Optima Red Top Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 2
From: Flagler Beach Florida
Optima Red Top Question
In replacing the battery is there any fitment problems with the Optima Red Top? Or does it just bolt down with the stock clamp to the battery tray. Wanting to purchase one of these, have heard nothing but good comments but don't want to get into having to modify the tray or the mounts.
Thanks
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Read the small print in the warranty that comes in the box with the battery very carefully. It says, if you don't bench charge (removed from vehicle) the battery for 24 hours every six months warranty claims may be rejected. 
How's that for another good comment?
..rickko..
How's that for another good comment?
..rickko..
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 2
From: Hollywood Maryland
Hold Down Pucks
OPTIMA Red Tops, a new one, will come with the appropriate hold down puck you'll need for your C5. Mine came with two or three different types. The C5 one is somewhat triagular where the bolt and washer go and rounded on the other end to fit against the middle 'can' in the 'six pack' (cells) of your Red Top. That's the way mine came when purchased at Auto Zone. You set the Red Top on the battery tray, slide it towards the rear so it catches the battery tray lip, install the hold down puck, push it tight against the middle can, install and tighten the bolt to spec. Will never move.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 2
From: Flagler Beach Florida
Read the small print in the warranty that comes in the box with the battery very carefully. It says, if you don't bench charge (removed from vehicle) the battery for 24 hours every six months warranty claims may be rejected.
How's that for another good comment?
..rickko..
How's that for another good comment?
..rickko..
Would rather have the to deal with the Optima warranty (if needed) rather than the acid time bomb in there now.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
You might want to look at alternatives, the red top has a horrible reliability problem. You might want to do a search on them. I bought a Excide Orbital. You can get them at NTB or most Napa stores. If you're not in a hurry, remybattery.com has great pricing with Ups shipping.
They install just like the factory Delco, I bought the 78 series, just a few bucks more and more power. David
They install just like the factory Delco, I bought the 78 series, just a few bucks more and more power. David
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
You might want to look at alternatives, the red top has a horrible reliability problem. You might want to do a search on them. I bought a Excide Orbital. You can get them at NTB or most Napa stores. If you're not in a hurry, remybattery.com has great pricing with Ups shipping.
They install just like the factory Delco, I bought the 78 series, just a few bucks more and more power. David
They install just like the factory Delco, I bought the 78 series, just a few bucks more and more power. David
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: burbank ca
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 9
From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
Lots of discussions on the Red Top.. some like some don't. I had one and it didn't keep it's charge. Unless u have a daily driver I would not recommend it. I replaced it with the a GM Delco.. But yes they just drop into the battery tray and one bolt hold it down.. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Take a look at this poll to decide on how reliable each battery is.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
I agree with your assessment of the AC Delco. Exides get a good press so far but I've been happy with my Optimas. I reckon many of the problems you see are caused by the drain from the C5 and irregular use.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
I agree with your assessment of the AC Delco. Exides get a good press so far but I've been happy with my Optimas. I reckon many of the problems you see are caused by the drain from the C5 and irregular use.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,706
Likes: 552
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
There are some on the Forum that love the Optima Red Top and others who hate it.
For what its worth, I've had mine in my C5 for about a year. Mine is not a daily driver. Sometimes it sets for 3 to 6 weeks without starting. It has never failed to start the car. It has never went dead and I've never had to do a jump start.
For what its worth, I've had mine in my C5 for about a year. Mine is not a daily driver. Sometimes it sets for 3 to 6 weeks without starting. It has never failed to start the car. It has never went dead and I've never had to do a jump start.
