[Land-speed] Battery info

[bobbyhotrods at comcast.net]

I had a problem with a $240 Optima battery, and the more I research what maybe went wrong and what the solution might be, the less inclined I am to replace the battery with the same type. Not only are there alot of "don'ts" involved with the maintainance of the things, the manufacturer doesn't provide timely support when things go wrong, possibly because the batteries are problematic. 
It appears that the 30 amp generator in the car could croak a low charged Optima that can only accept a 10 amp charge. 
This particular battery has been installed on it's side, hung off the inside of a 32 Ford frame, so it's replacement has to mount on it's side, where it's width is only about 5 inches. This limits my options. Also, the car won't see regular service, so it may need a charge before I take the car out, and it would be good if the charge could be applied quickly. 
I think what I need is "dry" Odyssey battery, a puny one in the Summit catalog would fit, and has 680 amps. The car doesn't need alot of cranking power. 
Does anyone have any ideas or experiance with this? Thanks, BJ in Beantown, with the Volvo Ocean boats