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I could only find 2 threads on a forum search dealing with early C3 batteries (‘11 & ‘13) in the following manor.
I can’t see justification buying an Optimum Battery for a stock SB350, so I’m thinking a “Gold” level battery for a decent warranty and a fair price point. I’m hearing people say a 75 group fits perfectly, others say 74. Also, do all these batteries have top and side posts, or just certain brands?
Any current information (pertaining to quality) between Die Hard, Interstate, Duralast and Maxx (Walmart) batteries?
whatever size you get, pony up for the dual post version as it is HELL trying to charge/jump start a side post model buried in the rear compartment............................. ..........I'd also pick up some extra long jumper cables (20') to keep handy
Also, about the vent tube connected to the battery and through the underside of the battery compartment. Are they manufacturers today still making the vent tube connections. I imagine if its not the right size tube, just fabricate something that does work.
Vent tube?? Wow your really asking now! When is the last time you seen a wet car battery? With a vent line?
I had a Walmart maintenance free battery I purchased for something like 50 bucks in my C3. I bought it about a year before I left the country. I got 11 years out of that Walmart 2 year battery. No I don't understand the need for top posts. Yes my Snap on jumper cables are designed to clamp onto side post and top post battery's. And I really never need to use them. Now I'm running a AC delco side post battery.
(5 years now and going strong)
Very few choices here in Australia for a side post battery.
And I refuse to bastardize my battery cables.
It's not clear how early of C3 your asking about?
If 68-69 the recommended Group Number(s) would be 78 or 34 & 24 for a small block.
With any of the Group numbers there are higher and lower (CCA) choices.
Anything above 650 (CCA) would be my advice.
Here are some Group Numbers and there respective sizes...
Whatever battery you choose, get one that has a built in Lift Handel...
Since 2018 I've been using a Interstate MTZ-75DT AGM battery in my 77 715 (CCA) never a problem but they are expensive and about $100.00 more now than when I bought mine... L W H Group 78: 10.25 x 7.0625 x 7.6875" Group 75: 9 1/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 11/16" Group 74: 10 1/4 x 7 1/4 x 8 3/4" Group 34: 10.25 x 6.8125 x 8.875" Group 24: 10.25 x 6.8125 x 8.875"
I went with both a side and top post battery because my power amp required a min of 8 gauge wiring.
Connecting my Bluetooth, Stereo & Amp to the top post gives me a nice clean sound...
Notice the Lift Handel...
Last edited by bmotojoe; Mar 11, 2022 at 07:23 AM.
Also, about the vent tube connected to the battery and through the underside of the battery compartment. Are they manufacturers today still making the vent tube connections. I imagine if its not the right size tube, just fabricate something that does work.
The Walmart Everstart battery I purchased last year included a right angle plastic insert for a vent tube on one end and a plastic plug for the other side.
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Buy a cheap battery. Buy a "smart" battery charger. Buy battery cable lug bolts that can accommodate jumper cables more easily, if desired. The cheap battery should last for years.
I went with the Die Hard from Advance Auto. No complaints, works good so far with a stock starter on a small block 350.
I also made a super long hold down bolt so the head is way up at the top of the battery. makes life a little easier.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You want to find the newest one you can, not a battery that's been sitting on a shelf forever.
Walmart batteries have a round sticker on top with the month & year they were made.
You can pick out the newest one yourself. The last one I got was 1 month old...
You will not find a better Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (SLAB) than the Walmart Everstart for price and warranty. All SLAB's in the USA are produced by three battery manufactures if I recall correctly.
Brand Manufacturer
ACDelco Johnson Controls
Advance Auto Johnson Controls
AutoCraft Johnson Controls
Autolite Exide
AutoZone Johnson Controls
Bosch Johnson Controls
Champion Johnson Controls
Costco Johnson Controls
Delco Johnson Controls
Delco-Remy Exide
DieHard Johnson Controls
Duralast Johnson Controls
Duralast Johnson Controls
Equalizer Johnson Controls
EverStart (Wal-Mart) Exide or Johnson Controls, depending on model
Firestone Johnson Controls
Interstate Johnson Controls
Marathon Exide
Motorcraft Johnson Controls
NAPA Exide
Optima Johnson Controls
Orbital Exide
Pep Boys Johnson Controls
Sears Exide or Johnson Controls, depending on model
Wal-Mart Exide or Johnson Controls, depending on model
Agree with the Walmart batteries. I have one in mine now that is 12 years old and shows no sign of giving up yet. I got their longest warranty battery at the time.
It's always on a battery tender when I'm not using it.
This is the secret to the life span of any battery I've discovered. The tenders extend the life of the battery dramatically.
Then it looks like a Maxx battey from Walmart. It appears size doesn’t matter when the CCA is over 650. Wonder why they just dont make the smaller batteries, they fit in every place don’t they?
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Battery group sizes
