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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 04:41 PM
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Default Need new battery...

My Vert is a 2000, and apparently, the battery is tired.
I have read some posts in the past about batteries but that was before I needed one. Just wondering where some of you have bought yours and what kind. My car is red, so I may want one of tose red top ones. Is that an Optima?
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 04:51 PM
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Optima Red Top is what you're referring to.
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 04:59 PM
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I prefer OPTIMA batteries. The red top 75/25 or 34/78 will work in your car. You might need the optional clamp.
Using search with keywords "red top" or "OPTIMA" will give you plenty to read, pro/con and .
Here's a recent post to review...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=red+top
You can find them at COSTCO, PEPBOYS, AUTO ZONE, SUMMIT RACING and a number on online sources. The prices have gone up on the OPTIMA batteries to approx. $140.00. That's still cheaper than having to repair acid damage to your computer and vacuum lines.
Your might also consider a float maintenance type charger for long term storage for whatever battery you elect to buy. Two recommended types are BATTERY TENDER PLUS and CTEK. Some prefer to buy generic products from HARBOR FREIGHT.
Stand by for opinions that vary as some still prefer to buy generic lead acid batteries.
It's you car to do with as you please.
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 06:16 PM
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I went with AC-Delco Pro which is currently recommended by Chevy, it was $80. (They said the AGM OEM battery was discontinued.)

More importantly get one of these too!

Battery Mat

Just a few bucks and got it in two days regular mail.

Something also to keep in mind, low voltage or loss of voltage to the PCM will spit up a bunch of codes. And because of this if you haven't done your column lock bypass, this loss of voltage to the PCM is the primary cause of CLB issues. It may not happen the day the battery dies or is replaced, it can show up weeks later. (ask me how I know that one) So if you haven't done the bypass be prepared and know what to do if it locks on you or get the CLB.

Last edited by Jet-Jock; Nov 30, 2007 at 06:22 PM.
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 01:00 AM
  #5  
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is AGM a type of Battery or the brand name?
I have ruled out the Optima, and probably buy at Costco.
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 07:07 AM
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Type, it's an AC-Delco (absorbent glass mat) for non-spill able battery requirements. They were very pricey but GM discontinued them for some reason.

Last edited by Jet-Jock; Dec 1, 2007 at 07:11 AM.
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 07:34 AM
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Default Non spill Battery

Originally Posted by gillettij
is AGM a type of Battery or the brand name?
I have ruled out the Optima, and probably buy at Costco.
Lots of Battery Brand Names out there but they are all made by just a few companies. Just make sure you get a Battery that has no free acid to leak out. The C-5 battery sits just above some critical componants.
Gel Type and AGM are a style of Battery where the electrolyte is held in suspension. I just replaced my Optima after 5 years with another one. Sears also has an AGM style and they have a good return policy and lots of locations.

Have a good one!
OGC5
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 07:48 AM
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Default Very Pricey but Cheap

Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
Type, it's an AC-Delco (absorbent glass mat) for non-spill able battery requirements. They were very pricey but GM discontinued them for some reason.
I worked part time for a Marine Supply some years back and we sold a lot of Batteries to pleasure Boaters. Boats are hard on batteries for a lot of reasons. Anyway we had some inexpensive Batteries and also Expensive Sealed style that would work if immersed in water.
I am a long time Boat owner myself and just gave customers some personal advice for what it was worth, take it or leave it.

Yes, the top of the line Battery is expensive to purchase it now (over $100.00) but if you are several miles off shore with a fast moving storm approaching and your Battery fails,"I bet you would be willing to pay double". Folks usually got the better battery. My 2 cents.
OGC5
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 07:50 AM
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optima
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 08:02 AM
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I wasn't implying I wouldn't have paid for an AC-Delco AGM, they didn't have them. But I believe the parts guy said it was something like $230. vs. the $80. for the current AC replacement.

I just got one of those battery mats in, so as a bit of insurance I'm going to install that under the battery this weekend. But so far the Pro series is doing ok. I keep an eye on it though.
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 08:18 AM
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Default Keep an eye on it!

Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
I wasn't implying I wouldn't have paid for an AC-Delco AGM, they didn't have them. But I believe the parts guy said it was something like $230. vs. the $80. for the current AC replacement.

I just got one of those battery mats in, so as a bit of insurance I'm going to install that under the battery this weekend. But so far the Pro series is doing ok. I keep an eye on it though.
The Mat is a good idea, you got a nice Vert there.
OGC5
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 12:03 PM
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Default Yes Sir.......

Originally Posted by gillettij
is AGM a type of Battery or the brand name?
I have ruled out the Optima, and probably buy at Costco.
Did the same thing, Costco 850cca 72mo warranty, $60.00, and
a Harbor Freight float charger for winter bad weather $10.00
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 12:09 PM
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I just got one of those battery mats in,
I bought an Exide 60 because it was all I could find on a Sunday in rural Wisconsin when my 02's OE dropped dead. $70, so far so good! http://www.exide.com/products/automotive/exide_60.html
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
Type, it's an AC-Delco (absorbent glass mat) for non-spill able battery requirements. They were very pricey but GM discontinued them for some reason.
I have the Optima Red Top. Nice battery. Sears recently started selling a AGM Diehard. Pricey but a nice battery.
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 12:32 PM
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Yes, the Optima has a Red Top battery. I've had very good luck with mine.
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 12:38 PM
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Just installed an Optima red top...after my OEM leaked, what a mess. Luckily the vacuum hoses went first, throwing codes, making me look there B4 it was too late (no wires or PCM issues)!
Also installing a mat under the battery
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 01:12 PM
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Yeah I was just reading about they made a change in '01 to the AGM battery and a smaller tray. Guess that is to hold it better or something?
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Old Dec 1, 2007 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
Type, it's an AC-Delco (absorbent glass mat) for non-spill able battery requirements. They were very pricey but GM discontinued them for some reason.
The warranty rate was really high on the AGM battery because Delphi struggled with building them.
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