Phanni

I'm sure this has been beaten to death a few time, but times and technology changes things. It looks like I'll be needing a battery for my 2000 Vert soon. I'd like to hear a few opinions about what to get.

Phanni

Thanks for your input.
What part of technology changes was beyond your comprehension level?

Jet-Jock

Watch this video parts 1 and 2 on C5/C6 electrical systems and ECL. Click Here

You want a battery with a least 120 RC (Reserve Capacity).

Personally, the AC-Delco Professional series with an excellent replacement warranty meets the requirements and will run you under $120. 78-6YR/7YR Different for '04 86-6YR

NorCalVette Kid

I just bought a new battery, I was leaning towards the Optima but at the end I got the AC-Delco Professional series, got the 7 year one.

ALLEGRO

Lots of tests and surveys, not to mention reviews.

You can get a great battery for sure. Some are "boutique" units, usually involves a color in the name (one sorts or another) or you can go with the "consumer" brands at various outlets. There are some differences, but cost seems to be the biggest difference.

Me personally, have bought batteries from Wal-Mart for some time now without incident. I have lots of batteries.....lots. Three in the motorhome, two in the boat, lawntractor and four cars. When time comes to replace the battery in the AE, I will probably go back to Wally World.

Just call me crazy, JMHO

Phanni

From that video that Jet Jock posted, that sounds like the ticket.
thanks to those that helped.

Vetteman Jack

Last October I had to replace my Optima Red Top - went with a Sears DieHard Platinum series. So far, so good.

3rd_Vette

ANYTHING but an OPTIMA!!!!..

Way too much money for a poorly built battery that will leave you stranded!

If you do plan to waste your money on an Optima, at least waste an extra $50 and get a Yellow Top with the 120 reserve.. The Red Top only has 100 and that just won't cut it, no matter what any die hard Optima fan will try to tell you!

mapman

jrose7004

I had an Optima and it did so well that I just bought another!

dobewillie

AC Delco pro

Hammer99

jacks996

optima red top is all i use in all my cars

jonalyn_watsons

My advise to you is to canvass first into the internet and search for the best quality. Nowadays, we should not be hurry about buying and buying, we should be practical of what we are buying. Quality and the quantity is most important before buying.


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DeeGee

I'm not aware of any recent technology changes that would affect a battery for the Vette.

There’s a lot of myth about batteries. The OEM batteries fitted to the C5 from 97 to 00 were of a lead acid construction. Because of a design flaw in the side posts, it was possible to over tighten the battery leads and crack the case. This allowed acid to leak into the area below the battery tray. The PCM sits below the battery tray, as does a significant part of the HVAC trunking and some wiring. Where batteries have leaked in the past, these components have been damaged. Some 11 years on, those batteries are all out of service so the risk is past.
The C5 eats batteries. It has a 20-30MA drain even when dormant so if you car sits idle for long periods, the battery will slowly discharge.

First thing is to make sure you buy a new battery that meets the GM spec. The C5 needs a Cold Cranking Ampage (CCA) of at least 500A and a reserve capacity of 80 minutes. A statement of the obvious but make sure the new battery fits the tray and you can secure it with the hold down bracket.

There are two major types of battery available; standard lead/acid construction (such as the original AC Delcos) and absorbent glass mat batteries (such as Optima Red Top). Because the acid is absorbed by the glass mat, the latter type are extremely leak resistant. A starting battery (lead/acid) is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines) and has a greater plate count. The plates will also be thinner and have different material compositions. A deep cycle battery (AGM) has less instant energy but greater long-term energy delivery. Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates and can survive a number of discharge cycles but once deeply discharged are difficult to recharge.

If leak free is important to you chose an AGM battery. The disadvantage of AGM technology is that it is more expensive than lead/acid and should not be deeply discharged through lack of use. If leaks do not worry you, traditional batteries are cheaper and optimized for starting.

You then need to decide what type of use your car gets. For a daily driver where your daily commute is more than about 10 mins or doesn’t involve sitting at the lights for most of the trip, any battery will be fine. A longer journey will put back the drain from starting the car. If you have a short commute or the engine is at idle for long periods you may be draining the battery over time. If the car sits idle for days at a time, say a garage queen, the battery is slowly draining. GM gives the following advice:
“ A vehicle with a 30 mA drain and a fully-charged 70 RC battery will last 23 days. If that battery is at only 65% of full charge, it is going to last only 15 days before causing a no-start”.
If your commute is short or the car is not used regularly an AGM battery is probably not for you. If you still decide to go for one to guarantee it is leak free, invest in a battery tender and plug the battery on charge if the car sits longer than a week or so.

Armed with all that, go ahead and choose the best one for you.

vette54728702

Thanks for posting this thread... I haven't been a C5 owner very long, and it looks like I will be replacing the battery.

dougbfresh

If you have the $$, AGM is the way to go. The one in my bike is 5+ years old now.

MAC5

Over 13 years, my 98's had the original AC Delco and two Exide Orbital AGM's, the most recent one installed last fall. Had the usual problems with the original Delco running down due to lack of driving the car and not on a battery tender, so made a reasonable effort to keep the Exide's charged up during storage periods with a battery tender, or simply disconnecting the battery when the car is stored over extended periods. One thing for certain, the more you use your car, the longer the battery seems to be a non issue.

AZ 7TVETTE

Where did you guys purchase the AC-Delco Professional 78?

MSG C5

My original AC Delco OEM battery lasted 6 years including 5 Florida summers. I proactively replaced it last year with a 7-year professional Delco battery after completing my exterior HID/LED lighting mods. A no brainer for me considering the first one performed so well.