There's been a lot of discussion recently on the problems with the stock AC Delco battery and preferred replacements.

I've fitted Optima Red Tops and been very happy with both the one in the Vette and the one in the Camaro. The Exide battery seems popular.

I know these polls are not very scientific but it gives a good feel for opinions from those who feel strongly about the subject.

So whats your view?

 

No secret here.....Optimas stink as far as I'm concerned....I wouldn't have another one if ya gave it to me for free.....

 

I have had no problems with mine, so to hear about everyones issues with them.

 

I've always uses Optima Red Tops as well...and never had any issues with them. I plan to replace the stock one in the vette I'm picking up next week to an Optima.

 

Swapped an Optima red top for the OEM and its been super for two and a half years of New England weather and winter. I did not put a trickle charger on it the first winter and she started right up in the spring.

Paul

 

3 GM cars 3 bad batteries within the first year

 

My OEM AC Delco AGM is still going strong after more than 4 and 1/2 years.

 

Would have gone with a red top, but went with a yellow top... I needed more CCA for all this...

 

I should have allowed multiple votes. Any way to amend the poll once its posted?

 

Haven't had any issues with my Optima!

 

I have had my Vette for 3 years and blew up 2 stock batteries. I went with the Red top 900A gell battery and love it. I am looking at an 06 and told them I want my red top instead of theirs. I have a 3 yr full replacement and 7 yr pro-rated replacement warranty. With Texas weather so hot, batteries don't last. Can't beat that.

 

DeeGee,

Interesting and good idea.

I might suggest adding a few other choices and clarifying the existing choices.

Clarify ideas:
a. what is meant by died. E.G.died before its time (<4 yrs).
b. replaced with another battery includes replacing with ACDelco

And add a choice or two:
1. ACDelco Replaced with an ACDelco
2. ACDelco Replaced with an Exide Orbital

Anyway, we had one ACDelco die at 6 years old (older model - 75/78-60) and it leaked immediately after removal from the positive post (2000 TransAm), with the positive terminal never touched before removal. This is the model caught-up in the class-action suit). It was replaced with a BJ's standard Exide 72 month (non-maintenance free) battery (only due to crisis mode -- car died in work parking lot after hours).

By contrast, an ACDelco @ 6 years old (78H-6yr) was still fine (albeit a touch weak) with no leaks when replaced with another ACDelco (78-7yr) in our 2000 Vette last month.

Similiarly, an ACDelco @ nearly 5 years old (75-6yr) is also still fine with no leaks in our 1994 Vette.

So we're casting a vote for ACDelco's.

 

My AC Delco is still going strong in my 02

 

Optima Red Top for a little over 2 years and it's been great!

 

Actually the Red Top has more CCA then the Yellow top. The Yellow top is a deep cycle battery which is why it probably suits your needs better.

 

 

with all the cars on the road, how many have leaking batteries? not many

It seems this is more a vette problem. which has caused people to elevate Optima as the one and only.

has anyone had a leaking battery other than the Delco? where did it leak? how was it tied down?

I am having trouble believing that I should only buy an Optima. Feel free to convince me/us otherwise or to confirm my observations.

 

I had a dead Optima on the Vette after 8000 miles. No early indications of a problem. I parked up with it working. Went out 20 minutes later and it was dead. Nada, zilch, flat stone dead

The Camaro was an older AC Delco battery. It survived longer; almost 6 years which I guess is not so bad. Having seen all the problems on the Forum I was keeping a very close eye on it. It was a leaker. It only leaked acid on itself and no damage to the tray or surrounding area but a close call. Had I not been so paranoid I'd have missed it.

Can't say what you should buy but as you see from the Poll, lots of Vette owners are happy with Red Tops, although a few have had Optimas that have died. Ultimately it's your call on which battery but I'd strongly recommend you don't trust the stock AC Delco. JMHO.

 

 

Interested to know why. With a 72 month warranty you should have got a replacement. Was it bad service or just repeated failures?

My dealer just laughed when I said I wanted an Optima to replace the ACDelco. the quote was they won't refund you for that, the Optimas a good battery!

GM Customer service then spent 3 months playing phone tag when I asked for a refund. No surprises there. never did get any satisfaction.

In contrast, both my Optimas have been totally reliable although never say never.