There is always a lot of discussion about what battery is best for our Corvettes and although there are several types of batteries to choose from almost all are made by three companies. Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls.
Johnson is a former customer of ours and is probably the largest of the three.
Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford),Optima and some EverStarts.
There are also brands made in South America and other places that never come to the USA.
The quality of each brand is different and also varies within the brand so it's kind of hard to choose. In any case I like a Gel type battery for the C5 so I won't need to worry about leaking acid. Optima RT in my car for over 5 years now. Buy from a retailer you trust and good luck.
OGC5

 

Thanks for the info.

 

FYI Delphi sold their battery division to Johnson Controls.

 

Thanks for the update, now that I am retired I don't even read the paper that much.
OGC5

 

Optima is not a gel type. It's an AGM.

 

AGM: The Absorbed Glass Matt construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plates active material. In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency. Actually, the AGM batteries are a variant of Sealed VRLA batteries. Popular usage high performance engine starting, power sports, deep cycle, solar and storage battery. The AGM batteries we sell are typically good deep cycle batteries and they deliver best life performance if recharged before the battery drops below the 50 percent discharge rate. If these AGM batteries are discharged to a rate of 100 percent the cycle life will be 300 plus cycles and this is true of most AGM batteries rated as deep cycle batteries.

GEL: The gel cell is similar to the AGM style because the electrolyte is suspended, but different because technically the AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell. The electrolyte in a GEL cell has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltages on this type of cell are lower than the other styles of lead acid battery. This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-voltage charging. Gel Batteries are best used in VERY DEEP cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the incorrect battery charger is used on a Gel Cell battery poor performance and premature failure is certain.

 

Of course it's Absorbed Glass Mat with tight spiral cells, I should have said non-free lquid battery. Good catch!
I told a Boat Owner friend of mine here in Florida that the thing would even work under water and upside down. He said he did not intend to be in the boat if that happned.
OGC5

 

 

I was watching one of those NASCAR shows that are really infomercials, and they called AGM (not an Optima, but another AGM battery) a gel battery. This confusion is very common.

Since we make them (Optima), we take it personally......

 

Good info. I've been happy with my Optima Red Top so far.

 

I'm buying a red top this week - but I see two different models? Does anyone have the model number I would need?

 

75/35DT or 75/86DT, both are dual terminal batteries and exactly alike. It is a very common battery. Advance, AutoZone, Pep Boys, Interstate, Costco, Sam's, I am sure I missed a bunch of others, but they should all have them in stock.

A 34/78DT may also fit, but I never tried it personally.

 

I've heard some good reviews on the Optima too. Do they include the cable extensions for top mounting or do you have to purchase them separately?

 

The side posts are extensions of the top posts. No cable extensions needed. Just attach to the side posts.

 

Perfect, thanks!