Battery Recomendations for 85C4
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 5
From: Hatboro Pennsylvania
Battery Recomendations for 85C4
Hello everyone,
I'm just getting ready to finish my installation of a new engine and transmission plus a boat load of other upgrades.
I can not seem to find a battery that will fit.
I've measured 6.75 inches X 9 inches.
Most websites recommend a 75BCI measurement.
Do I need to change the battery holder or alter the holder?
Really would like a Optima Battery.
Thanks,
I'm just getting ready to finish my installation of a new engine and transmission plus a boat load of other upgrades.
I can not seem to find a battery that will fit.
I've measured 6.75 inches X 9 inches.
Most websites recommend a 75BCI measurement.
Do I need to change the battery holder or alter the holder?
Really would like a Optima Battery.
Thanks,
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 1,488
From: Ashland, OH
If there is a Rural King near you I'd go there (made by Exide). I got mine for $49 plus a 12% rebate so I was like $44 after tax and rebate.
Specs: 9.44"(L)x7.06"(w)x7.19"(h) No need to change the battery tray/holder.
BCI-75
Specs: 9.44"(L)x7.06"(w)x7.19"(h) No need to change the battery tray/holder.
BCI-75
Last edited by Cjunkie; May 2, 2017 at 09:31 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 81
From: Finger Lakes Region, New York
Its 75 group size battery. I personally steer clear of Optimas. Seen too many fail at 2 years or less. They should last 10 considering the cost. (Durable and strong as hell for that short amount of time though) I personally am using a Delco Professional series battery in my 84'. It's been in the car for probably 6 years and it's still just as strong as the day I bought it. Plus it looks the part, I had a red top optima in my C4 for a few years before it died. Ugly battery in the C4 engine compartment IMHO.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 765
. the group 75 on sizing. most battery lines have a good, better, best selection, or at least a better, best, and cost reflects that, along with CCA. any decent quality battery will work, so it's a matter of cost and CCA. my last two C4 batteries were an interstate, and NAPA. seems to me, they averaged around $120. I tend to not put a lot of thought into battery selection - 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
I used to use only Delco batteries until I couldn't find a place that sold them. I tried Optima and two of them failed in less than 2 years and left me stranded. I then went with an Odyssey but they don't make a size 75 any more. I couldn't find an Interstate size 75.
I decided not to worry about it any more and bought a cheap Duralast. When it fails I'll replace it. No worries. So far it's been fine.
I've heard that Walmart has a cheap battery that some people have used.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 32
From: Cumming Georgia
I always go for the highest cranking amps I can find in a battery that will fit. Got my last battery at Advance Auto, and it has a lifetime guarantee, I've already exchanged the battery once due to a dead cell. The battery in my daily driver truck, is a glass mat battery that I'm quite happy with, plus the fact it has like 800CCA. Check it out..
D.
D.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I always go for the highest cranking amps I can find in a battery that will fit. Got my last battery at Advance Auto, and it has a lifetime guarantee, I've already exchanged the battery once due to a dead cell. The battery in my daily driver truck, is a glass mat battery that I'm quite happy with, plus the fact it has like 800CCA. Check it out..
D.
D.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Susquehanna Valley
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 609
From: Minneapolis Mn
3798J
Word to the wise: keep a 5/16" & whatever size fits your battery cable mount (wrenches) in your car just in case. I had a battery cutoff like that on mine till one day driving home the car sputtered and quit in the middle of a busy highway. Same battery cutoff snapped in the middle for me.
I've since replaced it with this (picture is before installing the cables) and I don't expect any issues with it:
It's mounted in the well under the drivers side headlight and has worked out great so far.
Paul
Word to the wise: keep a 5/16" & whatever size fits your battery cable mount (wrenches) in your car just in case. I had a battery cutoff like that on mine till one day driving home the car sputtered and quit in the middle of a busy highway. Same battery cutoff snapped in the middle for me.
I've since replaced it with this (picture is before installing the cables) and I don't expect any issues with it:
It's mounted in the well under the drivers side headlight and has worked out great so far.
Paul
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 81
From: Finger Lakes Region, New York
I always go for the highest cranking amps I can find in a battery that will fit. Got my last battery at Advance Auto, and it has a lifetime guarantee, I've already exchanged the battery once due to a dead cell. The battery in my daily driver truck, is a glass mat battery that I'm quite happy with, plus the fact it has like 800CCA. Check it out..
D.
D.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 761
Likes: 66
From: Fitzwilliam New Hampshire
Optima battery's have gone away from the quality that they used to be, the company has changed hands and they are poor quality now, not what they used to be I have 1 that is 11 years old in my Duster race car that still holds up very well (always on a tender) but 1 I got from Summit 3 years ago sh#t the bed. They are not as good as they were earlier, not worth it. IMHO. I run Advance Auto Gold in the vette and has held up very well now for 3 years (on a tender when in winter storage) My next one, whenever I need it, will be Everstart Maxx, I've had good luck with the one on my race trailer winch.
Last edited by A Peter C4; May 4, 2017 at 10:32 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Susquehanna Valley
Think there is a need for a correction...This from Bloomberg (after a Google search "Who owns Optima Batteries?"):
Optima Batteries, Inc: Company Overview
"Optima Batteries, Inc. manufactures automotive and marine batteries. The company’s batteries are used for commercial fleet owners, military uses, and agricultural applications. Its batteries are available through distributors, retailers, and dealers in the United States of America, Mexico, Central America, and internationally. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Aurora, Colorado. Since 2000, Optima Batteries, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc."
Optima Batteries, Inc: Company Overview
"Optima Batteries, Inc. manufactures automotive and marine batteries. The company’s batteries are used for commercial fleet owners, military uses, and agricultural applications. Its batteries are available through distributors, retailers, and dealers in the United States of America, Mexico, Central America, and internationally. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Aurora, Colorado. Since 2000, Optima Batteries, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc."
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 1,488
From: Ashland, OH
I love how everyone has their favorite car batteries. Truth of the matter MOST batteries made today are either Exide or Johnson Controls. Motorcraft, AC Delco, Optima, Mopar, Die Hard, Napa, Duralast, Advance Auto, simply don't exist. All they are is a sticker or different color molded plastic. I laugh when people say buy X, Y, or Z for car batteries. Your just paying double and triple for stickers today.
Last edited by Cjunkie; May 5, 2017 at 07:32 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I love how everyone has their favorite car batteries. Truth of the matter MOST batteries made today are either Exide or Johnson Controls. Motorcraft, AC Delco, Optima, Mopar, Die Hard, Napa, Duralast, Advance Auto, simply don't exist. All they are is a sticker or different color molded plastic. I laugh when people say buy X, Y, or Z for car batteries. Your just paying double and triple for stickers today.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 609
From: Minneapolis Mn
I love how everyone has their favorite car batteries. Truth of the matter MOST batteries made today are either Exide or Johnson Controls. Motorcraft, AC Delco, Optima, Mopar, Die Hard, Napa, Duralast, Advance Auto, simply don't exist. All they are is a sticker or different color molded plastic. I laugh when people say buy X, Y, or Z for car batteries. Your just paying double and triple for stickers today.
I though Walmart had the best at about $95 IIRC and thought it sure was worth a shot. No complaints so far. My daughter followed my lead when her car needed a battery also.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 765
that's why I said, I tend to not put much thought into buying a battery. batteries are batteries, are batteries. although, given the choice, I will go with a higher CCA when available. this is just an old carry-over from living up north and winter conditions. living here in florida, I need to break that habit.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 32
From: Cumming Georgia
I buy the cheapest battery with the highest cranking amps I can get. I dont care if it's from WalMart, or Advance Auto...oh and the longest warranty I can get, typically 3 years. I wanted a glass mat battery for my C4, but couldnt find one, and I refuse to go with optima, just too expensive.
D.
D.