Modifications, Upgrades, & Repairs

[01001010]

Well guys...if you havent done so already, i think its time you did!...switch to a K&N FIlter that is!!!!....wow...you can really notice the increase in the fuel-mileage numbers. Also using that new (new to me atleast) SAE 10-40 4x4 Oil from Quakerstate and man...you can barely feel the engine!...when im at intersections i have to turn the radio down and put the window down a bit to make sure the engine is on!!..NO LIE!!...Next on the to-do list, Ignition: 7mm Wires, Rotor and Cap, Bosch Platinum Plugs, Bosh Coil, and Optima Battery (btw, can anyone tell me if it would be ok to use the Yellow Top as the main bat or not?)

[1st rover]

almost ditto
i switched from 20w50 to 10w40 and trust me the engine responds much better,runs quieter and i love it.
the previous owner had already upgraded to fatter wires, now i need a k&n which ill be putting in soon .

[02disco2]

Congrats!!! What kind of MPG increase did you get?

[01001010]

I havent done the math yet but im going to do it a little later when i go to work so ill post up there...BUT the needle moves A LOTTT slower now!

[Dperlitz]

I have a 2002 Discovery SE, would this work for me?

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by 01001010

(btw, can anyone tell me if it would be ok to use the Yellow Top as the main bat or not?)

The Yellow Top Optima is not intended to be used as a cranking battery, but as a deep discharge battery when operating accessories (fridge, lights, radio, etc) for long periods of time between startings. The red top is intended for use as a starting battery.
Though not often listed, the Blue Top is still available and is a good choice for both applications when only one battery is fitted.

[01001010]

GEEZEE..THANK YOUU!!!..HAHA...DAAAANG...that question has been pending for like 2 weeks now....thanks for clearin that up for me Terry...u da mannn!

[01001010]

Originally Posted by Dperlitz

I have a 2002 Discovery SE, would this work for me?

It sure would. You can find your fuel filter on www.roverparts.com and the airfilter as well..they also have the service kit (air and oil filter, and airfilter cleaning liquid and spray). On ebay, however, look for the store called Exotic Truck and the K&N airfilters alone are less expensive there.

[02disco2]

Terry,

Are you 100% sure about the Yellow Top Optima? I have used the Yellow tops on all of my vehicles for years, without a hitch. I use the Blue's for my boat.

Ryan

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by 02disco2

Terry,

Are you 100% sure about the Yellow Top Optima? I have used the Yellow tops on all of my vehicles for years, without a hitch. I use the Blue's for my boat.

Ryan

As sure as anyone can be, listening to the battery tech at Midstate Battery, but that certainly doesn't make me an expert. Batteries are rated in CA (cranking amps) and CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) ( My ex mother in law was rated very highly as a COLD CRUEL CRANK) So, anyway, where was I, yeah, The Red top's ability is to provide a High initial surge of current though this high current drain is not sustainable. The Yellow Top does not deliver as high an initial current, but can withstand a much longer sustained drain. Yes, A yellow top will start a car. Under ordinary conditions, a well tuned modern, fuel injected car will fire up withing the first half dozen revolutions If the battery, fully charged is about 12.5 volts. If you were to put your voltmeter accross the battery terminals, and begin cranking, you will see a significant voltage drop while cranking. If you graphed the voltage drop from initially hitting the key, the Red Top graph will start out at 12.5 to 12.9, drop to 10.5 or so and flatten out for awhile before dropping off again. A Yellow top graph will have a much more gradual slope to discharge, but it's initial drop will be faster as it can't give a surge push the way a redtop does. I don't know how the chemistry of a spiral gell cell works as compared to a lead acid, but a lead acid battery can recover a substatial portion of it's capacity if the acis level does not drop too low towards water during a discharge (much the way a fresh battery will get a substantial surface charge when the acid is first added, even before charging. The red top and Yellow top differ in this recovery aspect, the red top can't be discharged as deeply as the yellow top.
Winching is where alot of people differ as to Red or Yellow. My thinking is that the Yellow will handle this sustained drain of the high wattage (Amp x volts) winch motor, better than the red top, but since most people don't have to run out 130 of cable and pull full load the whole amount, the red top appears to work fine here, though I doubt it could hold up to the yellow for a long load. Just curious, do you keep your Disco in a garage on those cold MN nights? I don't think you would feel the same about a Yellow top as a starting battery in Greenville Maine winters where the temps are in the neighborhood of -20 F in the mornings

[01001010]

well it certainly does sound like it did make you an expert..haha...good one about the inlaw!...well...i dont winch (even tho i should, been stuck in deep mud twice already)...so i guess i'll go for the Red Top

[01001010]

oh man, that sounded like a bit of sarcasm, i was being serious tho...thats some useful info you learned there.

[TerryS]

If you elect to add a second battery, I really don't like these battery isolaters out there. I personally prefer a plain old marine battery switch (1,2,BOTH, OFF)

[02disco2]

I see your point, and understand the theory. My vehicles mainly stay inside the garage at night. Over the past three years, and most specifically with my Audi's, I ran yellow tops in those and I travel quite extensively up to Fargo North Dakota every other week for 3-4 nights. Boy, it does get cold up there! I only had one issue with it not starting after it sat in the Ramada parking lot for 3 days when it was -30F and I had left the friggen radar detector plugged in. A quick jump and I never had an issue again. I did run a lot of stereo gear in those vehicles so that was the intial reason chose the yellow's. You learn something new here every day!! Thanks Terry!

[1st rover]

Originally Posted by 02disco2

Congrats!!! What kind of MPG increase did you get?

since i last posted . i have been on a road trip and today i drove about 350 miles ie san jose to LA

and guess what? it sure put A BIG FREKIN GRIN ON MY FACE.
how does 20 sound?
thats rite u read it right 20 miles/gallon on my 93 rr lwb.
it sure surprised me.and all this just after switching to a lighter oil.Now gonna be going to get my green rangie a k&n.
and she'll be greener, i hope.
and if that works fine she's gonna get a snorkel.

<thanks bout all the info about the battery's.>