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Battery replacement opionions needed!!!!

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Old 02-19-2009, 01:36 PM
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34RedRage
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Default Battery replacement opionions needed!!!!

my battery in my 98 coupe has taken a dump... i am thinking about replacing it with a Duralast gold top, 8 yr with a 3 yr free replacement warranty. 800cca and 1000ca, sold by Auto zone parts store.$89.99 i have used the duralast in other vehicles, but never in a
c5. what is everyones opinion on this battery? anyone running a duralast in there c5's??.......ed
Old 02-19-2009, 01:41 PM
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THE TECH
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If you want a stock style battery, I would go with an Interstate. For something aftermarket (i.e. smaller and lighter) I would try an Odyssey.
Old 02-19-2009, 01:44 PM
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evowake
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AC Delco
Old 02-19-2009, 01:46 PM
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34RedRage
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Originally Posted by THE TECH
If you want a stock style battery, I would go with an Interstate. For something aftermarket (i.e. smaller and lighter) I would try an Odyssey.

thanks for the info.
buying a stock style battery works fine for me. i just want one that will last. i have had good experiences with the duralast, but just want to see if anyone has had it in there c5 or heard of its track record in a c5...ed
Old 02-19-2009, 01:47 PM
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34RedRage
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Originally Posted by evowake
AC Delco
who carries the ac delco beside the stealerships??
Old 02-19-2009, 01:52 PM
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Battery recommendations are one of the most hotly discussed topics here. There was a problem with the original OEM batteries in the early C5's - with leaking. It was determined that most of the leaks were due to overtightening of the battery cables...the issue was that the acid potentially leaked onto the PCM and the wiring harness located below the tray. In 2001, Chevrolet introduced the sealed AGM battery, but it was plagued with reports of premature failures. In 2004 - the Corvette got a standard top terminal battery - and I don't recall reading about any issues with that battery.

There are some that hate the Optima Red-Top, while others like it. Still others will tell you the Excide Orbital is the battery of choice. Some prefer the DieHard Platinum....all three of these are spiral cell AGM batteries that resist leakage.

The AGM batteries do not like to be discharged, so if your Corvette is an occasional driver, the wise move is to purchase and use a smart battery charger like the Battery Tender or the CTEK3300. Also - the spiral cell AGM's tend to be much more expensive.

Bottom line is the climate in which you live, how you use your car and how good are you at performing routine preventative maintenance. Also, what price are you willing to spend?

Personally - I like my Optima Red Top....I use a CTEK charger if the car is going to sit for a couple of days or more. I routinely check the connections and I make sure the battery is functioning properly. No battery is totally maintenance and trouble free - I suggest that you purchase the battery that you are most comfortable with, as long as you understand the issues and comments that will come up.
Old 02-19-2009, 01:55 PM
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THE TECH
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If you were closer, I would just give you my stock battery.
Old 02-19-2009, 01:56 PM
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If you go to ACDelco.com, search a resaler location near you, most of them should carry them
Old 02-19-2009, 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by evowake
If you go to ACDelco.com, search a resaler location near you, most of them should carry them
just found a ac delco dealer here in denver, 7yr Pro series 800cca $118.16 out the door. whats evryone think?...ed
Old 02-19-2009, 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by blacksedan87
Battery recommendations are one of the most hotly discussed topics here. There was a problem with the original OEM batteries in the early C5's - with leaking. It was determined that most of the leaks were due to overtightening of the battery cables...the issue was that the acid potentially leaked onto the PCM and the wiring harness located below the tray. In 2001, Chevrolet introduced the sealed AGM battery, but it was plagued with reports of premature failures. In 2004 - the Corvette got a standard top terminal battery - and I don't recall reading about any issues with that battery.

There are some that hate the Optima Red-Top, while others like it. Still others will tell you the Excide Orbital is the battery of choice. Some prefer the DieHard Platinum....all three of these are spiral cell AGM batteries that resist leakage.

The AGM batteries do not like to be discharged, so if your Corvette is an occasional driver, the wise move is to purchase and use a smart battery charger like the Battery Tender or the CTEK3300. Also - the spiral cell AGM's tend to be much more expensive.

Bottom line is the climate in which you live, how you use your car and how good are you at performing routine preventative maintenance. Also, what price are you willing to spend?

Personally - I like my Optima Red Top....I use a CTEK charger if the car is going to sit for a couple of days or more. I routinely check the connections and I make sure the battery is functioning properly. No battery is totally maintenance and trouble free - I suggest that you purchase the battery that you are most comfortable with, as long as you understand the issues and comments that will come up.
thanks for the info.. but now you really have me wondering which way to go.......
Old 02-19-2009, 02:13 PM
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Sears Diehard PLATINUM
Old 02-19-2009, 02:14 PM
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If you've had good experiences with Duralast, why change? If it works for you in your other vehicles, why wouldn't it also work for you in your vette?
Old 02-19-2009, 02:24 PM
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tony2003
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i bought a napa gold agm because i was worried about leakage issues. If you choose a dry cell type, get the ctek battery charger as it charges at a higher voltage than regular chargers and will not overcharge battery. If you let it set for weeks at a time it will slowiy DIE. I keep mine plugged in whenever i'm not going to be driving for a few days. If you choose a wet cel, just be vigilant about checking for leaks good luck
Old 02-19-2009, 02:35 PM
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I had very good luck with the Optima Red Top in my '00 - lasted 6.5 years and was still going strong when I sold the car last June.

Have a Duralast in my wife's car - been in there about a year with no problems.
Old 02-19-2009, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by tony2003
i bought a napa gold agm because i was worried about leakage issues. If you choose a dry cell type, get the ctek battery charger as it charges at a higher voltage than regular chargers and will not overcharge battery. If you let it set for weeks at a time it will slowiy DIE. I keep mine plugged in whenever i'm not going to be driving for a few days. If you choose a wet cel, just be vigilant about checking for leaks good luck
AGM batteries are not dry cells - there is liquid electrolyte in them. The point of the AGM is that the case is sealed, thus minimizing the possibility of leakage.....FYI.
Old 02-19-2009, 03:17 PM
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Default AC Delco 7YR

Originally Posted by vettesplus
just found a ac delco dealer here in denver, 7yr Pro series 800cca $118.16 out the door. whats evryone think?...ed
That's a good price for a battery that carries a 50-month free replacement warranty - best in the world! I have the same battery and it'll be good for 7+ years. The added bodus is that it has the same features as the OEM, so it slides in and clamps down perfectly.

Walmart batteries for $80 are also excellent deals, but I've had such good luck with AC Delco (7+ years), that I'll stick with them for my C5.

By the way, leaking batteries are history. I haven't seen nor heard of a newer (2004+) model of lead acid battery leaking, so I think it's safe to say this is essentially a non-issue.

Last edited by Dave68; 02-19-2009 at 03:19 PM.
Old 02-19-2009, 07:42 PM
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I went with a Optima Red Top cause i was afraid of acid leakage and thought a gel type battery was a wise choice.

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Old 02-19-2009, 07:44 PM
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i think i am leaning towards the ac delco pro series, but may change my choice in my sleep tonight!!!
Old 02-19-2009, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by killain
I went with a Optima Red Top cause i was afraid of acid leakage and thought a gel type battery was a wise choice.

Just bought another another Red Top....plus it looks cool in my RedC5
Old 02-19-2009, 09:16 PM
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I run the sears diehard gold series. And purchased mine at k-mart. It was on sale, 3 year free replacement, 2 year pro-rate after that. So when it was all said and done, i went with price, warranty, location of store, hours of operation.


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