Battery for C5 2003
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
My choice was an Exide 75. No problems in 5 years and I use a tender on it if it's not going to be driven for awhile.
I did put a battery mat under it in the rare event that it ever does leak and I do take the battery out over the winter and store it in the basement. I believe most of the the leakage problems were caused when the car was put away for the winter, the battery eventually went dead and the battery froze, cracking the case.
I did put a battery mat under it in the rare event that it ever does leak and I do take the battery out over the winter and store it in the basement. I believe most of the the leakage problems were caused when the car was put away for the winter, the battery eventually went dead and the battery froze, cracking the case.
Last edited by JR-01; May 6, 2017 at 10:29 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
I have a red top optima in mine. Put it in a week after I bought the car. Has survived phoenix summers and salt lake winters. I know reviews are mixed but I like them and more importantly the gel cells shouldn't leak and we all know what happens if your battery leaks with computers and wiring harnesses right under the battery box in these cars...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I have a red top Optima also. Bought it after buying the Z06. Previous owner had a red top also who was charging great. Just wanted peace of mind. It's been four years. Car is also on CTek tender when not in use for a while.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
I have an Ac delco battery, and have decided on an absorbent glass mat design for a replacement when it plays out. I do like the looks of the AC delco, as a factory part it looks like I know what I am doing , like what happens when I put on a nice suit.
Korea is a surprise for me, give the distance and the weight. I had heard there is a shipping glut , but I usually see batteries imported from mexico, being in California, and close to the border.
I would think the battery is sourced from Korea because of the cost of lead waste disposal, which is probably zero in Korea. just pray for the poor who live in the pollution shadow of the plant. Life is very cheap most places in this world.
Korea is a surprise for me, give the distance and the weight. I had heard there is a shipping glut , but I usually see batteries imported from mexico, being in California, and close to the border.
I would think the battery is sourced from Korea because of the cost of lead waste disposal, which is probably zero in Korea. just pray for the poor who live in the pollution shadow of the plant. Life is very cheap most places in this world.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
Originally Posted by knewblewkorvette
I've had much better luck with the Optima Yellow Top than their Red Top. Yellow seems to last lots longer.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I am currently using a Sears Diehard Platinum battery in my '03. They unfortunately do not make them anymore. I've heard good things about the Odyssey Extreme, 34/78 PC-1500DT as a replacement for the DieHard Platinum.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 159
From: Lafayette Louisiana
So far I'm pleased with this battery from Batteries Plus
It's a little bigger than stock battery but does just fit in the tray.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/replac...a=sig/sli34dtm
It's a little bigger than stock battery but does just fit in the tray.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/replac...a=sig/sli34dtm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1,207
From: Beavercreek Ohio Currently own: 1958 Silver Blue Corvette & 1969 Riverside Gold Corvette Coupe
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Optima Red Top in mine.
Lasts for a decade and no acid leaks on the electronics below.
Lasts for a decade and no acid leaks on the electronics below.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 259
Likes: 40
From: Summerville, SC
When I purchased my car, it had a new Napa battery in it from the GM dealer. It had a rough time keeping a charge and after one winter storage, (yes, I had a battery tender on it and keep one on it) this spring when I took it out of storage, started throwing number, i.e. active handling, steering column, charging system, and a few others. I did go with a red top and now all is well. I do put a tender on it when it's going to be down for more than a week.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I have a red top optima in mine. Put it in a week after I bought the car. Has survived phoenix summers and salt lake winters. I know reviews are mixed but I like them and more importantly the gel cells shouldn't leak and we all know what happens if your battery leaks with computers and wiring harnesses right under the battery box in these cars...