I have had an optima for quite the while in my 99 se and to install a regular red top or any other optima for that matter i had to take out the plastic battery tray (there are 2 10 mm bolts and you have to slide the tray towards the engine to release the locking tab/slots) and just move the + and - cables.... plenty of slack in them to do this and you should b able to find an optima red top for around $100.00.

99 Contour se. Sony mex-1hd. Amps-MMATS D200HC/Aura 6x100. EQ's/crossovers-Audio control 4xs/PG bass cube. Subs 4 adire audio shiva. Mids Unknown maker 4 and 6.5" (maybe the blue cast basket will tell you something). Tweets Isophon 1.5" silk dome.