Yellow or red top optima?

Question

i got a 800 rms system, my current battery is not working properly so im thinking on upgrading to an optima, but im not sure which one fits me better, the yellow top or the red top, i have already read the differences, that red is better under the hood and the yellow is better for a secondary, but i cant afford both so i was thinking on just getting a yellow. Is the yellow good for primary usage? i heard the redtop is better because it got Cold Cranking Amps (no idea what is that) so is better for a primary battery. THE real question is, is the yellow less efficient than red if use as primary? also if i get a yellow (or red) would i need to upgrade the alternator right aways as well i can just wait (not money for it yet)?

Answer 1

If you don't need the cold cranking amps, go with a yellow top.

Answer 2

no need to upgrade alternator for either battery.

If you live in a cold climate, the Red will work better for you because it has a higher CCA (cold cranking amps) rating. In most conditions, the Yellow will work just fine as a primary battery.

Answer 3

The red has more CCA's so it has more starting power, the yellow has fewer CCA's but a longer reserve capacity, thus you can run your stereo longer before it drains the battery. So it depends on the aplication which is better for you.

I have a red top for my system running 2 amps and have not upgraded my alt. So no you do not have to if you do not want to.