so whats some different places your could put it to get a better in there if need be.

 

While i don't have the OPTIMA, I do have a Champion Gel spiral wound thats been around since 02.Originally bought for a late model dirt car it went 2 seasons with a weekly recharge then sat in the shop after the last race and wasn't touched for 2 years till my truck Batt dumped.Dropped it in and spun the starter faster then the other batt ever did!Used it for 2 months and back in the shop it went.Now 2 weeks ago I t was back in the truck again and working just as well as before. And there hasn't been a charge put on it either time...I'm amazed at this thing And any time I put a meter to it,it was always above 12V. Ive never seen a battery sit so long and not lose a charge!

 

I could be wrong but I'm thinkin' the oem battery is vented thru the floorboard.....findin' a vented battery is a problem at this time but I'm sure they will come out with one or an add on deal that will let you vent the battery. Personally, if and when, a big fat gel sumethin' or another goes in (not recommended by the manufacturer). There is plenty of room, just gotta do a custom job on the hold down bracket.

 

So these newer supposedly sealed batteries still need venting? I guess they all out gas a bit.
Anyone with an Optima or other non vented battery have any problems in your cabin with this? I would think not, but hey I drove Covairs for almost 30 years, so I've tasted a lot of interesting stuff in my cabin air
I'm thinking of ordering a yellow Deep Cycle Optima tomorrow. I'm thinking my Kenwood upgrade may have hastened the demise of the OEM a bit. 0 degree F weather has not helped either.

I'll just have to figure something out for the battery holders if they do not fit well. The dimensions are close, but the yellow Optima is a little wide and taller. It looks like the original spot is fairly tight if one wants to keep the same footprint.

 

A optima battery WILL VENT GAS DO NOT PUT IT IN A HHR