Why dont Optima bats fit C4s?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 4
From: Guilford NY
Why dont Optima bats fit C4s?
Thier website dont even list Corvettes for a search vehicle. Now at A. Auto website, they show a blue one that might fit, but no red or yellow.
I will have to replace battery sooner or later. is it really that tight of a fit, where they mount he bat?
I will have to replace battery sooner or later. is it really that tight of a fit, where they mount he bat?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 110
From: Austin Texas
Until they have a side post only...it is what it is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I've got a red top in my '85 and I have no contact problem at all. The negative post is close to the cruise control but the positive post has plenty of clearance. If it did not I would just do what 383vett said, get out the hacksaw.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
The right hand drive conversion makes it easy to fit optimas. 
Remember there are horses for courses the same goes for optima batteries.
Red top is for powerful bursts of starting power.
Blue top is for marine use with a huge capacity for rapid current drain can handle more recharges.
Yellow top is a dual purpose high cranking power deep cycle battery for heavy accessory loads and can be repeatedly brought back from deep drains to full charge.
(in other words.....)
If you drive your vette daily or have a high compression engine a red top optima is the way to go.
If you have a high current draw stereo system with massive amplifiers the Blue top is for you.
If your vette sits in a garage for weeks or months on end a yellow top optima is your battery.
Remember there are horses for courses the same goes for optima batteries.
Red top is for powerful bursts of starting power.
Blue top is for marine use with a huge capacity for rapid current drain can handle more recharges.
Yellow top is a dual purpose high cranking power deep cycle battery for heavy accessory loads and can be repeatedly brought back from deep drains to full charge.
(in other words.....)
If you drive your vette daily or have a high compression engine a red top optima is the way to go.
If you have a high current draw stereo system with massive amplifiers the Blue top is for you.
If your vette sits in a garage for weeks or months on end a yellow top optima is your battery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
The optima battery fits ok.. The hood support brace needs clearancing.. and the outer battery tray needs the lip cut flush..
I took my brace out.. and neatly crushed in the edge for clearance. That brace is very strong especially the edge's
I took my brace out.. and neatly crushed in the edge for clearance. That brace is very strong especially the edge's
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I almost do that, but didn't. I got lucky I had to return the battery, and that could had void the warranty.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,682
Likes: 753
From: NEwhere Ohio
I went thru this with 2 of them.
Got my money back for a sears diehard gold. Much better battery.
I actually have my battery relocated back to rear storge compt, so an optima would seem ideal.
However, I dont trust them based on my previous experience.
Im not sure if I believe that chopping off the terminal is what 'kills' the battery. User 383Vett, in my experience he is a very knowledgeable contributor here, has stated that he's used 2 of them (with chopped off terminals) without issue.
So the ones I bought were just junk? Ive followed a lot of posts here over the years about optima battery problems.
Perhaps 'Optima Bob' will chime in here and politely explain why Optima doesnt produce a battery for the c4 (but probably does for c5/6) due to a small market, etc.
Last edited by dizwiz24; Jul 2, 2013 at 08:11 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 31
From: Reno Nevada
My AC Delco in my 04 C5 finally died this year, so I replaced it with like kind. I've always been an optima guy, and had one go 11 years once. The red top in my F150 just went bad in 6 years! For $200 a piece I'm taking my chance on another AC Delco for my truck too! Sorry, but Optima just isn't as good. We'll see how much longer the one from 2009 lasts in my CJ5.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,682
Likes: 753
From: NEwhere Ohio
In fact, the sears die hard gold saved weight (vs. the optima).
30 lbs vs. 35 lbs or the optima.
Howevr, I heard that sears die hard recently switch from Johnson Controls (the lighter weight) battery to a different one - for my 'northern' climte region.
BTW: Some people like 'heavy' batteries. They claim the heavier it is the more lead / materials in it.
The johnson controls sears die hard did me well. I think Interstate is also a johnson controls battery
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 4
From: Guilford NY
Now i have never run any Optima batteries in any of my vehicles, so i have no experience. I do know that OEM ACdelco batteries are preferred. Still have the original in my 2003 truck bought brand new....I know it is alittle on the weak side, but still starts and works! So i think whichever my vehicle the bat dies first, will get switched out and a new red-top Optima will go in my '88 IROC. For my Vette, not sure wehn it goes, may just try to get good ole' ACdelco.
Good discussion and idea, folks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Some swear by Interstate, not realizing that it is just a marketing company. They don't make a battery.
I have found the best battery value is sold by Costco. Same battery as Sears (and others) same warranty, much lower price.