Optima Batteries WHOS USING THEM?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,735
Likes: 41
From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
It depends on what your needs are to which Optima you may want to get. If you have extensive aftermarket electronics in your car then I would suggest an Optima Yellow Top since it is a deep cycle battery. The Red Top is not. Of course it has side mounts for your stock connections and top mounts for your aftermarket connection needs.
You mentioned that it gets cold where you live so if you go deep cycle you may want to get THIS model Yellow Top. The more CCA's the better since deep cycle batteries don't like really cold weather. If you have no place locally to purchase one then that web site is a good place to pick one up.
Now, having said all of that, I have a Yellow Top in all of my Vette's including a 1988 35th Anniversary Edition, it has the same battery mount as your '86. I did have to use a Dremmel to grind down the lip on one side of the battery tray to fit it in but after that it fits like a glove.
Here is a pic of how it looks mounted:
You mentioned that it gets cold where you live so if you go deep cycle you may want to get THIS model Yellow Top. The more CCA's the better since deep cycle batteries don't like really cold weather. If you have no place locally to purchase one then that web site is a good place to pick one up.
Now, having said all of that, I have a Yellow Top in all of my Vette's including a 1988 35th Anniversary Edition, it has the same battery mount as your '86. I did have to use a Dremmel to grind down the lip on one side of the battery tray to fit it in but after that it fits like a glove.
Here is a pic of how it looks mounted:
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 2
From: Fort Knox
This thread was put to death long ago. Please supply a model number anyways in a reply thread. Trying to explain what kind of battery you want to the people at parts stores is hard enough, without having a model number of the equipment you're looking to buy. Invariably, they want to ask you, "why do you want this battery?" or "whats it going in?" when they just not need to think but look up the part you want and provide it to you. I dont know how many times ive been at a parts store and the guy behind the counter tried to grow a brain and tell me what I should do. Im always thinking it my head "JUST SHUT UP AND GET MY PART!" 
snoopdan
snoopdan
Race Director
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 16,281
Likes: 104
From: Sun city CA
Hi Snoop
I have installed 3 Optimas in 3 different C4s... they all needed modification to the battery area to make it fit... I actually notched out and re paneled the frame support on that install... As in cut, clamp, and weld... then repaint... I don't think it takes much now that Optima has made a lot of different sizes compared to just a few years ago... I had to notch out part of the tray to get the battery to go inboard a bit farther... and slot the hold down rubber block to get it in the right position... I just looked at my 91, it is a group "34/78 OR" battery with 980 amps and 800 CCA... It is heavy at 40 lbs, but has plenty of power...
My cruise control bracket needed a little revision, but that should not be an issue for you... hope you find what your looking for...
I have installed 3 Optimas in 3 different C4s... they all needed modification to the battery area to make it fit... I actually notched out and re paneled the frame support on that install... As in cut, clamp, and weld... then repaint... I don't think it takes much now that Optima has made a lot of different sizes compared to just a few years ago... I had to notch out part of the tray to get the battery to go inboard a bit farther... and slot the hold down rubber block to get it in the right position... I just looked at my 91, it is a group "34/78 OR" battery with 980 amps and 800 CCA... It is heavy at 40 lbs, but has plenty of power...
My cruise control bracket needed a little revision, but that should not be an issue for you... hope you find what your looking for...
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
Snoop - I feel left out. I've lurked for so long but I just want to help...I bought a yellow top, hacked it, sawed it, painted it red, ground down the posts, sanded the edges, and kicked it a few times. Then, I realized that I had a freaken C5 and didnt need to do all that. Hell, I didnt even need a battery.
I let some of the internal juice out of it to make it lighter for the performance guys and sold it on Ebay.
Sorry...never mind me.
You got that part number yet? I can send it via US mail if you want.
I let some of the internal juice out of it to make it lighter for the performance guys and sold it on Ebay.
Sorry...never mind me.
You got that part number yet? I can send it via US mail if you want.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
i use a yellow top in my C4, nothing special, but it barely fits. There is barely any room on the outside, and the positive post would be touching the mount for the ecm, so I wrapped it with rubbber and it all works great.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,397
Likes: 22
From: Rockledge Florida
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '14, '24
I just installed a 75/35 in my 86 coupe about 3 hours ago, fit like a
glove, no mods needed. Sears $109.00. Also see page 23 latest issue
Corvette Fever. Don't bother with the optima web site they have no info for Vettes
glove, no mods needed. Sears $109.00. Also see page 23 latest issue
Corvette Fever. Don't bother with the optima web site they have no info for Vettes