which battery is everyone using?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 330
Likes: 2
From: Visalia California
which battery is everyone using?
So my car was charging at 15-15.8v at 2k+ rpm and 14-14.5 at idle and 11.5 off. This is all through the DIC btw. So I looked at my battery and it is 7 years old.
Before I troubleshoot a possible overcharge issue I want to replace the battery, being that it's 7 years old it's probably due anyway. It has an optima red top now.
Are the red tops still good? Is there any that are better? Thanks.
Before I troubleshoot a possible overcharge issue I want to replace the battery, being that it's 7 years old it's probably due anyway. It has an optima red top now.
Are the red tops still good? Is there any that are better? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Running Sears Platinum - but they are getting pricey compared to what I paid for one when they were the "new" thing. It seems to be able to withstand the normal C5 current drain when parked for any significant period of time without any issues.
Prior to that 2 Delcos - the OEM which split and was replaced under warranty, the second lasted about 7 years. Our other vehicles have ended up with Walmart MAXX batteries, which seem fine - and are not too expensive.
Prior to that 2 Delcos - the OEM which split and was replaced under warranty, the second lasted about 7 years. Our other vehicles have ended up with Walmart MAXX batteries, which seem fine - and are not too expensive.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 235
From: North Carolina
I've had very good service over the years using Exide's in my 98 C5.
Had the their original AGM "Orbital" and just put the newest version AGM in labeled
"Exide Edge AGM". The early year C5's were side post batteries, so I'm sticking with the AGM's to eliminate the acid spills on the computer.
The car is usually on the Battery Tender when not being used for extended periods.
Had the their original AGM "Orbital" and just put the newest version AGM in labeled
"Exide Edge AGM". The early year C5's were side post batteries, so I'm sticking with the AGM's to eliminate the acid spills on the computer.
The car is usually on the Battery Tender when not being used for extended periods.
Last edited by MAC5; Jun 1, 2015 at 04:57 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Laurel MD
St. Jude Donor '08
Sears Platinum..just make sure you get the right size..Group 78...I've heard that some places will tell you that you need a Group 75, which is a smaller battery with less capacity...just sayin
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My car has a Sears DieHard Platinum in it right now (been in the car for better than 4 years). It replaced an Optima Red Top that died at the three year mark. I do keep the car on a Battery Tender when not in use.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
OP, I was just in the exact same conundrum as you about a month ago. I bought my C5 3 years ago with an Optima red top installed. I pulled it every winter and put it on the workbench set up on a battery tender. This past year I happened to noticed the 2007 stickers on it, and then upon re-installation this spring it started acting funny (low voltage). These cars do not like low voltage, I'd sooner replace a battery suspected to be on it's way out before you start chewing up expensive no-longer made components (i.e. EBCM, SWPS, BCM, etc.). I poked around on here a little bit to see if I should get another Optima or buy a regular battery. I decided to simply get an AC Delco as they've apparently fixed their leaking problems they once had. I've since installed the new battery and she runs great. Get the non AGM Professional Series and you should be good to go!
Oh and one other thing to answer your question, I did hear rumors that the quality of Optimas dropped over the past decade. Apparently there was some sort of acquisition and another company owns Optima and the quality has gone down as its all about the shareholders unlike once before.
Oh and one other thing to answer your question, I did hear rumors that the quality of Optimas dropped over the past decade. Apparently there was some sort of acquisition and another company owns Optima and the quality has gone down as its all about the shareholders unlike once before.
Last edited by MLC_LS1; Jun 1, 2015 at 10:45 PM. Reason: ,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Stock Corvette recommended side post AC Delco from GM. One gorgeous battery with snap down handle and 5 year warranty for get this $94- Hard to beat. You can spend more if you like!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
My experience:
I had the Optima red top for close to 2 years and it died. It was still under warranty so advance auto swapped it out. The replacement lasted another 2 years and died. Both times the battery would go dead after sitting for 3 days. Warranty on Optima changed on second battery so when it died Advance Auto wanted more than the cost of the wal-mart battery to replace it.
Decided enough was enough and 2 years ago went to Wal-Mart and replaced it with their battery. Now the car can sit for weeks and the battery will not go dead. Starts right up.
I had the Optima red top for close to 2 years and it died. It was still under warranty so advance auto swapped it out. The replacement lasted another 2 years and died. Both times the battery would go dead after sitting for 3 days. Warranty on Optima changed on second battery so when it died Advance Auto wanted more than the cost of the wal-mart battery to replace it.
Decided enough was enough and 2 years ago went to Wal-Mart and replaced it with their battery. Now the car can sit for weeks and the battery will not go dead. Starts right up.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 763
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From: Long Grove IL
I have the Duralast Platinum AGM from AutoZone in mine. 3 years now and it starts flawless in the spring with no tender. Using a Group 34 in my 2004 since that's the lone year of top-post C5s.
For what it's worth, the old NAPA battery that was in it when I got it was leaking. I think this is why I had to repair the HVAC vacuum line underneath the battery.
For what it's worth, the old NAPA battery that was in it when I got it was leaking. I think this is why I had to repair the HVAC vacuum line underneath the battery.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Mate,
All I can say is "you get what you pay for" (usually). I've got an Optima yellow top that is five years old. I keep it on a battery tender if I'm not going to drive the car for two or more weeks (I travel overseas quite a bit).
All batteries tend to last longer when kept fully charged. So, any premium battery that you purchase and then keep charged should give you good service. The exception being a faulty/defective battery which can happen. That's what warranties are for.
All I can say is "you get what you pay for" (usually). I've got an Optima yellow top that is five years old. I keep it on a battery tender if I'm not going to drive the car for two or more weeks (I travel overseas quite a bit).
All batteries tend to last longer when kept fully charged. So, any premium battery that you purchase and then keep charged should give you good service. The exception being a faulty/defective battery which can happen. That's what warranties are for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 12
From: Wichita Kansas
I've known 5 people that have used optima in cars, boats and off road uses and I have never heard anything good about them, yellow, red, or blue top. So i have always stayed clear of them.
I just put in a Duralast AGM from autozone so we will see how long that last...
I just put in a Duralast AGM from autozone so we will see how long that last...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
I've known 5 people that have used optima in cars, boats and off road uses and I have never heard anything good about them, yellow, red, or blue top. So i have always stayed clear of them.
I just put in a Duralast AGM from autozone so we will see how long that last...
I just put in a Duralast AGM from autozone so we will see how long that last...
My local Corvette shop has a pile of failed Optimas. I wouldn't buy one
