Battery ??
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
Battery ??
Battery died in my dog car. 7 year old Duralast. This means the old battery from the C4 goes in the dog car and the Vette gets the new one. Should I just go to the Zone and get one, or maybe look at the Optima or another type battery ? Whats the best one out there ?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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Personally, I think the Optima looks cool and I like the idea of it. But I know that unless you're into racing or unless your car's suspension is hard, you'll never benefit from the more expensive design of the Optima.
I'm running an Advance Auto Parts generic and have had no worries with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
you'll get lot's of opinions on "what's the best battery for my Vette"
so.......................
I just bought a Bosch battery from Pep Boys for $79. 750CCA and car turns over fast....I've only had it a month, so I can't really comment on longevity....Perfect fitment though in my '93.
so.......................
I just bought a Bosch battery from Pep Boys for $79. 750CCA and car turns over fast....I've only had it a month, so I can't really comment on longevity....Perfect fitment though in my '93.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
If you got seven (7) years out of a Duralast there should be no question as to my choice. I have an Optima in my Wrangler and when it gets real cold as it is now it really has struggle (it has never failed me though).
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Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
As far as I know your '87 will accept an Optima with no modifications or worries. Do double check to make sure the positive top post will rub on nothing.
Personally, I think the Optima looks cool and I like the idea of it. But I know that unless you're into racing or unless your car's suspension is hard, you'll never benefit from the more expensive design of the Optima.
I'm running an Advance Auto Parts generic and have had no worries with it.
Personally, I think the Optima looks cool and I like the idea of it. But I know that unless you're into racing or unless your car's suspension is hard, you'll never benefit from the more expensive design of the Optima.
I'm running an Advance Auto Parts generic and have had no worries with it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
We have members that swear by Optima's and we have members that swear AT Optima's. They cost close to double a high end conventional car battery and Consumers Report says they measure less amp-hours than Optima claims for the battery. Optimas don't last any longer than flooded cell batteries, so I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would pay double for a battery that isn't any different than a conventional battery. I guess P.T. Barnum was right! 
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
We have members that swear by Optima's and we have members that swear AT Optima's. They cost close to double a high end conventional car battery and Consumers Report says they measure less amp-hours than Optima claims for the battery. Optimas don't last any longer than flooded cell batteries, so I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would pay double for a battery that isn't any different than a conventional battery. I guess P.T. Barnum was right!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
We have members that swear by Optima's and we have members that swear AT Optima's. They cost close to double a high end conventional car battery and Consumers Report says they measure less amp-hours than Optima claims for the battery. Optimas don't last any longer than flooded cell batteries, so I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would pay double for a battery that isn't any different than a conventional battery. I guess P.T. Barnum was right!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Optimas are unreliable, AC-Delco's are made in India.
I think they're all garbage, so I just buy DieHard from Sears for the warranty. Walk in and walk out with a new battery.
I think they're all garbage, so I just buy DieHard from Sears for the warranty. Walk in and walk out with a new battery.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
if that gold means it has a higher crank amps the the standard duralast dont expect it to last forever - the higher the CA the more plates - you figure it out - the case is the same size and they stuff more inside - very prone to shorting.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 897
Likes: 12
From: Land of Whiskey Rebels, PA
Convenient, no hassles, close to home. A good alternator is important. Without it, you're killing your battery slowly. And, bad batteries kill alternators.
Last edited by j-wireman; Feb 17, 2007 at 11:30 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Johnson Controls used to make AC-Delco also. They did some sort of agreement or sell-out and now an Indian manufacturer fulfills much of their contracts.
It's hard to find the sources for the actual parts because these companies that make stickers and boxes don't want you to know. They want us to be ignorant and think there's an AC-Delco factory out there that manufacturers every part known to man.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 40
From: Northeast PA
Johnson Controls Batteries
Johnson Controls used to make AC-Delco also. They did some sort of agreement or sell-out and now an Indian manufacturer fulfills much of their contracts.
It's hard to find the sources for the actual parts because these companies that make stickers and boxes don't want you to know. They want us to be ignorant and think there's an AC-Delco factory out there that manufacturers every part known to man.
It's hard to find the sources for the actual parts because these companies that make stickers and boxes don't want you to know. They want us to be ignorant and think there's an AC-Delco factory out there that manufacturers every part known to man.
I've never had a problem with any of their batteries, but as a Johnson Controls employee, maybe I'm biased
.The cool part is the employee discount I receive!!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Johnson Controls actually make most of the lead-acid batteries available in the world! Check out www.autobatteries.com (a Johnson Controls site). It'll give you a list of all batteries they make (Optima, DieHard, Eveready, Energizer, etc.). It also has a model number search (by brand), lists the specs and tells you where you can purchase!
I've never had a problem with any of their batteries, but as a Johnson Controls employee, maybe I'm biased .
The cool part is the employee discount I receive!!!
I've never had a problem with any of their batteries, but as a Johnson Controls employee, maybe I'm biased
.The cool part is the employee discount I receive!!!
BTW, who are your company's competition? I thought there where 3 major companies that made all the lead acid batteries for the world.