[mattpatt]

Final info on this "problem" for those that may find it helpful.

I swapped in the battery from my regular car (advice from Blas) and, after starting, the charge current spiked and dropped to ~4-5 amps within ~30 seconds (the Optima was leveling off at ~9 amps best case). So, the Optima was drawing more current than I expected.

With the engine off I ran a few loads (wipers, 2 light settings, etc.) with a digital ammeter in series with the amp meter. Looks like the amp meter reads 2 - 3 amps high (at lease on the discharging side or the meter). So, with the regular battery the actual charging current was 2-3 amps which I expect (MSD ignition - is read by the amp meter the way I have my wiring done).

Per Optima's instructions I charged it completely, let it rest a few days and had it tested on an automatic tester (Pep Boys). Results - a good battery.

In reading up on AGM batteries (like the Optima) I've learned that they have very low internal resistance compared to conventional batteries. This is probably why the high charging current even when fully charged. I could not find any details about the resistance value and if it applies during charging, though.

Bottom line - I put the Optima back in the Cobra and am not worried - seems to be normal. Like Jim said, my problem was that I have an amp meter and was looking at it.
<{:>)))

By the way - after re-installing the Optime the charging current is now lower (5 - 6 amps). Maybe a new battery just needs to settle in?

Thanks everyone.

Matt