optima battery
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 16,950
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...
Unless things have changed, Optima doesn't make a group 75 battery, you'll need the larger group 78... You'll also need to notch the cruise control bracket to clear the top + terminal on the optima...
I really wish they'd make a correct size for our Vettes, and one without top terminals...
I really wish they'd make a correct size for our Vettes, and one without top terminals...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 750
From: NEwhere Ohio
DONT DO IT!!!
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
The current generation Interstate and Sears Die Hard gold (both made by Johnson Controls) are the best batteries out there.
I should also mention they weigh in at 32 pounds vs. 37 for the optima yellow top.
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
The current generation Interstate and Sears Die Hard gold (both made by Johnson Controls) are the best batteries out there.
I should also mention they weigh in at 32 pounds vs. 37 for the optima yellow top.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by dizwiz24
DONT DO IT!!!
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
The current generation Interstate and Sears Die Hard gold (both made by Johnson Controls) are the best batteries out there.
I should also mention they weigh in at 32 pounds vs. 37 for the optima yellow top.
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
The current generation Interstate and Sears Die Hard gold (both made by Johnson Controls) are the best batteries out there.
I should also mention they weigh in at 32 pounds vs. 37 for the optima yellow top.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 118
From: N. Babylon NY
[QUOTE]
I just got rid my Optima yesterday. I am sure most are fine. But mine has given me nothing but problems for the 4 years I had it. I thought it was due to a bad battery charger and/or sitting most of the time.
Save your money!
Steven
Originally Posted by dizwiz24
DONT DO IT!!!
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
I just got rid my Optima yesterday. I am sure most are fine. But mine has given me nothing but problems for the 4 years I had it. I thought it was due to a bad battery charger and/or sitting most of the time.
Save your money!
Steven
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
I am a big fan of the Optima batteries. I have had two red tops now. One in my old 86 vette that had an electrical issue. It was very old and had its share of draw on the battery due to what I assume was shorts. I never found the problems, but after a week of sitting the battery would be stone dead, wouldn't even make the starter click. I got an Optima and it held up enough to not go dead and I could run the radio (I had a small amp and sub too) for like 3-4 hours and would still start right up afterward. I now have a red top in my truck and can run the radio for a good 4 hours before having to worry with it running down.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Originally Posted by dizwiz24
DONT DO IT!!!
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
The current generation Interstate and Sears Die Hard gold (both made by Johnson Controls) are the best batteries out there.
I should also mention they weigh in at 32 pounds vs. 37 for the optima yellow top.
Those batteries are garbage. I had 3 in a row fail on me when new and they would start once, fail to start the nex time, and not even take a charge.
The current generation Interstate and Sears Die Hard gold (both made by Johnson Controls) are the best batteries out there.
I should also mention they weigh in at 32 pounds vs. 37 for the optima yellow top.
By the way interstate makes optima
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque, NM
[QUOTE=STEVEN13]
I just got rid my Optima yesterday. I am sure most are fine. But mine has given me nothing but problems for the 4 years I had it. I thought it was due to a bad battery charger and/or sitting most of the time.
Save your money!
Steven
You may want to try the new battery for more than a day before you assume that you solved all your problems by getting rid of the Optima. 
We haven't had a "I love Optima" vs. "I hate Optima" thread in a while. I vote for "I love Optima". I've had one in my '92 for two years, and three others in family members' cars for years without one problem whatsoever.
I just got rid my Optima yesterday. I am sure most are fine. But mine has given me nothing but problems for the 4 years I had it. I thought it was due to a bad battery charger and/or sitting most of the time.
Save your money!
Steven
We haven't had a "I love Optima" vs. "I hate Optima" thread in a while. I vote for "I love Optima". I've had one in my '92 for two years, and three others in family members' cars for years without one problem whatsoever.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque, NM
Originally Posted by Lone Ranger
No one still answered the question:
being dry cell technology, are they lighter weight than the wet batteries?
Otherwise, what would be the point of paying the premium price for one?
being dry cell technology, are they lighter weight than the wet batteries?
Otherwise, what would be the point of paying the premium price for one?
The point is they're more reliable, despite the fact that some people here have had trouble with them (or they think they have). The spiral cell technology allows them to be completely discharged without ruining the battery. If you completely discharge a normal battery it will often kill it. The Optimas also seem to hold a charge longer. My '92 once sat for three months with the battery connected, and the standard Optima red top started it up just fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 118
From: N. Babylon NY
[
Hey,
I am not one to just change parts. I checked the charging system and checked to see if there was any draw when the car was sitting. Both checked out okay. The Optima showed 12.6 volts-then when trying to start would drop to to approx 8 volts.
I also said in my post "that I am sure most are fine" .
If this new battery goes dead I will post it on here.
Steven
QUOTE=BlackbirdZ07]You may want to try the new battery for more than a day before you assume that you solved all your problems by getting rid of the Optima.
I am not one to just change parts. I checked the charging system and checked to see if there was any draw when the car was sitting. Both checked out okay. The Optima showed 12.6 volts-then when trying to start would drop to to approx 8 volts.
I also said in my post "that I am sure most are fine" .
If this new battery goes dead I will post it on here.
Steven
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque, NM
Originally Posted by STEVEN13
[
Hey,
I am not one to just change parts. I checked the charging system and checked to see if there was any draw when the car was sitting. Both checked out okay. The Optima showed 12.6 volts-then when trying to start would drop to to approx 8 volts.
I also said in my post "that I am sure most are fine" .
If this new battery goes dead I will post it on here.
Steven
Hey,
I am not one to just change parts. I checked the charging system and checked to see if there was any draw when the car was sitting. Both checked out okay. The Optima showed 12.6 volts-then when trying to start would drop to to approx 8 volts.
I also said in my post "that I am sure most are fine" .
If this new battery goes dead I will post it on here.
Steven
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 16,950
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...
Originally Posted by Lone Ranger
No one still answered the question:
being dry cell technology, are they lighter weight than the wet batteries?
Otherwise, what would be the point of paying the premium price for one?
being dry cell technology, are they lighter weight than the wet batteries?
Otherwise, what would be the point of paying the premium price for one?
The advantage I think comes from just buying a better engineered battery... I bought my first Optima based on it's reputation in the car audio industry, although I don't do big stereos, I wanted something reliable...
My last Optima had over 5 years on it when I got rid of it last year... I've yet to have a Delco or other battery last that long... I'll definately buy another one when the time comes, I just hope they release a side post only version for us Vette guys...
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
From: Walton KY
I put a red top in my '94 about 6 months ago. I sell Interstate batteries in my shops. Johnson Controls makes Interstate, Optima, DieHard Gold and MANY others labeled under different names. When my serp belt broke I drove 26 miles on battery alone (no Powersteering sucks!!) and the charge guage got down to 12.1 volts by the time I got home. When my alt. went out about a year ago, the guage dropped to the mid 9s within 15 miles on the 4 month old Delco that was in there at the time. The Delco was shot after that and would hardly hold a charge.
I did have to modify my Optima. Mine came with top and side posts. My positive post actually rested against part of the frame. Solution? Grinder and some windshield sealant (my distributor told me to do it)....works fine.
I did have to modify my Optima. Mine came with top and side posts. My positive post actually rested against part of the frame. Solution? Grinder and some windshield sealant (my distributor told me to do it)....works fine.
Last edited by dchildress; Jun 4, 2005 at 01:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by dchildress
I put a red top in my '94 about 6 months ago. I sell Interstate batteries in my shops. Johnson Controls makes Interstate, Optima, DieHard Gold and MANY others labeled under different names. When my serp belt broke I drove 26 miles on battery alone (no Powersteering sucks!!) and the charge guage got down to 12.1 volts by the time I got home. When my alt. went out about a year ago, the guage dropped to the mid 9s within 15 miles on the 4 month old Delco that was in there at the time. The Delco was shot after that and would hardly hold a charge.
I did have to modify my Optima. Mine came with top and side posts. My positive post actually rested against part of the frame. Solution? Grinder and some windshield sealant (my distributor told me to do it)....works fine.
I did have to modify my Optima. Mine came with top and side posts. My positive post actually rested against part of the frame. Solution? Grinder and some windshield sealant (my distributor told me to do it)....works fine.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Macomb MI
Don't know about Optima, but run like HE-- from Interstate. Their Johnson Control Batteries are likely not that bad, but their customer service is horrid. See this thread.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1031134
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1031134
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
From: Walton KY
Originally Posted by crheinish
Johnson Controls make all the batteries at Walmart also. There top of the line is only $58 and comes with a 3 year free replacement and 108 month warranty. Maybe I should go that route.
Here is something to think about...Valvoline bottles over 50 labels of oil for different companies. Just because they bottle it does not mean it is Valvoline Oil. If Johnson Controls makes all these diffenent batteries does not mean they are the same thing or built the same. Different brands could use different internal components. I sell the 75 series Interstate MegaTron plus (an 85 month battery) for $69.95 installed. Other retailers could be less. Nothing wrong with a Wal-Mart battery, I would just rather have the Interstate myself.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
From: Walton KY
Originally Posted by Jim Nichols
Don't know about Optima, but run like HE-- from Interstate. Their Johnson Control Batteries are likely not that bad, but their customer service is horrid. See this thread.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1031134
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1031134
I just started carrying Interstate Batteries about 2 months ago. Because I don't sell very many, they will not let me keep a bunch in my shop "waiting" on the right car to come in. They only let me have 10 batteries up front and that is 10 different batteries. I read a little of the above thread and feel for the originator. I treat my customers how I want to be treated. If I had sold the battery, I would have, at the least, put something back in the car so he can get around , even if I had to lend him my own. NEVER preach customer service and excellent products if you are not willing to stand behind 'em!!
Last edited by dchildress; Jun 4, 2005 at 03:31 PM.