C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Optima Batteries for C4

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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 09:29 AM
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Default Optima Batteries for C4

Any recommendations on Optimas for a 96 LT4? I can't find a side terminal only option for our car. The Optima I had in the car has both sets of posts. It was connected with the side posts and the top posts are simply covered with plastic caps which barely fit under a metal brace. The plastic cap actually touches the brace. There is a side post only Optima but it has circular ring under the terminal that doesn't allow our battery cables to connect properly. Has anyone tried this one by cutting the plastic ring off the battery?


I've had this 1996 LT4 for just over a year and the Redtop Optima is probably 5 or 6 years old. The previous owner had swapped it in from a different car. Anyway it doesn't want to stay fully charged. I've pulled it out and brought it to autozone to have checked and charged. First it checked Bad. Then they charged it and it tested Good but low on charge. So they charged it again. It is rated at 800 cca but only charges up to 600cca which is still better then a normal battery. However, since it keeps dieing in the car I guess its time to swap.

Last edited by psd_bullitt; Mar 30, 2009 at 09:44 AM.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 09:34 AM
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I had a Optima in my car that was always loosing charge. Finally took it back to Autozone, they checked and said it was bad, battery was only 14 months old.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by psd_bullitt
Any recommendations on Optimas for a 96 LT4? I can't find a side terminal only option for our car. The Optima I had in the car has both sets of posts. It was connected with the side posts and the top posts are simply covered with plastic caps which barely fit under a metal brace. The plastic cap actually touches the brace. There is a side post only Optima but it has circular ring under the terminal that doesn't allow our battery cables to connect properly. Has anyone tried this one by cutting the plastic ring off the battery?


I've had this 1996 LT4 for just over a year and the Redtop Optima is probably 5 or 6 years old. The previous owner had swapped it in from a different car. Anyway it doesn't want to stay fully charged. I've pulled it out and brought it to autozone to have checked and charged. First it checked Bad. Then they charged it and it tested Good but low on charge. So they charged it again. It is rated at 800 cca but only charges up to 600cca which is still better then a normal battery. However, since it keeps dieing in the car I guess its time to swap.
you will hear opinions to the contrary, but I would not go with Optima.

I would recommend a high end Diehard or Interstate you are better off.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by RandyJ75
I had a Optima in my car that was always loosing charge. Finally took it back to Autozone, they checked and said it was bad, battery was only 14 months old.
+1

I am about to take this one back. This will be number 2 that cannot start the car after sitting for a week. No excessive draw BTW. Previous AC Delco that was 5 yrs old before it died went weeks...
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by josephf31
you will hear opinions to the contrary, but I would not go with Optima.

I would recommend a high end Diehard or Interstate you are better off.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by RainDelay
+1

I am about to take this one back. This will be number 2 that cannot start the car after sitting for a week. No excessive draw BTW. Previous AC Delco that was 5 yrs old before it died went weeks...
I had 3 before I got a working one. They are now and havebeen for a couple years made in Mexico. Interstate is the way to go!
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 04:19 PM
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I have used the Optima red top for years on all my vetts. On the C4 just cut the hot terminal that is close to the bar with a hacksaw (obviously don't short the pos and neg when you do this).
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 05:25 PM
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You probably have to call and contact them. They do make one now.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/_medi...Enthusiast.pdf

Mike
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 05:28 PM
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Since you mentioned Autozone...

I use their Duralast Gold. It has a three year warranty. I can pull up to one of a Zillion Autozones in my area have them test it and replace it myself in the parking lot if I have problems.

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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by rickreeves1
Since you mentioned Autozone...

I use their Duralast Gold. It has a three year warranty. I can pull up to one of a Zillion Autozones in my area have them test it and replace it myself in the parking lot if I have problems.

That's what I replaced the Optima with. Got a new battery and $40.00 back.

I started to have a problem w/ the new battery last month, seems the positive cable was dirty. All is well now.
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Old Apr 4, 2009 | 01:29 PM
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Thanks for all the comments guys. I ended up just getting a 3yr battery from Wallyworld since they are everywhere. There are pleny of Autozones around here also but the Wallyworlds around here are open 24/7.
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