jdlclam

Need to replace the who-knows-hiw-old battery in the new purchase. Any favorites?

antfarmer2

The best priced on that fits. Costco.

rocco16

My favorite is the DuraLast Gold. They work and are supported by AutoZone.

jv9999

Interstate from Costco. Otherwise it's a CCA and warranty vs. cost exercise. Parts store batteries have an extreme markup. Even Walmart (Johnson Controls) would be a better deal (they also make the Duralast mentioned above).

Barchetta

Duralast from AutoZone is what I put in mine. Watched this video to replace it:

https://youtu.be/gk03-roWP2A

73n95

Batteries have really made a drastic turn in 2 important ways. 1, there are no more "cheap" batteries and 2, more $$$ does not make more for a better battery. The OEM battery in my Chevy is a Delco, $176 and it completely failed in 16 months. Costco batteries were very reliable and cheap 2 years ago but they are no longer a good buy. They changed suppliers as well. Not sure if Interstate is the new supplier or the old one. I purchased a budget line battery from Walmart for $50. While the warranty is only 1 year it has a high CCA rating and works fine in my truck. I believe the trick to battery longevity is preventive maintenance. I use a "smart" trickle charger in storage, I disconnect the items that could drain the system and I maintain the charging system when in use. With 5 vehicles, all with different batteries, this is the only way to avoid constantly buying new batteries.

Greg Gore

If I am not mistaken most lead acid storage batteries are made and rebranded by just a few battery manufacturers. Years ago all batteries were made by three battery manufacturers I think. Exide and Interstate were two and I don't remember the third. I might be different now.

gerardvg

I use a yellow top Optima deep cycle battery, it's around five or six years old and still going strong.
They can bounce right back from dead flat if you have left lights on for a few weeks, that would pretty much be terminal for most battery's.
Charge it up and good as new, they really suit cars that are not used much.

A Peter C4

Walmart Everstart 5 year warranty-3 year free ,2 year prorated $85. Best buy I could find when I needed one that had good warranty. Same as most parts places and better price. Group 75

xrav22

For the corvette I have the Duralast from AZ. It is my second one as I drained the first one because I am working on the car. It still worked but was 3 1/2 years old so I couldn't leave lights on much anymore anyway still got a credit for the 4th year of 35 dollars so the new one was 95 or so. Now leave car open all day starts up even after 3 weeks of sitting. I would say Duralst. I do have the wallmart MAX in my range rover they are pretty good to.

phDiesel

I worked for Interstate for a while and I can say the following about car batterie:

1. Only buy what you need. 1,000 CCA is a max rated discharge at 0°F. You're car only uses what it needs. Only buy high if you have a lot to move. IE-Big Pistons, Valve springs, compression.

What this translates to is MUCH better performance in hot weather, when you're probably driving your Vette anyways. The Lead/Acid ratio is built to keep the battery cooler in heat and prevents premature wear.

2. There are two giants in the industry: Johnson Controls and Exide. JC is who makes 70+ of the industry. Exide has been through bankruptcy twice and will most likely not make it until 2020 without another serious overhaul.

3. If you keep your car garaged keep a tender on it. Duh.

4. Interstates most popular battery here in Georgia was our 5 Year (2 Free+ 3 Pro-Rate) and it was far and away the most reliable.

5. Side post batteries suck. They rely far too much on a VERY unreliable connection type. Keep the terminal faces clean.

6. If you're going to buy Interstate, and I recommend an MT-78 don't buy it at Costco. They WILL NOT warranty them at a regular Interstate dealer. Whereas, you can take a fried MT-78 anywhere in the country and they should replace it.

Should be around $130.

7. Don't buy an Optima. They're not worth it in these applications. They're neat-o though.

Greg Gore

Thank you for the info! Johnson Controls might be the manufacturer of the Delco battery then. Is this right?

Paul Workman

I agree with most - get the best price on a "75" series lead-acid battery from Costco, WalMart, whomever (i.e., Interstate, Duramax, whatever). Then, for long term maintenance including preventing sulfide buildup (the primary limiter to battery life), connect a smart charger (e.g., Battery Tender) to sustain peak charge and capacity especially during long periods of storage - something to consider as winter is upon us.

Note: I've had Duralast and Walmart batteries last - well 10+ years and counting, using BTs on them.

I read just recently that the EPA's new mandates have resulted in the last lead smelting operation in the US having to shut down. Now, new lead has to be imported, and the recycling costs, in conjunction with new and heavier EPA restrictions, has driven the cost of lead...UP! Imagine that!

(F'n pin-heads in Washington are driving industry out of the USA in droves!)

Atomic6

I've had very good luck with Interstate too. Just put in a new 'black top' which is rated quite high. I want to say it was about $130.

rfn026

I have Cotsco in some of my cars and Advance Auto in some others. Then there is the Porsche which likes Interstate. I suspect they're all made by Johnson Controls.

Richard Newton
The Lightweight Corvette

GUSTO14

Check it out and find out for yourself...
Last Updated on December 3, 2016

http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm#index

Good luck... GUSTO