Does anyone have an opinion on Optima batteries from past experience
Good or Bad
I looked at the #34/78 with 800 CCA and was tempted to buy it for $ 119.00 but thought I would hold out and see what you folks think. Disregard price I'm only interested in quality and reliability compared to other brands.
Thanks, Mark

 

Optima is the best battery you can buy, well worth the money. I got red top in my 79. Will buy one for the 75 soon. :cheers:

 

I've got Red Tops in the '64 and in the Y2K Honda Van.

800 CCA's in the Vette and 720 CCA's in the van. No problemo's.

 

The Optima Rocks......!!
I have it in my 65 and I am very pleased with it. The motor cranks like a rocket. It also is slightly smaller and fits nicely. The neg terminal now is facing the fender side and the pos terminal now towards the motor.

You will notice the difference when you crank your motor over.. it will spin alot faster then before. IMHO...worth the extra bucks especially in the cold and hot weather and after your car has been sitting for a long time. It always starts like it has had a fresh charge. :cheers:

 

Ditto with all that was said. Look around on the net or ebay, I found the same battery new, delivered to my front door for $99 :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:

 

I've got a Yellow Top on my '64. Great battery. You let it sit and drain down to dead, then recharge it up and it's like new as if nothing ever happened. Also, no corrosion on the battery tray like with the old batteries.

You will need to redo/modify/add to the stock hold-down to clear the top or can replace it with an aftermarket hold-down. (Someone makes a beautiful polished billet aluminum one.)

 

I haven't owned one, but researched the Optima's (gell cell). I ended up purchasing a traditional (flooded plate) battery. My only two concerns that all GC mfrs warned substantially decreases GC life and recovery rates were;
1) GC's don't tolerate high temps. Mfr recomended max ambient temp is 120' F, & I figured it got much hotter than that under the hood in August.
2) GC's don't tolerate over-charging. Mfr recomended charging voltage is only a narrow 12.0 - 12.8 VDC. Most alternators put out 14-14.8 VDC, so charge system mods would be required (or so I figured for max GC life).

I must have had too much time on my hands at the time because I also remember doing the math & figured I could buy 3 FC batts w/1 year warranties for what 1 GC batt w/3 year warranty cost (red-top = $130 at the time).

However, it appears theres plenty of praise here that they work just fine, at least in the short-term, and the price has come down some, so I might reconsider if I needed one now.

************
CORRECTION: a63vette bellow is correct, the Optimas are AGM (absorbant glass mat) technology...not Gel cells. heres a thread I found with more detail on the differences: http://www.mail-archive.com/montgome.../msg04256.html



[Modified by Viking427, 7:50 PM 12/4/2003]

 

I have red tops in my 55 Chevy (mounted in trunk) and my 66 Vette coupe mounted behind the driver seat. I wanted a sealed battery cause it's inside with me and should be trouble free. I have had the one in my 55 for 6 years with no complaints. I am running dual amp/subwoofer/cassette/CD changer/5 &7 speaker stereo systems in both cars so I need the extra juice. My alternators put out above 14V and so far the Optima doesn't seem to mind. I would definately buy them again.

Nick

 

I have a yellow top in my 63 fuelie for about 5 years now - zero complaints she cranks right up even in the frigid NY temps. I did not have to modify anything in my car - it just dropped right in.

Viking - I am not an expert, but to the best of my knowledge the Optima is NOT a Gel cell, but uses spiral cells. It can be charged up to 15 volts and does not suffer from the high resistance of gel cells.

"Inside this unusual battery is a six-pack of SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY®. Traditional batteries have a stack of thick lead plates surrounded by acid. But OPTIMA® batteries feature two thin lead plates wound into a tight spiral cell, with an absorbent glass-mat in between to hold the electrolyte solution.This unique design allows for more power and increased energy, resulting in quick, reliable starts. OPTIMA batteries are the first and only batteries to feature SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY. "

Gel Cel:

" What is a Gel Cell Battery?
A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing. "

"Most gel batteries have a much higher internal resistance, meaning they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently. This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example, most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine starting applications."

I use one in my Model T Ford and my everyday cars as well. Super batteries, worth the price IMO.

Jordan


[Modified by a63vette, 2:21 PM 12/4/2003]

 

Three cars:

1957 Corvette

1995 Camaro

1997 Corvette

Three Optima red-tops :steering:

 

HEAT is death on batteries. 120 ambient in the engine compartment? How 'bout 120 in the shade! "Most" people I know use Optimas here, they're the only ones that will last in the heat we get.

 

im just about to replace my tray and battery and will go with an optima. are there different sizes i need to be aware of or just get the standard red top one? car is basically stock with a low horse 327 that probably gets driven once to twice a month.

 

I bought a 34/78 red top with 800CCA. It is a bit smaller which for me was good. I did modify the battery hold down bracket with a center strap but unless your realy into everything looking original it is hardly noticable. I painted it black to match and it's 50% covered by the overflow tank anyway.

Good luck, Mark :thumbs:

 

After having the AC Delco batteries leak around the positive post in my 95 and the wife's 2000, I replaced them with Optima Red Tops and have been very happy. Shortly after buying my 02 Z06, I replaced a perfectly good AC Delco battery with an Optima Red Top. Fortunately I got it before it had a chance to leak. I have no faith in the original AC Delco batteries; way too many of them develop leaks. The Optima Red Tops seem to hold up well in the Houston heat.

 

GREAT battery. Well worth the money.

 

I too am planning to use on in my '66. Is there a consensus on which of the two to use? I see lots of both...

 

Best place to buy the Optima?

:cheers:

 

I bought mine at AutoZone for $134.00 with tax. I didn't have the old battery so I didn't get the $8.00 back. I saw it at Costco after I already bought mine for $99.00 #$%^
I bought the red top which if I understand correctly is the correct one for a car that is not going to be drawing a heavy load such as an RV or one of those cars with the stereo system you can hear 3 miles before they go buy my house :mad
I just installed it this morning and went for what could be my final ride of the season.
Good luck, Mark :thumbs:

 

Costco?
You sure......I just checked their site

thanks

 

Posative. I didn't check their web site. I just saw it in the store Monday nite.