optima battery
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Cruising
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
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From: West Hempstead New York
optima battery
I installed a new optima battery in my 2001 coupe last year. The original Delco AGM lasted over 4 years with no problems, so far this year the optima has died twice. Auto Zone is willing to replace it for free, however I've been told these batteries can be a problem. I was told to look at a Duralast Gold instead.
OPINIONS ???
OPINIONS ???
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
OPINIONS ???
OPTIMA batteries...people love them (and are silent) or people hate them (and are verbal). The most verbal of opinions seems to have the most influence though.
I have OPTIMA batteries in every vehicle I own (except my '07 Silverado). I have been using them even before they were available to the public in a 1,000+ vehicle state fleet. They work in extreme cold and extreme heat. I tested them in the AZ summer temperatures, while an agency in CO tested them in extreme winter cold. Both agencies gave them
. Since my cars don't get used on a daily basis, the OPTIMA batteries are kept to full charge with a float maintenance charger...I use BATTERY TENDER PLUS (1.25 amp). CTEK is another option for a float maintenance charger. There are much less expensive chargers available from WALMART, HARBOR FREIGHT and the like...but, you get what you pay for in the electronics.
The float maintenance chargers are another topic with plenty of differing opinions...you might do a search on both topics if you need some reading material.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 296
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From: Landisville PA
I assume you got a red top Optima?
I had one in a 99 Grand Cherokee and it lasted just over 2 years. I've since charged it and it seems to be holding a charge fine.
I've also had a Yellow top Optima in a Jeep rock crawler for about 4 years and it has held up fantastic. Never an issue, and the Jeep has been rolled twice, and taken a lot of hard knocks on the rocks. Lots of winching duty as well, all this on a stock charging system.
No experience with the Duralast Gold you mentioned.
I had one in a 99 Grand Cherokee and it lasted just over 2 years. I've since charged it and it seems to be holding a charge fine.
I've also had a Yellow top Optima in a Jeep rock crawler for about 4 years and it has held up fantastic. Never an issue, and the Jeep has been rolled twice, and taken a lot of hard knocks on the rocks. Lots of winching duty as well, all this on a stock charging system.
No experience with the Duralast Gold you mentioned.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
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From: Warrington Pa.
My friend and I replaced our stock batteries at the same time with Red Tops...I just replaced my red top (new yellow top) after almost 6 years and his battery is still going strong. Your battery life will be extended if you use a float charger. In the first few years I didn't and he has always used a Battery Tender. So as you see it's worth the few extra $$$$ to use a float charger.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The Optima is a good battery and unlike some of the earlier AC Delcos it wont leak. It doesn't like being drained without being topped up with a battery tender though.
Take a look at this poll and it'll give you an idea about how batteries perform
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
Take a look at this poll and it'll give you an idea about how batteries perform
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Buckeye Country OH
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Seems to be hit or miss with the Optimas 
The Exide Orbital is what I chose. I had an Optima and it must
have been a bad one cause it took a chit in less than a year.
The Exide Orbital is what I chose. I had an Optima and it must
have been a bad one cause it took a chit in less than a year.
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Tolland CT
I installed a new optima battery in my 2001 coupe last year. The original Delco AGM lasted over 4 years with no problems, so far this year the optima has died twice. Auto Zone is willing to replace it for free, however I've been told these batteries can be a problem. I was told to look at a Duralast Gold instead.
OPINIONS ???
OPINIONS ???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,256
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Ive had my yellow top for 3 years and its been in 2 different cars including long periods of no use. Great battery imo My old avenger would eat a normal battery in about 6 months
My old avenger would eat a normal battery in about 6 months
C5 General
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Boosted in Manhattan & Round Rock TX. President of the Non Club Club of Kansas and Round Rock , Not the flat part.
Auto zone said mine is good. 
It came w/the car and is about 3 years old.
Time for a new one.
Paul G.
It came w/the car and is about 3 years old.
Time for a new one.
Paul G.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Three things convinced me.
My AC Delco died after 8000 miles and wouldn't recharge
The AC Delco in my son's Camaro lasted well - over 6 years - but then leaked. Luckily I caught it before it caused any damage
Then finally Toxdoc posted his horror story with pics. Here's a copy of the damage around the PCM
I now only use a battery that can't leak. I went with a Yellow Top recently
My AC Delco died after 8000 miles and wouldn't recharge
The AC Delco in my son's Camaro lasted well - over 6 years - but then leaked. Luckily I caught it before it caused any damage
Then finally Toxdoc posted his horror story with pics. Here's a copy of the damage around the PCM
I now only use a battery that can't leak. I went with a Yellow Top recently
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,245
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From: Abingdon MD
My .02: just went through this w my 01 Z51 Vert. Original Delco died 2 weeks ago from lack of winter driving.
I looked at Optima and Exide Orbital, but could not justify the $170 plus price. At mechanic brother's suggestion, went w Interstate 75 Series for $64.95 his cost. (It's all who you know, right?) A buddy has also used this battery in his Ferrari w good success.
Looking into trickle charger for next winter, as I refuse to drive the car w all of the winter salt on the roads.
Rickman
I looked at Optima and Exide Orbital, but could not justify the $170 plus price. At mechanic brother's suggestion, went w Interstate 75 Series for $64.95 his cost. (It's all who you know, right?) A buddy has also used this battery in his Ferrari w good success.
Looking into trickle charger for next winter, as I refuse to drive the car w all of the winter salt on the roads.
Rickman
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From: Redacted
I'd definitely go with some kind of AGM sealed battery in a C5, since the computer is directly beneath the battery. The consequences of leakage are pretty severe.
I put in a Optima from Costco for $128. It's a lot for a battery, but a corroded PCM harness is a heck of a lot worse. I'm sure the Exide would do just as well.
In most other vehicles, whatever flooded cell battery would be fine.
I put in a Optima from Costco for $128. It's a lot for a battery, but a corroded PCM harness is a heck of a lot worse. I'm sure the Exide would do just as well.
In most other vehicles, whatever flooded cell battery would be fine.
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The Optima Red Top in my car is 5.5 years old and still going strong. I too have heard members complain that their Optima had problems, but mine has been trouble free. If you are worried, maybe try the Exide Orbital.