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Which Optima Battery to use?

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Old 02-21-2011, 07:49 PM
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SupremeDeluxe
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Default Which Optima Battery to use?

I want to replace my 10 year old Delco battery when I take the 67 out of storage this spring (yes, it is actually 10 years old and works fine). I am going Optima this time, probably the Red Top version, but their website is no help in selecting the right battery.

For anyone running an Optima, which one fits best? Application is 1967 427/400. Thanks!
Old 02-21-2011, 07:54 PM
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Mossy66
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I have the red top model 9083547 in our '66.


Gerry
Old 02-21-2011, 08:11 PM
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Nowhere Man
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Just don't let it die and expect to bring it back to life. IMHO they are not worth it from what I read on this board and other boards
Old 02-21-2011, 08:17 PM
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SupremeDeluxe
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
Just don't let it die and expect to bring it back to life. IMHO they are not worth it from what I read on this board and other boards
They are worthwhile because they do not leak. I had issues with the last Optima Red Top I had in my 2002 Z06, but still necessary because they cannot leak (and in C5, this is critical because the ECU is directly under the battery).

Given that the battery installation in a 427 car requires that the battery be tipped on its side momentarily, I am not going to use any more conventional batteries in it.
Old 02-21-2011, 08:20 PM
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SupremeDeluxe
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Originally Posted by Mossy66
I have the red top model 9083547 in our '66.


Gerry
Gerry,

Thanks! That # doesn't come up on their website. Do you know what group # it is?
Old 02-21-2011, 08:26 PM
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54greg
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I've had 2 optimas, one red and one yellow. Pieces of sh*t. If you demand sealed look into braille. Great light weight and never any issues. I keep all mine on tenders and the optimas still died in under 2 years. Regular auto zone batteries are lasting more than 6.
Old 02-21-2011, 08:33 PM
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Mossy66
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Originally Posted by SupremeDeluxe
Gerry,

Thanks! That # doesn't come up on their website. Do you know what group # it is?
No, but there is a partially scraped away part of the label that says part 34/78.


Gerry
Old 02-21-2011, 08:37 PM
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SupremeDeluxe
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Originally Posted by Mossy66
No, but there is a partially scraped away part of the label that says part 34/78.


Gerry
Awesome, that tells me what I need.
Old 02-21-2011, 08:40 PM
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Default AC Delco Side terminal vice Gel

Last fall got my c5 inspected and wanted to change out the original AC Delco Gel Battery. I told them to put in a factory replacement. They put in the AC Delco Professional side terminal. I was told that Chevrolet does not supply a gel battery any more for the C5 and C6.
I was concerned. But what I have learned is that this AC Delco Professional is definately improved over the early side terminal battteries and will not leak. It was the manufacturing specifications of the earlier side terminals that caused the terminals to leak because when someone over tightened them they literally pulled the terminals out of their sockets. the new design is not suppose to do that.

Dave.
Old 02-21-2011, 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by oldchev
Last fall got my c5 inspected and wanted to change out the original AC Delco Gel Battery. I told them to put in a factory replacement. They put in the AC Delco Professional side terminal. I was told that Chevrolet does not supply a gel battery any more for the C5 and C6.
I was concerned. But what I have learned is that this AC Delco Professional is definately improved over the early side terminal battteries and will not leak. It was the manufacturing specifications of the earlier side terminals that caused the terminals to leak because when someone over tightened them they literally pulled the terminals out of their sockets. the new design is not suppose to do that.

Dave.
Good information. I washed my hands of Delco batteries in 2002 when I had repeated negative terminal failures on my 1995 Impala SS. I could not tighten the ground terminal at all without it breaking internally. The Delco in my 67 came with the car; date of manufacture is September 2001. I have to stop at the Cadillac dealership this week to pick up something for my STS, I will ask about the batteries while I'm there.
Old 02-21-2011, 08:57 PM
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shemp
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I've had my red top for 4 yrs no problems here. Shemp
Old 02-21-2011, 09:08 PM
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I wouldn't use an Optima if it was free. Nor would I use a new Delco. My truck is on its 4th Delco in 3 years. Go to Costco and get one of theirs. They have a free 3 yr replacement if it fails.

Jim
Old 02-21-2011, 09:14 PM
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toddalin
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Have had a Yellow Top for years. These are great because the car sits so much. Recognize that you will have to modify or replace your stock hold-down to adequately secure it.
Old 02-21-2011, 09:21 PM
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I have a Red top going on 3 1/2 years ! Great battery.
Old 02-21-2011, 09:22 PM
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Larry N. Johnson
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Default Optima Battery

I have used Red Tops, Blue Tops, and Yellow Tops.

The Red Tops are good IF they are kept charged up.

The Blue and Yellows are "deep cycle" so that can be discharged and still be good to re-charge.


The advantages of the deep cycle batteries:
Delivers higher peak amps faster than conventional batteries
Provides up to twice the life of conventional batteries
More consistent voltage across the discharge curve
Superior cold and hot weather performance vs. conventional batteries
Available in models with SAE posts, stainless threaded studs, or both
Spill-proof, even if the case is physically ruptured
Will not off-gas in normal operation, eliminating fumes, odor & corrosion
Over 14x more shock and vibration resistant than conventional batteries
Provides more power from a smaller package
True zero maintenance
Holds charge better during periods of nonuse
Operates in any position without spilling
Offers proven durability & performance (Read testimonials)
Shipped out same-day if ordered by 2 p.m. Central Time
Arrives charged and ready to use
Free shipping in the U.S. 48 states*
I use a battery tender just to be sure the battery lasts a long time...cheap insurance.

This place has free shipping online here

Good luck; battery selection is VERY IMPORTANT!!
Old 02-21-2011, 10:03 PM
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ditchdigger650
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I've had a red top in my 67 coupe, small block had it for close to ten years, never had a problem, my son orders one on e-bay brand new and it's dead when he gets it, charged it lasts about a week and dies, once their dead their toast, I took it to a optima dealer and they tried to charge it and it would not hold a load, they were good they gave me a brand new one, put in my silverado and it works fine, also I did'nt start my vette for 4 months, I thought for sure it would'nt start, it fired right up. It's whatever you like, myself I think their a good battery.
Old 02-21-2011, 10:22 PM
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Optima Battery... OVERRATED. I wouldn't put one in my lawn tractor if it was given to me.

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Old 02-22-2011, 06:02 AM
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mike coletta
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I have yellow tops in everything I own, including my tractors. Best battery out there.

Mike Coletta
Old 02-22-2011, 02:43 PM
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Jimbo64
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Originally Posted by SupremeDeluxe
I want to replace my 10 year old Delco battery when I take the 67 out of storage this spring (yes, it is actually 10 years old and works fine). I am going Optima this time, probably the Red Top version, but their website is no help in selecting the right battery.

For anyone running an Optima, which one fits best? Application is 1967 427/400. Thanks!
red top worst battery i have every had and i am 70 years old- lasted less then two yrs then autozone would not stand behind it- by anything and change after 7 or eight years and you will be way ahead
Old 02-23-2011, 11:13 AM
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Kensmith
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I've had red, yellow, and blue. They are all JUNK! You would be better off keeping your old Delco!


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