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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 12:36 AM
  #1  
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Default Optima Red top

I just bought an Optime red top battery for my C5. Is there any benefit besides the fact that it wont leak acid everywhere and it looks cool? Im just trying to justify the $120 I spent on it. It replaced a perfectly good Interstate lead/acid battery.

BTW, if anyone else buys one, be sure to charge it before installation. I made that mistake and had to switch back to make it home.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 01:58 AM
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Originally Posted by 2fast4sanity
I just bought an Optime red top battery for my C5. Is there any benefit besides the fact that it wont leak acid everywhere and it looks cool? Im just trying to justify the $120 I spent on it. It replaced a perfectly good Interstate lead/acid battery.

BTW, if anyone else buys one, be sure to charge it before installation. I made that mistake and had to switch back to make it home.
Your justification for buying the Red Top @ $120. (AutoZone $109.00) is that you don't have to worry about the leaking of the Delco. Besides the cause of the leak was/is because the positive cable is too short and it worked the post lose and caused leakage. That was changed in 2000 (I believe with side post like the Red Top has).
So you did the right thing shipmate.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 01:58 AM
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Sounds like you are having second thoughts about the Red Top. I'll give you $75.00 for it right now.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 02:00 AM
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Originally Posted by 2fast4sanity
I just bought an Optime red top battery for my C5. Is there any benefit besides the fact that it wont leak acid everywhere and it looks cool? Im just trying to justify the $120 I spent on it. It replaced a perfectly good Interstate lead/acid battery.

BTW, if anyone else buys one, be sure to charge it before installation. I made that mistake and had to switch back to make it home.
"charge it before installation?"....
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 02:07 AM
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Originally Posted by ECV-Tony
"charge it before installation?"....
Maybe because he is in HI and they are shipped un-charged. Because I just dropped mine in and away I went..
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 03:32 AM
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Originally Posted by RstyNutz
Maybe because he is in HI and they are shipped un-charged. Because I just dropped mine in and away I went..
Yes, it definately was uncharged. I swapped the batteries in the parking lot, turned the key, and nothing. Not even a click. So back in went the interstate and back home I went. Battery now sitting on my desk until I buy a charger tomorrow.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 04:21 AM
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You got ripped....$99 at Costco fully charged
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 04:36 AM
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We have all heard about the Corvette Tax, well this poor fellow is paying the Hawaii Tax! Imagine, having to buy an uncharged Optima.

Make sure you charge the Optima at a low charging rate. Fast charging expecially the first time is hard on them, as it is with any battery, but a bit more-so in any sealed battery like the Optima and Orbit gells.

Cheers !!!!!!!
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 07:00 AM
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The peace of mind is all the justification I needed.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by RstyNutz
Maybe because he is in HI and they are shipped un-charged. Because I just dropped mine in and away I went..
Same here.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 08:41 AM
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Another small benefit besides it being leakproof and reliable is that its 4 pounds lighter than stock. You might say, yeah, so what, but little things do add up when you also do other weight saving mods like a lighter exhaust, using non-runflats, etc.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 08:49 AM
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I am going to buy mine for $ 89. at Batteries Plus !
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 11:26 AM
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Got my Optima a few weeks ago. Just the thought of having a battery with awesome cranking amps and never leaking makes me realize that I purchased the best battery for my car.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by RstyNutz
Your justification for buying the Red Top @ $120. (AutoZone $109.00) is that you don't have to worry about the leaking of the Delco. Besides the cause of the leak was/is because the positive cable is too short and it worked the post lose and caused leakage. That was changed in 2000 (I believe with side post like the Red Top has).
So you did the right thing shipmate.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by WWK888
You got ripped....$99 at Costco fully charged
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 06:57 PM
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The place I bought the battery had several different models or red tops. I bought the one with 980 CA and 800CCA. I figured it costed more because of the extra juice it had. Is this same battery available for less? They had a wimpier red top for $99.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 07:01 PM
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I got mine online for $99 shipped.
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To Optima Red top

Old Jun 21, 2005 | 08:20 PM
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I use a yellow top as backup for my sterio..works good.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 09:31 PM
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Just knowing that the battery won't leak is a good reason to buy. Plus it is a good battery that has not given me any problems in 3.5 years of ownership.
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Old Jun 21, 2005 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by jdmvette
The peace of mind is all the justification I needed.
Thats it!
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