Optima Battery
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Optima Battery
Guys
Well the time has come to replace the old leaking battery I had in the car, had battery acid all over the place in the well and put baking soda all over to soak it up. Now that the weather is getting warmer and spring is around the corner I was going to clean and prep the battery box and go with the Optima Battery.
I was wondering for those of you that have the Optima are you happy with it, are they reliable, and what size or part number will fit in the space. I see there are a lot of different applications for our Vettes.
Thank you
Well the time has come to replace the old leaking battery I had in the car, had battery acid all over the place in the well and put baking soda all over to soak it up. Now that the weather is getting warmer and spring is around the corner I was going to clean and prep the battery box and go with the Optima Battery.
I was wondering for those of you that have the Optima are you happy with it, are they reliable, and what size or part number will fit in the space. I see there are a lot of different applications for our Vettes.
Thank you
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 107
Likes: 4
From: AZ
Haven't used one in the vette yet, but I did have one in my boat. Only issue I had was that I needed to buy a new battery charger that has the circuitry for use with Optima style batteries. Please post pics when you're done. It's on my list of projects for my 72.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: McLouth Kansas
I had a red top for a few years after we used it in my dirt track car for a couple of years. It finally died but once I ran it down completely and it was a B---ch to get charged back up. Now I just have a Deka sealed Bat and keep a tender on it,,,much cheaper and works just fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 105
Originally Posted by diehrd
Stay away from Optima I can not tell you how many people have been disappointed by them. You would be better of with a the AC/Delco IMOP
read this post from C2 forum. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...3783585&page=1
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
My polaris quad boiled away my original one year old battery so I switched to AGM and it has been good to go ever since
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I've had 2 Optimas and they both died quick deaths. They are the most over rated, overpriced batteries with the highest failure rates right out of the box of any brand in my opinion. Interstate or AC Delco are my favorites.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 169
Likes: 10
I run Optima batteries in the truck, boat, corvette, and work vans. they are good batteries.
In my experience, they can be killed dead several times and they come back to life
Its impossible for them to leak acid etc.
In my experience, they can be killed dead several times and they come back to life
Its impossible for them to leak acid etc.
Last edited by Rcdizy; Feb 28, 2016 at 02:23 PM.
My Redtop died and never returned. 
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 169
Likes: 10
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 958
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Costco (Kirkland) batteries are the bomb...I had 2 that lasted 15 years..one in the 78 C3, the other in a 94 Mustang GT Convertible. Save your money and don't buy an overpriced Optima-whatever color.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Feb 28, 2016 at 03:48 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I ran the 34 series red top in my 71. I eventually moved it to my z06 and have been running it in that car since 2006.
Last edited by Sigforty; Feb 28, 2016 at 03:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I have had good luck with the Optima batteries. I have the second red in my 2008 and a yellow in my '81. The yellow is a deep cycle battery. I have a high powered stereo which drains the battery down when not running. I keep a trickle charger on it at all times.
I do think the Optima batteries are overpriced though.
I do think the Optima batteries are overpriced though.
Last edited by Street Rat; Feb 28, 2016 at 05:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Well I will at least get the battery box cleaned up and prepped for the new power source but it looks like I will have to do some soul searching on the type of battery I'm gonna use. Thank you for your opinions on this fine Sunday. Hope your all well. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
I've tried quite a few brands over the last 50 years. I've finally settled on the top warranty battery that's available at Walmart. The advantage here is that they are open all the time, especially if you have a super center near you. If the battery fails, just return it and get a replacement. They are super accomodating. Good luck.
Duane
Duane