Battery Purchase
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 336
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From: San Diego CA
Battery Purchase
I have an 01 C5 with the original OEM Delco AGM battery. The battery has been hooked up since day one to a trickle charger device. Since the car still fires up like a champ, I like to think that the trickle charger has had something to due with the prolonged service life of the battery. 
However, I realize, I may be pushing my luck and it is probably not a bad idea to at least start thinking about a replacement battery. 
I have read many posts about batteries. I have tentatively narrowed down my choice for a replacement battery to either the Exide Orbital, AC Delco Professional or the Optima Red Top. (Given that the replacement battery will also be hooked up to a trickle charger, the recent posts regarding the Optima battery failures may not be as big as issue for me
).
For those of you who keep their batteries hooked up to a battery tender or other trickle charger device - Has anyone had any issues/problems with the Exide Orbital, AC Delco Professional, or Optima Red Top?
Thanks,
Mordi
However, I realize, I may be pushing my luck and it is probably not a bad idea to at least start thinking about a replacement battery. I have read many posts about batteries. I have tentatively narrowed down my choice for a replacement battery to either the Exide Orbital, AC Delco Professional or the Optima Red Top. (Given that the replacement battery will also be hooked up to a trickle charger, the recent posts regarding the Optima battery failures may not be as big as issue for me
).For those of you who keep their batteries hooked up to a battery tender or other trickle charger device - Has anyone had any issues/problems with the Exide Orbital, AC Delco Professional, or Optima Red Top?
Thanks,
Mordi
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,149
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From: Grafton WI
I just purchased a Delco 78-60. I researched all of the exotic batteries and determined, at least for me, that the one that I bought will work just fine. My favorite part was that the new battery has a handle on the top, makes installing so much easier. My old battery still worked, but it was 6 years old, would have turned 7 this summer. It was an ordinary Interstate, never leaked, never failed me. I kept a trickle charger on only the last 2 winters. I looked at the Delco Professional but couldn't see paying the difference.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,888
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From: Olathe, Kansas
Trickle charger vs Float charger
You shouldn't be using a trickle charger, it should be a Float charger.
A trickle charger has a constant low amperage (usually 1 Amp) output, while a float charger monitors the charge level and MAINTAINS the battery at peak efficiency. It will never overcharge a battery. I use a CTEK 3300 (Purchased from Chip @ CCA) on my Exide Orbital, and it works great!
A trickle charger has a constant low amperage (usually 1 Amp) output, while a float charger monitors the charge level and MAINTAINS the battery at peak efficiency. It will never overcharge a battery. I use a CTEK 3300 (Purchased from Chip @ CCA) on my Exide Orbital, and it works great!
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I'm going against the grain and will say....get any battery with enough CCA (700+) that fits. After 10 years with my original AC Delco 
I just installed a Costco battery for $63.00. I just can't see spending $160 or so for a gel battery.
Just my $0.02
I just installed a Costco battery for $63.00. I just can't see spending $160 or so for a gel battery.Just my $0.02
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I've had the Optima Red Top in my car since November 2001 - and hooked to a trickle charger for about 5 years. Never had a problem with the battery starting the car.
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My car only comes out at weekends so I use an Optima Yellow Top and it's doing well after about 18 months. I'd say you'd be good with any of those batteries if you're using a battery tender. For me, I'm happy to spend the extra $$ for an AGM battery. I guess I'm just cautious after having a leak from an old AC Delco. The new ones are built by a different manufacturer now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I would just go with the ACDelco professional battery, with 50 month replacement warranty. Might even change out battery cables to the top post version on the 2004.
As more Optimas get into service, it appears they fail just like any other battery and are not worth the premium. Same with the Orbital version.
As more Optimas get into service, it appears they fail just like any other battery and are not worth the premium. Same with the Orbital version.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
As you know, my AC Delco battery was just about 7 years old before I gave it a rest. One thing you might mention is the excellent price that Summit offers with the AC Delco Professional: $99.00.
It has a 50-month free replacement warranty - best of them all, and with a beefed-up case, highly unlikely to leak. That's what I now have and I stand behind it, 100%.
It has a 50-month free replacement warranty - best of them all, and with a beefed-up case, highly unlikely to leak. That's what I now have and I stand behind it, 100%.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 7
From: Bucks County Pa
Delco Battery For Me
Hello, I've posted so many times on battery issues, so I guess you can guess what I'd do. If you got such good service out of the OEM delco, and the new pro series are even better and warranted for more time, why even look elsewhere. And what you post goes to confirm, is that a battery when properly cared for will live up to it's manufacturers expectation. The thing to make sure of is whenever you buy a new Battery whatever brand, make sure it is a fresh one, not one that has been laying around on the shelf for more than a month or so. They all have date codes and you should check in to it. I personally would, and have gone with the one made for the car,The Delco Professional Series, because I'm sure it will last as long as it is supposed to. Not that I'm saying that other brands wouldn't, but because I have no reason to look elsewhere.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Last edited by bestvettever; Apr 5, 2008 at 11:48 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
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From: Jensen Beach FL
As you know, my AC Delco battery was just about 7 years old before I gave it a rest. One thing you might mention is the excellent price that Summit offers with the AC Delco Professional: $99.00.
It has a 50-month free replacement warranty - best of them all, and with a beefed-up case, highly unlikely to leak. That's what I now have and I stand behind it, 100%.
It has a 50-month free replacement warranty - best of them all, and with a beefed-up case, highly unlikely to leak. That's what I now have and I stand behind it, 100%.
