Battery for C5
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
...if you believe that you haven't read all of the replies to the previous OPTIMA discussions. 
The % of complaints is far outweighed by those happy with them. Complaints (about any product) just get more attention.
I've been using OPTIMA batteries prior to their availability to the public. I have them in all of my current vehicles. I wouldn't use anything else until someone proves to me there's something better that won't leak and cause more damage.
Common sense would suggest to buy a fresh recent dated OPTIMA and maintain it with a float maintenance type charger during periods of non use.
The % of complaints is far outweighed by those happy with them. Complaints (about any product) just get more attention.
I've been using OPTIMA batteries prior to their availability to the public. I have them in all of my current vehicles. I wouldn't use anything else until someone proves to me there's something better that won't leak and cause more damage.
Common sense would suggest to buy a fresh recent dated OPTIMA and maintain it with a float maintenance type charger during periods of non use.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
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Originally Posted by hotwheels57
...if you believe that you haven't read all of the replies to the previous OPTIMA discussions.
The % of complaints is far outweighed by those happy with them. Complaints (about any product) just get more attention.
....................................
......................... I wouldn't use anything else until someone proves to me there's something better that won't leak and cause more damage.
Common sense would suggest to buy a fresh recent dated OPTIMA and maintain it with a float maintenance type charger during periods of non use.
The % of complaints is far outweighed by those happy with them. Complaints (about any product) just get more attention.
....................................
......................... I wouldn't use anything else until someone proves to me there's something better that won't leak and cause more damage.
Common sense would suggest to buy a fresh recent dated OPTIMA and maintain it with a float maintenance type charger during periods of non use.
.............
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,121
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From: Southeast Va.
Seems like it's pretty much a crap shoot if you let it sit for several weeks on which battery to get. However, if you hook it up to a decent trickle charger (such as Battery Tender), you shouldn't have a problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
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From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
I have an Exide Orbital and so far it has been great.
I was told that the terminals being seperated from the casing also solves pusling problems when you have high power demands from things like stereo amplifiers. Don't know if this is true, or if Optimas have this feature...
I was told that the terminals being seperated from the casing also solves pusling problems when you have high power demands from things like stereo amplifiers. Don't know if this is true, or if Optimas have this feature...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by hotwheels57
...if you believe that you haven't read all of the replies to the previous OPTIMA discussions.
The % of complaints is far outweighed by those happy with them. Complaints (about any product) just get more attention.
I've been using OPTIMA batteries prior to their availability to the public. I have them in all of my current vehicles. I wouldn't use anything else until someone proves to me there's something better that won't leak and cause more damage.
Common sense would suggest to buy a fresh recent dated OPTIMA and maintain it with a float maintenance type charger during periods of non use.
The % of complaints is far outweighed by those happy with them. Complaints (about any product) just get more attention.
I've been using OPTIMA batteries prior to their availability to the public. I have them in all of my current vehicles. I wouldn't use anything else until someone proves to me there's something better that won't leak and cause more damage.
Common sense would suggest to buy a fresh recent dated OPTIMA and maintain it with a float maintenance type charger during periods of non use.
Take a look at this poll and form an opinion. The Optimas have a few problems but a lot could be car not battery related. Both mine are doing well. Exide performs well although its a small sample. Just don't get an AC Delco
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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I am on my second Optima - first one lasted about 32 months, before it started to get weak. I took it back to Costco and got a brand new one for free. I also got one for the dd Blazer.
Safety Car
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From: Don't taze me 'Bro! VA
Originally Posted by micky z
Sounds like Optima battries are more trouble than they're worth?
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My Optima Red Top has been in my car for five years - not once has it let me down. Would buy one again.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
This is but one of many, many posts about failed Optimas over the last couple of years:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1026859
Take a look at the Exide Orbital (AGM) or Marathon (non-AGM). Both feature much beefier contruction than the Optimas. Yes, they are also expensive, but both should last a good long time.
If you aren't screamish about lead acid batteries, then consider the 7-year AC Delco battery. It has a 50 month free replacement warranty - best in the industry. It is also highly rated, compared to most other batteries. Here's more info on cost-effective batteries:
Best for cold weather performance:
1. Everstart $60
2. AC Delco $90
3. NAPA $70
4. AC Delco (75 series) $90
5. Everstart, (75 series) $60 CR Best buy
"Batteries from EverStart, Kirkland, and NAPA are good values."
Best for warm weather performance:
1. NAPA $80 (series 65)
2. Duralast (65 series) $60 CR Best buy
3. AC Delco (65 series): $90
4. NAPA (75 series) $70
5. Nascar (75 series) $40 CR Best Buy
75 Series (the type used in Corvette C5s) batteries:
1. Nascar Select 75-84N (North) $80 Excellent reserve capacity
2. AC Delco Proffesional 75-7YR $90 Excellent CCA performance
3. EverStart MAX-75N (North) $60 Excellent reserve capacity, CR Best Buy
4. NAPA XLT N75-S (South) $70 CR Best Buy
5. Autocraft Silver 75-2 $55 Excellent reserve capacity
Notes: The best Diehard battery (WeatherHandler 30075 North) came in 9th place among the 75 series batteries. Its life test was below average, although its reserve capacity was excellent.
The best Interstate battery (Mega-Tron Plus MTP-75) came in 15th place. Its life test was below average.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1026859
Take a look at the Exide Orbital (AGM) or Marathon (non-AGM). Both feature much beefier contruction than the Optimas. Yes, they are also expensive, but both should last a good long time.
If you aren't screamish about lead acid batteries, then consider the 7-year AC Delco battery. It has a 50 month free replacement warranty - best in the industry. It is also highly rated, compared to most other batteries. Here's more info on cost-effective batteries:
Best for cold weather performance:
1. Everstart $60
2. AC Delco $90
3. NAPA $70
4. AC Delco (75 series) $90
5. Everstart, (75 series) $60 CR Best buy
"Batteries from EverStart, Kirkland, and NAPA are good values."
Best for warm weather performance:
1. NAPA $80 (series 65)
2. Duralast (65 series) $60 CR Best buy
3. AC Delco (65 series): $90
4. NAPA (75 series) $70
5. Nascar (75 series) $40 CR Best Buy
75 Series (the type used in Corvette C5s) batteries:
1. Nascar Select 75-84N (North) $80 Excellent reserve capacity
2. AC Delco Proffesional 75-7YR $90 Excellent CCA performance
3. EverStart MAX-75N (North) $60 Excellent reserve capacity, CR Best Buy
4. NAPA XLT N75-S (South) $70 CR Best Buy
5. Autocraft Silver 75-2 $55 Excellent reserve capacity
Notes: The best Diehard battery (WeatherHandler 30075 North) came in 9th place among the 75 series batteries. Its life test was below average, although its reserve capacity was excellent.
The best Interstate battery (Mega-Tron Plus MTP-75) came in 15th place. Its life test was below average.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Machine Silver Z06 The Golden State......... Bay Area
St. Jude Donor '05
3 month old Red Top working flawlessly!
Of course I don't have a high powered stereo system or a parasitic loss and have not hacked up the wiring on my Vette.
I think there is something more than meets the eye to all the proported pre-mature failures with the Optima's, but that's just my humble opinion.
Eat, sleep, and drive it like you stole it! Not necessarily in that order.
Of course I don't have a high powered stereo system or a parasitic loss and have not hacked up the wiring on my Vette.
I think there is something more than meets the eye to all the proported pre-mature failures with the Optima's, but that's just my humble opinion.
Eat, sleep, and drive it like you stole it! Not necessarily in that order.