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You want the Optima that is specified for the C5. I believe it is the 75/35. I have one in mine and it drops right in using the OEM hold down bracket. You may want to go ahead and put a battery mat underneath for added protection. I got mine from Griot's garage. Good luck.
I have the 34/78 as well. I installed it 3 1/2 years ago and it just failed on me today as I had to jumper it to get cranked. I'll be replacing it with the same model tomorrow.
a 34/78 with a battery mat worked fine for me in my C5 and Trans-Am. Unless they come out with something much much better, the same battery is going back in when the two I have now go to the recycle bin.
I opted for the higher CCA version, and it bolted right in.
I really only bought the optima for the look, and it has generally gotten good reviews here on the forum.
I never had one of those in any of my other cars and good old fashioned wal-mart batteries will work just fine - but they do not look as good in the engine compartment. JMHO.
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It's the old story - if a little bit is enough (75/35 720 cca), then too much is just right! (34/78 800 cca)
Either one will fit, though the 75/35 is the specified size. That's the one I use and I've never had an issue - though I live in Arizona and I don't have issues with low temperatures. High temperatures are a big issue, and are actually much harder on the life of the battery than cold weather.
If there was an easy and elegant solution to relocate the battery out of the engine compartment, that would go a long way to prolong the battery's life. Heat is the enemy! I lived in chicago and routinely got 5-6 years out of my batteries. Here in Arizona - if you can go over two years, you are very lucky. I have no expectations on battery life here, with over 100 days of 100 degree+ outside temperatures. Imagine what the underhood temperature is when the outside temps are 115 - 120, the pavement temperatures are reading 160 degrees with a closed up engine compartment, with minimal air flow around that battery. It's no wonder they die after two years!
3 1/2 years is not that great for a premium battery...
Do you let it discharge a lot?
Not really. It's a daily driver but I did have to let it set for around 3 days this past week (which is extremely rare for me) and then when I tried to crank yesterday morning, she won't do it (without a boost). I'd been noticing that starting the car / turning over the starter has been getting slower as the battery was not holding a full charge (again - daily driver). I picked up a new 34/78 this morning a popped it in. Yes, I wish I could have gotten a bit more out of the red top but better safe than sorry.