is 1000 watts or less. otherwise get 2 of them and upgrade ur alternator :) since u grade ur battery

This will definitely be something that I upgrade to when my stock battery starts to drop. I have used the Red Top in my Xterra for several years and it's been awesome! I would leave the GPS running as well as strobes and led's and NEVER have an issue with restarting the vehicle. Very reliable product.

The Armada on the other hand will be getting the Yellow due to the increased capacity and "drop in" fitment.

Nice write up guys!