Reply to "Battery Issue?"

The Hall Super Pantera, of which this is one, had a high capacity/output alternator put in them. Either 100 amps or 130. In fact, Gary was one of the first to use a one wire alternator.

It wouldn't be a bad time to switch to a one wire system since it would eliminate the regulator from the equation entirely. Simplifying the Pantera is a good thing.

FYI I have killed three Optima reds in the last 5 years. The problem with that is I have to listen to the lecture from the distributor and they need to attempt to recharge the battery "properly" with their "special" charger. Well folks. I've got one too.

Three of them were DOA. Bene Morto.

I still use them because they are dry cells. That's the only reason. Well that and they don't freeze up when we get these freakin' Artic Vortex scenarios.

If your voltage is dropping lower than 13.5 to 13.8 across the battery terminals with the car idling and your accessories on, the issue is the alternator. Whether that means what you have is dying, the belt slipping (usually it will squeal when you load the alternator) or the battery is on it's last legs.

There in lies the cultpret(s). Optimas are weird batteries. They can go more than 5 years or not make it to two. Unfortunately even with them, they have gone "offshore" and quality control went out the window with them. Buyer beware.