C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

good battery

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 17, 2004 | 07:08 PM
  #1  
chartier 72's Avatar
chartier 72
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Default good battery

need to know if anyone has any idea of a good model or part number for a good replacement battery that i can pick up quickly at wal-mart or pep boys. the old one never a good fit.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2004 | 07:33 PM
  #2  
Larry B.'s Avatar
Larry B.
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Default

The current replacement is much smaller than the original so it will slide around in the box. Get a group 24 battery for heavy duty applications such as diesel or Big block.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2004 | 07:52 PM
  #3  
greyghost79's Avatar
greyghost79
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Default

you can get a group 78 at Autozone for about $60.00. there's one that has 1000 cranking amps. good for old cars that are hard to start. mine fits with no problem ('79).
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 01:32 PM
  #4  
Mako72's Avatar
Mako72
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,742
Likes: 843
From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

While not everybody may have had this problem, but I bought 2 used vehicles with autozone batteries that leaked around the posts and started eating up the cable heads. I have had good luck with AC Delco batteries. They did have a bad run on OEM C5's which has been fixed.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 01:47 PM
  #5  
ltlevil's Avatar
ltlevil
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands LA
Default

I have an OPTIMA red top in mine. You can actually mount these upside down so no worries about fumes and leaking. I know it's not original looking but it is reliable, guess it depends on what you do with the car. Cost was 109.00 plus tax at Advance Auto Parts with 2 year free replacement.

Steve
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 02:50 PM
  #6  
Love My 72 and 77's Avatar
Love My 72 and 77
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 0
From: Chico Ca
Default

Just buy an Optima they are awesome I have had one in use for 7 years now!

Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 03:05 PM
  #7  
Boofers's Avatar
Boofers
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Default

My battery is wicked awesome, its from:

Great Northern Battery Systems & ACME Battery Co. Ltd.

Its a group 78 "Magnum Power Premium" - 850CA, 1050CCA
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 03:35 PM
  #8  
Cali,68,L-79's Avatar
Cali,68,L-79
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Default

Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 04:37 PM
  #9  
Scooter70's Avatar
Scooter70
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Default

I just put the Delco Gold that I had the Vette into my truck for the winter. Next spring the Vette gets an Optima. (The Delco Gold hasn't been bad but I don't think that it likes sitting in the cold unused for 6 months out of the year.)
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 04:59 PM
  #10  
Stoge's Avatar
Stoge
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Default

I put the $29.95 special from Wal-Mart in mine. The last one lasted 5 years. Good enough for me.

I don't buy into those high priced Optima batteries.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 05:03 PM
  #11  
mark79,80's Avatar
mark79,80
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Default

If you have access to Consumer Reports magazines, one from a few
months ago tested batteries. The Advance Auto Parts batteries scored very well in several battery sizes. AC Delco batteries scored
lower in every catagory. As much as I like purchasing AC Delco
products, they are not the same quality as when they manufactured
them in house. Now you are paying a premium for the AC Delco name
on someone else's battery.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 05:52 PM
  #12  
Hidro's Avatar
Hidro
Intermediate
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kingston Washington
Default Optima

Optima marine battery here.
No problems.

I like it because its sealed and can be mounted in any direction.

-Ed
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 06:27 PM
  #13  
Cali,68,L-79's Avatar
Cali,68,L-79
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Default

Originally Posted by Hidro
Optima marine battery here.
No problems.

I like it because its sealed and can be mounted in any direction.

-Ed
Ed what application on your Vette would require the battery to not leak if upside down? Planning on using the Vette as a boat?
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2004 | 12:42 AM
  #14  
Corvette_fetish's Avatar
Corvette_fetish
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Default

Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima
Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima
Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima
Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima
Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima Optima

The red top, not the yellow.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2004 | 01:49 AM
  #15  
Hidro's Avatar
Hidro
Intermediate
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kingston Washington
Default

Originally Posted by Cali,68,L-79
Ed what application on your Vette would require the battery to not leak if upside down? Planning on using the Vette as a boat?
You have'nt seen me drive.

It has a better Reserve of power than the others too, Since the battery is sealed its not venting fumes in the storage compartment.

-Ed

PS Blue Top lol
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2004 | 12:56 PM
  #16  
Glassbowtie77's Avatar
Glassbowtie77
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Default

Originally Posted by Stoge
I put the $29.95 special from Wal-Mart in mine. The last one lasted 5 years. Good enough for me.

I don't buy into those high priced Optima batteries.

I have the best one that Walmart makes in all my cars including the Vette.
It's 1000 cold cranking amps if I'm not mistakin' and only costs $59.99. They work just as good as a DieHard, and the price can't be beat.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2004 | 02:28 PM
  #17  
Richard Cooper's Avatar
Richard Cooper
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
Default

I've got the Optima Red Top in my 81 for 4 years now and have had no problems.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To good battery

Old Dec 19, 2004 | 03:37 PM
  #18  
Corvette_fetish's Avatar
Corvette_fetish
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Default

Originally Posted by Hidro
PS Blue Top lol
I know we drive "Sharks", but that does not mean we require the Optima marine Blue Top battery! Red Top!

Originally Posted by supervette77

I have the best one that Walmart makes in all my cars including the Vette.
It's 1000 cold cranking amps if I'm not mistakin' and only costs $59.99. They work just as good as a DieHard, and the price can't be beat.
Once I needed a battery for my Taurus in the middle of the night. Went to the 24 hour Wal-Mart by my house, and the ONLY one they had on the shelf to fit my car was already leaking. That was such a turn off that I lost confidence in the Battery's quality right there, and in that stores good judgment for leaving it on the shelf in that condition. "F" the Wal-Mart special. I spent the extra $$ and did it right with the Optima. NO REGRETS.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2004 | 09:37 PM
  #19  
OkeeGuy's Avatar
OkeeGuy
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Default

Optima Red Top here too...
Delco bats suck out loud!
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2004 | 09:47 PM
  #20  
Schmucker's Avatar
Schmucker
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,508
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Default

A friend of mine that works at autozone said that the most often returned (warranty) battery they get are optimas, they are also have the lowest sales...

I've heard of many other problems with Optimas that have dead cells right out of the box. I suppose that if you got one that works you're set, but meh, it's a battery. I can get one with a 2 year warranty, 600CCA, dual posts for $40.

I hate Interstate batteries.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:43 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE