Recommended Batteries

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Feb 8, 2008 | 08:18 PM

#21

CH.CRAFT

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 223

Likes: 0

From: PORT ALLEN LA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave68

1) AGM (glass matt) batteries are not the panacea that many think they are. Yes, generally speaking, they do not leak, but they also can't take long periods of inactivity and short-duration charges. This is partially why AC Delco got out of the AGM game. If you search Optimas here in this and the technical forum, you will find many tales of woe. Of the AGMs, the current champion is the Sears Platinum, but at $180 and very high mass (weighs a ton), it certainly has its disadvantages.

2) AC Delco has had a bad reputation because of its pre-2001 lead acid batteries (2001-2003 OEM batteries were AGMs and I still have mine at 6.6 years of age) leaking at the side terminal posts. Fortunately, in 2003 or 2004, they redesigned the case, significantly strengthening the side terminal post area to prevent reoccurence of the leak fiasco. The latest AC Delco Professional batteries have been very reliable and make for a good choice at $90-$100.
3) The Exide Orbital is a decent battery, although it is not readily available everywhere. The Exide Marathon is a fairly new design and has a strengthened case to prevent leakage.

are the ac delco batteries in 2004 z06 agm or not ?

Feb 8, 2008 | 08:50 PM

#22

Ron C!

Safety Car

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 3,905

Likes: 250

From: Orlando FL

I have a Red Top in the C5, got it at Costco. We have one of Costco brand batteries in the C4. Both are great. The Costco battery is made my Johnson Controls, exactly the same as a Diehard, except in price. I have had them in several cars, all have been great.

Feb 8, 2008 | 08:54 PM

#23

motogib1

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 3,194

Likes: 10

From: New Smyrna Beach Florida

I've had the red top for the better part of a year and no problems so far. The car sat for 2 weeks while I was on vacation and it fired right up when I got home.

Feb 8, 2008 | 11:04 PM

#24

docohm

Racer

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 352

Likes: 42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave68

2) The latest AC Delco Professional batteries have been very reliable and make for a good choice at $90-$100.

I checked today with my local Chevy dealer, the AC Delco Professional Group 75 battery is in stock and $120 list price but I get a 20% discount as a local Corvette club member so it's only $96! I need a new battery soon (starting to barely start after sitting in the cold at work) so that's what I'm getting.
DocOhm

Feb 8, 2008 | 11:11 PM

#25

Dave68

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 19,304

Likes: 85

From: San Diego CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH.CRAFT

are the ac delco batteries in 2004 z06 agm or not ?

No, they are not, but they do benefit from a sturdier case, so if you have one, you needn't worry much.

Quote:

Excellent choice!

Feb 8, 2008 | 11:36 PM

#26

Dominic Toretto

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 11,467

Likes: 8

From: 972 and 405

Subscribed, I'll probably go with a yellow top to match the car LOL.

-Alex

Feb 9, 2008 | 02:50 AM

#27

DeeGee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 19,384

Likes: 87

From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England

2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

My advice would be go for an AGM battery that doesn't leak. The horror stories from leakers (and I've had one on another car) are just too bad to read.

Whichever you choose, its worth getting a battery tender if its not a DD

Feb 9, 2008 | 09:14 AM

#28

ZNFUL-Z06

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 121

Likes: 0

Autozone Autocraft Platinum

4th year and running strong in my wife's '01.
Almost all the failures/leaks in side post batteries are due to overtightening the terminals. Keep it to 11-12ft-lbs and a standard battery will do just fine.