Battery Replacement.. recommendations?
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Wappinger Falls NY
Battery Replacement.. recommendations?
As the title states, who is using what out there to replace their battery? I was leaning towards an Optima red top but I hear just as much bad as good...thoughts???
Last edited by v03z06; May 7, 2013 at 09:45 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Richardson TX
I don't think Optima red tops are ideal for C5s, since our electronics have a slow drain on the battery over time, which the Optimas don't like.
If you keep a battery tender on the car all the time, its pretty much a non-issue, but for the money, I think if you're looking for a premium battery, the Sears Platinum battery is a better fit for a C5 than an Optima.
If you keep a battery tender on the car all the time, its pretty much a non-issue, but for the money, I think if you're looking for a premium battery, the Sears Platinum battery is a better fit for a C5 than an Optima.
Drifting
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From: Richardson TX
Just depends on how much money you want to spend.
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I had an Optima Red Top in mine when I bought the car - the battery died right past the 3 year mark. Replaced it with a Sears DieHard Platinum 2 1/2 years ago and no problems so far.
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From: The Villages, Florida
Bosch
I bought a Bosch battery recently from Pep Boys. There are some who recommend 700 and over for cold cranking amps, and 120 and over for reserve capacity. Mine is rated at 90 for reserve capacity, which is starting to worry me. I called Pep Boys yesterday and I was told that Bosch was in the battery group recommended for my car.
Guess I'll wait and see...it seemed to turn over slightly slower yesterday, which is what got me concerned.
Guess I'll wait and see...it seemed to turn over slightly slower yesterday, which is what got me concerned.
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OK, I have been a red top used for years, I had one in my Corvette and I had one in my 72 Camaro, Never an issue with the one in the Camaro, But the Vette the last couple of months I was having issues, I ended up buying a Interstate Mega Tron Plus with a battery mat and the car starts so mush better now, No codes. So far I am happy with it, I do keep an eye on it, Last thing I want is a leaking battery.
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C5 needs lots of reserve capacity!!! Get the largest capacity battery you can find. Don't try to save a few dollars on this purchase, for a C5. I've had great luck with the Platinum Die Hard batts. Others are fine too; just think 'huge and powerful'.
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My original OEM battery lasted 7 years in Florida heat with nothing but a trickle charger when necessary. After 7 years, I decided not to further test my luck and I replaced it with another AC Delco 7-year professional battery.
For me it was an easy decision as I went with the "If it's not broken, don't fix it route".
For me it was an easy decision as I went with the "If it's not broken, don't fix it route".
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My original OEM battery lasted 7 years in Florida heat with nothing but a trickle charger when necessary. After 7 years, I decided not to further test my luck and I replaced it with another AC Delco 7-year professional battery.
For me it was an easy decision as I went with the "If it's not broken, don't fix it route".
For me it was an easy decision as I went with the "If it's not broken, don't fix it route".
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From: oregon
The Sears Platinum battery is basically an Oddessy battery from my understanding, its a class above the regular diehard batteries (and about double the price), but it has nearly twice the reserve capacity, and is supposed to be really well made and long lasting.
Just depends on how much money you want to spend.
Just depends on how much money you want to spend.
the platinum looks like the special one but i have never researched on why
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Red Top here. The last one I had was six yrs plus old & was still o.k. but I thought I was pushing it. I use a CETK 3300 trickle charger all the time (garage queen). I've read the Red Tops don't like to charged after going dead. Suggest using a battery mat whichever battery you get.