OPTIMA disappointment
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
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You're right, the quality of the Red Top has declined in recent years. I had one in my '00 for 7+ years and never had a problem (sold the car with the battery still going strong). When I bought my '03, it had a Red Top in it already - it lasted 3 years and went bad. Replaced it with a DieHard Platinum a year ago and so far, no problems. Pays to do your homework when buying a battery these days.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I was changing my oil yesterday when I noticed some rust on thr frame rail under the battery box. Today I pulled the battery out and to my surprise my 10 month old Optima was leaking from the negative terminal. They exchanged the bad battery for a new one, no questions asked. I bought this battey specifically for the purpose of not leaking. Honestly, I didn't know they could leak. Now I,m left with a major clean up, I'm so disappointed with Optima batteries. Any tips or suggestions on how to do this the correct way would be appreciated.
T.I.A.
T.I.A.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl.
A misconception on my part Mr. Bill. I'm now living proof that they can leak. It sucks getting an education after the fact. Better late than never, I guess. Everything is painted and back together now. It looks good. I found the Battery Mat on line but I would like to find one local. I called several places, Napa, Advanced Auto. Interstate Battery, no one has heard of them. Anyone know who sells them?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,840
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
I have three Optima red tops.. one is 8 years old and still going strong....given the fact that nothing is perfect.. Optima is a good choice... Brand new 50,000 dollar cars break all the time, thats why all of those Auto repair racks are filled with cars.... Optima's warranty is second to none...
I would buy another in a heart beat... If you think any other battery manufacturer has a 100% perfect battery build, and has never had a defect... you're living in a dream world.
I would buy another in a heart beat... If you think any other battery manufacturer has a 100% perfect battery build, and has never had a defect... you're living in a dream world.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl.
I have three Optima red tops.. one is 8 years old and still going strong....given the fact that nothing is perfect.. Optima is a good choice... Brand new 50,000 dollar cars break all the time, thats why all of those Auto repair racks are filled with cars.... Optima's warranty is second to none...
I would buy another in a heart beat... If you think any other battery manufacturer has a 100% perfect battery build, and has never had a defect... you're living in a dream world.
I would buy another in a heart beat... If you think any other battery manufacturer has a 100% perfect battery build, and has never had a defect... you're living in a dream world.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Here is a heavy duty battery I bought for my Z06. It is the same as the Odyssey just a little less expensive and exceeds the GM battery specifications for my year. Do yourself a favor and at least check it out.
DieHard Automotive Battery, Platinum P-4 - Group Size 34/78DT
# 50090 CCA 880 RC 135
Gm Battery Specifications for the C5 Corvette
2004 CCA 590 RC 110 Minutes
2003 CCA 500 RC 80 Minutes
2002 CCA 500 RC 80 Minutes
2001 CCA 500 RC 80 Minutes
2000 CCA 600 RC 115 Minutes
1999 CCA 525 RC 90 Minutes
1998 CCA 525 RC 90 Minutes
1997 N/A
DieHard Automotive Battery, Platinum P-4 - Group Size 34/78DT
# 50090 CCA 880 RC 135
Gm Battery Specifications for the C5 Corvette
2004 CCA 590 RC 110 Minutes
2003 CCA 500 RC 80 Minutes
2002 CCA 500 RC 80 Minutes
2001 CCA 500 RC 80 Minutes
2000 CCA 600 RC 115 Minutes
1999 CCA 525 RC 90 Minutes
1998 CCA 525 RC 90 Minutes
1997 N/A
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 11
From: Virginia
How old are the batteries?
I have a Red Top and its been trouble free.
If the Red Tops have been so troublesome, why haven't you replaced them with Die Hards? Life is too short to be living in fear of battery failure.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Leaking is unusual for a Red Top but don't confuse that with the strengths and weaknesses of AGM batteries over lead acid batteries.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
I was only implying that yeah sometimes a Optima may be a defaulted battery...
But that’s where the free replacement comes into play...
An most I ever pay is 130 for a red top...
What other battery for anywhere around that price comes with a free 3 or 4 year free replacement?
Almost all others are prorated not a full free replacement..
But that’s where the free replacement comes into play...
An most I ever pay is 130 for a red top...
What other battery for anywhere around that price comes with a free 3 or 4 year free replacement?
Almost all others are prorated not a full free replacement..
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl.
The Silverado battery would discharge overnight with the battery terminal disconected. I bought it new in 2009. They replaced it no questions asked. Its replacement has been installed for over a year with no problem.
The Corvette battery I bought new 9 months ago. I found it leaking a few days ago. They replaced it no questions asked. Its replacement has been in for only a couple hours, with a little luck it will last longer than the first one.
Both Red Tops are less than 3 years old so they are replaced free under warranty. Might as well take advantage of that warranty before replaceing them with a different brand, besides I'm pretty broke right now. Who knows, maybe its not too late for me to experience some of that good luck that so many of you have had with your red tops.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I learned a lot about Vette batteries over the years but there's so much misinformation out there.
Last edited by DeeGee; Oct 28, 2011 at 02:44 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Four of the mentioned batteries in 6 years, all have gone dead. Back to AC Delco
I think the challenge is to NOT put those batteries on a Battery tender, which I think is the problem. They do not charge with the tender, but charge only through driving.
I think the challenge is to NOT put those batteries on a Battery tender, which I think is the problem. They do not charge with the tender, but charge only through driving.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis
For Dave concrete: My sentiments exactly....I just put the battery tender on my 04. (Live in MN, Corvette season is over). After reading of all the leakage problems posted here, I thought I'd better do an exam first.....and so I did....no leakage anywhere. This is the original AC Delco Professional, 590 CCA,....almost 8 years old, 10,800 mi, starts the car like a champ. As we all know, these batteries can fail because of age without any warning,(and at least 100 miles from home), so I just might replace it next spring.....with another AC Delco. What's not to like?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
these are the MOST OVER-RATED batteries in the world. I'm a slow learner so it took THREE failed Optimas and the world's worst customer service to help me see the light.
Go to AutoZone buy their best battery for your car, keep your receipt taped to the carrying handle of the battery and if you EVER have a problem during the warranted period (way longer than Optima) they will stand behind it.
Go to AutoZone buy their best battery for your car, keep your receipt taped to the carrying handle of the battery and if you EVER have a problem during the warranted period (way longer than Optima) they will stand behind it.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Typical price is $240 to $260 within the first 3 Google search result pages. I paid $300 but that included shipping through the post office to Okinawa. Still, it's a LOT for a battery, but such is the case for most high-performance options for any category. The model I chose was based on:
-1200 watts of audio system with minimal voltage drop
-charging lithium-polymer batteries for radio control with engine off, so I needed the largest capacity battery that would reasonably fit
If you're looking for all-out driving performance, you could go with one of XS Power's smaller/lighter models (commonly used for racing applications) and benefit from a battery that's lighter than stock and still have all the needed starting power.
-1200 watts of audio system with minimal voltage drop
-charging lithium-polymer batteries for radio control with engine off, so I needed the largest capacity battery that would reasonably fit
If you're looking for all-out driving performance, you could go with one of XS Power's smaller/lighter models (commonly used for racing applications) and benefit from a battery that's lighter than stock and still have all the needed starting power.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,840
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
FYI..I have Never used a battery tender on any of my three Red Top batteries...The one in my C5 sits for weeks at a time in the winter here in the North east... it can sit for a month if the weather is bad.... I do enjoy a healthy romp when the dense winter air makes my C5 feel like a beast...Even after a month of sitting the car never struggles to start. The car sits in a heated garage in the winter...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 254
From: Lake Tapps WA.
Have had excellent service from both AC Delco batteries and Optima red tops. All lasted years beyond the rated months they said. Only type I have had problems with is DieHard. Leaky and very short lived. Different experiences for different people I guess. I do like the looks of the Platinum DieHard, but not taking the chance with that high price unit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
I've got a RED top 34/78, it's cheap compared to...
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009...-20091123.html
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009...-20091123.html