C5 Battery Replacent ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,956
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis In
Take a look at this poll. It has over 650 votes on how the batteries have performed.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1562408476
I've had three batteries in the Vette. The AC Delco died and left me stranded after only 8k miles without warning. (The AC Delco on my sons Camaro leaked). I hear the newer AC Ds have been fixed but I've lost confidence in these batteries. With the piework and computers below the battery tray I'm not prepared to risk another leak. The Optimas are AGM batteries and will not leak. Worth the extra $$$ for me.
My Red Top died when the car was in transit to UK and wouldn't recharge. That said, it was great when the car was a DD.
I now have a Yellow Top as my car is no longer a DD. Red Tops don't like being discharged through irregular use and the Vette always draws some current. A Yellow Top will cope better with that type of use and has performed well for me.
Unless you use you car every day, whichever battery you chose get a battery tender .
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1562408476
I've had three batteries in the Vette. The AC Delco died and left me stranded after only 8k miles without warning. (The AC Delco on my sons Camaro leaked). I hear the newer AC Ds have been fixed but I've lost confidence in these batteries. With the piework and computers below the battery tray I'm not prepared to risk another leak. The Optimas are AGM batteries and will not leak. Worth the extra $$$ for me.
My Red Top died when the car was in transit to UK and wouldn't recharge. That said, it was great when the car was a DD.
I now have a Yellow Top as my car is no longer a DD. Red Tops don't like being discharged through irregular use and the Vette always draws some current. A Yellow Top will cope better with that type of use and has performed well for me.
Unless you use you car every day, whichever battery you chose get a battery tender .
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 2
From: Palm City Fl
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 0
From: I’m sittin’ at a bar on the inside. Waitin’ for my ride on the outside in Verdi, NV
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I've had great luck with AC Delco batteries. I just replaced the original battery in my '00 C5 last month with another AC Delco. 
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
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From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1562408476
Not seen you around for a while
Not seen you around for a while
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Same here. My OEM AC Delco AGM battery is almost 6.5 years old and STILL going strong. Back a few years ago, AC Delco significantly redesigned their lead-acid battery cases, specifically to eliminate weak areas, such as those around the side terminal posts.
They are now so confident in their Professional batteries that they provide a 50-month free-replacement warranty with every one.
At $90 (compared to $150+ for AGM batteries), they represent an excellent value.
This is what will go in my car when my OEM finally dies.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
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St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
My OE lasted 5+ years, replaced it with an Exide 60 because it was all I could find on a Sunday in Smallville USA. Works fine so far!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I still have a 7 year Delco battery in my '04. It had a cell go bad after 3 years and they gave me a free replacement, no adjustment. I think Delco now has a 50 month free replacement on their 84 month batteries. not bad...
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Is the current AC Delco battery an AGM? If it is, it would seem to be the best choice if for no other reason than if it takes a dump and causes any damage, GM can't complain about any repairs under their own extended warranty, which I have, since it was their battery that caused the damage in the first place. The new Sears Platinum looks great, but if it causes any damage, I could see myself becoming a ping pong ball bouncing between Sears and GM regarding who's responsible for the repairs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
I've heard the AC Delco leaks after a short time. Sooooo, I put Sears DieHards on and was very pleased on past cars. Just the other day I put an Optima Red Top on both Corvettes and Bret put one on his truck. My son put one on his Vette. Time will tell, but raise the hood and that red top catches your eye.
Carol
Carol
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
FYI, Johnson Controls bought Delphi's battery division and now makes the majority of Delco batteries. Also, life test studies that I have seen don't confirm what he told you. Delphi used expanded metal positives and JCI used PowerFrame positives and rounded corner negatives. That translates into more consistent product with fewer separator shorts.
Last edited by timd38; Oct 23, 2007 at 07:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Is the current AC Delco battery an AGM? If it is, it would seem to be the best choice if for no other reason than if it takes a dump and causes any damage, GM can't complain about any repairs under their own extended warranty, which I have, since it was their battery that caused the damage in the first place. The new Sears Platinum looks great, but if it causes any damage, I could see myself becoming a ping pong ball bouncing between Sears and GM regarding who's responsible for the repairs.
Just get an Optima Red Top.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I've heard the AC Delco leaks after a short time. Sooooo, I put Sears DieHards on and was very pleased on past cars. Just the other day I put an Optima Red Top on both Corvettes and Bret put one on his truck. My son put one on his Vette. Time will tell, but raise the hood and that red top catches your eye.
Carol
Carol