Can I replace The OEM recommend battery with the higher CCA batteries, or can I use the Optima battery?

 

This is type I replaced my original with; max physical size that fits in battery bay.
See pdf.
Fitted Jan 2014, still going strong.

 

I tried to go higher on mine as well. The challenge was I luckily measured the old battery as well as the battery bay to refit a new one. It's pretty specific for the OEM size battery.

 

Don't use the Optima. Our electrical system cooks them in short order; best to stick to tradtional lead acid types.

 

I had to get a battery recently and just by asking the Autozone guy for the lightest weight battery that would meet the specs for my car. He was going to sell me a 40lbs battery, but he found a 33lbs one that works.

I hope my car doesn't explode

 

I have used the Interstate replacement battery before and it worked ok. Got one from Wal-Mart last time and it is working fine so far...better specs, readily available and a lot less expensive. Unfortunately batteries no longer carry the long warranties they used to at one time.