Help me choose a new battery!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Re: Help me choose a new battery! (VETDRMS)
Optima, only way to go in my opinion.
I bought a Optima for a resto project about 7 years ago. I put about 250 miles a year on it. It starts EVERY time with no problem. Cranks over very fast. Of couse, having it properly tuned is important.
But who needs a 39.35 "special" that you can get a "replacement" every two years when it craps out? Not worth the hassle. Just my opinion.
I bought a Optima for a resto project about 7 years ago. I put about 250 miles a year on it. It starts EVERY time with no problem. Cranks over very fast. Of couse, having it properly tuned is important.
But who needs a 39.35 "special" that you can get a "replacement" every two years when it craps out? Not worth the hassle. Just my opinion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Re: Help me choose a new battery! (aardvark)
I went to their Web site and navigated first to "Using An Optima" then selected "Automotive Battery Selector" from the left had column and put in my Vette info and here's what I got:
CHEVROLET
Corvette
1980-1979 All
Alternative Selections:
Part Number: 3478DT
CCA: 750
Model Name: OPTIMA
Battery Group Size: 34DTO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Number: DT34/78
CCA: 800
Model Name: OPTIMA
Battery Group Size: 34DTO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Number: DT75
CCA: 720
Model Name: OPTIMA
Battery Group Size: 75DTO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHEVROLET
Corvette
1980-1979 All
Alternative Selections:
Part Number: 3478DT
CCA: 750
Model Name: OPTIMA
Battery Group Size: 34DTO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Number: DT34/78
CCA: 800
Model Name: OPTIMA
Battery Group Size: 34DTO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Number: DT75
CCA: 720
Model Name: OPTIMA
Battery Group Size: 75DTO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Re: Help me choose a new battery! (Corvette_fetish)
Optima Red Top here, never any problems... Plus you can mount it any way you want. I'm a car mechanic in the Air Force, and we install Optima Red Top batteries in almost all of our vehicles. The bigger trucks get the Yellow Tops. Excellent batteries, and I've never replaced an Optima in any Air Force vehicle since I've been a mechanic for 3 years. They simply don't die! If they get to the point where they won't take a charge, you jump them off with another battery while keeping the charger on for about 10 mins, and they'll start taking a charge. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Re: Help me choose a new battery! (Stoge)
I have the cheapest Wal-Mart battery I could get there. It has worked very well for over 3 years now. Think I paid $29.95 for it.
I was turned off by Wal Mart batteries the time my Tarus battery died late at night and I went to pick up a new one at the only place I knew to be open 24 hours, Wal Mart. Well, every one they had in stock that would fit was leaking. Good thing someone there mentioned there was a 24 hour Autozone 10 miles away. That's where I went.
[Modified by Corvette_fetish, 1:32 PM 1/7/2004]
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Muskego WI
Re: Help me choose a new battery! (Stewart's74)
I don't think its the battery. 90% of us are fair weather drivers, the problem may be that you car sits too long to often and results in a condition called Lot-Rot. I have used a battery switch with the large green ****. At 1 time it was sold by Swan but now you can get the same switch at Jegs or any swap meet. They are MFG'd for post and side terminal batteries. The only thing you will have to do is reset your clock. The problem is not in the Wal*Mart battery and the answer is not a $100.00 six-pack battery.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Re: Help me choose a new battery! (Stewart's74)
If I'm not mistaken, I believe Interstate Batteries sells a re-badged Optima that is actually cheaper. I think that possibly Interstate makes them. At least that was the buzz several years ago when I had my Jeep.
My Jeep came with an Optima Red Top, though, and it was a wonderful battery.
