new battery and changing it question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
new battery and changing it question
so i need to get a new battery. i had an optima yellow top in a previous car and was very happy with it. but i see a lot of people get the red top. any reason why? also saw the yellow top is 7-12 pounds lighter. so wouldn't that be an advantage if all things are equal?
also, anything i need to know before disconnecting the battery? will my memory settings stay while swapping batteries?
also, anything i need to know before disconnecting the battery? will my memory settings stay while swapping batteries?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
disconnect neg 1st, pos second and get a good 78-6yr professional delco, stay away from optimas, not near as good a battery in my opinion. you MUST HAVE at least 700cca and rc of 120...no less, let me repeat....no less than 700cca and 120rc whatever battery brand you choose, to do so you do at your own peril and risk problems, torque cable to 11 ft/lbs ....straight from a respected c5 specialist. 
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Take a close look at the Sears Platinum. Pricey but worth it IMHO. I would stay away from the Optima. Do a Search and you'll see the mixed results.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
i had an optima yellow top in my eclipse, then put it in an escalade when i traded the eclipse, and then put it in my 69 vette. i don't remember when i bought the battery, bought i got rid of the eclipse in april of 04. it's still in the 69 vette and working just fine. so needless to say, i've been impressed with optima and i am willing to buy one again. just not sure which one. i intend to drive my car all year, but honestly i can see me parking it for most of the winter. so i need something that can last a couple weeks at a time without being started.
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
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From: . New York
RC 500, that would be a big battery
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Generally owners go for the Yellow Top if they have a modified stereo system or some other large electrical draw on the system. The Red Top works just fine for a stock C5. I had one in my '00 for over 7 years with no problems and now have one in my '03 - it's been there for three years with no problems.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
i've used a lot of interstate batteries in the past with mixed results. they don't last very long in my 87 vette, but seem fine for my daily drivers.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: Wake Forest NC
You need to use a 9 volt memory saver that plugs into the power outlet,to save your memory settings.you can get one at any auto supply,for about $10,or you could make your own for a few bucks.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Just make sure you have the code for the radio if the security is on.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 471
Likes: 3
From: Bonney Lake, Washington
I just replaced my battery today. After doing some research, I chose the Red Top. Lot of pros and cons out there but the deciding factor was proper maintenance when the application is not a DD.
Great price at NAPA too!
The only thing I had to reset was the clock. Radio stations, climate control settings were not affected.
Steve
Great price at NAPA too!
The only thing I had to reset was the clock. Radio stations, climate control settings were not affected.
Steve
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 33
From: GRAYSLAKE IL
Oldtimer
St. Jude Donor '13
Suggest u get a battery mat & instal it just for added insurance against any battery leakage...My Red Top is working well after serveral yrs & I do use a trickle charger...
