Agm battery
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 331
Likes: 74
From: Florida
Modern lead acid batteries can and/or will leak. In my field, I've see it at least a hundred times the past 7 years, if not more. They leak either out of the vent caps, vent holes, and/or most commonly around the base of the lead post(s) (or side terminals) where the metal is surrounded by the plastic case and expand at different rates from the heat. Then they can corrode the terminals, hold down brackets, and in our case, the frame/battery tray components.
AGM are absorbed glass mat, and are the technology used in Optimas. They are not gell cells. AGM use fiberglass electrolytic sheets instead of water and sulfuric acid.
If you're not gunna use an AGM, then do a regular check up to see if it's leaking. Sometimes you cant really tell though, the water/acid mixture can run down the side of the battery, pool at the bottom or in the terminal and it will be a gradual corrosion.
AGM are absorbed glass mat, and are the technology used in Optimas. They are not gell cells. AGM use fiberglass electrolytic sheets instead of water and sulfuric acid.
If you're not gunna use an AGM, then do a regular check up to see if it's leaking. Sometimes you cant really tell though, the water/acid mixture can run down the side of the battery, pool at the bottom or in the terminal and it will be a gradual corrosion.
Last edited by 02torchred; Mar 11, 2020 at 11:32 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
I did not know that 2004 Corvette batteries are top terminal batteries. My 2001 is side terminal and has a three year old Red Top. In my opinion side terminals are more troublesome than top terminals.
My '84 Toyota ranch truck has a top terminal Yellow Top, now 9 1/2 years old and my horse trailer has a 9 year old Yellow Top, both going strong.
My '84 Toyota ranch truck has a top terminal Yellow Top, now 9 1/2 years old and my horse trailer has a 9 year old Yellow Top, both going strong.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 1,074
From: South Florida
Surprised nobody mentioned mighty max, the ebay sealed lead acid manufacturer (and other types).
I've used a very small battery of theirs, I think 18AH, it was like $28 shipped or $32 shipped or something, it cranks over the 5.3L V8 for 3 years no issues.
I picked up a slightly larger unit for the inevitable and its less than half the size of a normal battery you get at walmart or whatever.
I've used a very small battery of theirs, I think 18AH, it was like $28 shipped or $32 shipped or something, it cranks over the 5.3L V8 for 3 years no issues.
I picked up a slightly larger unit for the inevitable and its less than half the size of a normal battery you get at walmart or whatever.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
I put a red top in my car less than three years ago. After sitting a little over a month it was stone dead. This has never happened to me with a covenantal battery in 22 years. It happened twice with five year old battery That sat for much longer than a month. The tender would not bring it up, had to have it charged that did bring it back. So we'll see what happens with it going forward. I don't use a tender when it sits for short periods. I've never had one go dead with in a months time. Not happy with the red top.
Hope this helps
C5 4 Me
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 3,929
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
I can't wait until Lithium Ion batteries become more affordable. Currently around $800: https://antigravitybatteries.com/pro...tive/ag-75-rs/
When these drop to around $300, I'll bite. But may take a few years.
One of the easiest ways to shed weight on a car, especially on the front end. 40lbs lighter than a conventional battery.
When these drop to around $300, I'll bite. But may take a few years.
One of the easiest ways to shed weight on a car, especially on the front end. 40lbs lighter than a conventional battery.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Mar 12, 2020 at 09:24 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,468
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From: East Windsor NJ
When the Sears near me went out of business I got the "top of the line" Die Hard AGM (at a huge discount) and keep it on a "Battery Tender" brand charger and its been working out OK. Please no Die Hard critics - I know the knocks - but couldn't resist the price. Also put underneath it one of these "acid-neutralizer" mats...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,321
Likes: 1,586
From: Western NY
When the first "leaky battery scare" hit, in 2002, I replaced the battery in my '01 C-5, with an Optima Red Top. That's all I've used in the car ever since. No, the one in there now isn't the one from 2002, but in the 2-3 times I did replace it, over the years, I moved the old one "down" to whatever my DD was at the time.....
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
Look, Im not making any money off this :-)
I only state what Ive learned in the ten years I had a C5....
Put an AGM battery in your car.....it certainly wont hurt......
If you want "happy motoring" just make sure it has an RC of 120 or greater and I recommend a smart battery maintainer (like the CTek).
I only state what Ive learned in the ten years I had a C5....
Put an AGM battery in your car.....it certainly wont hurt......
If you want "happy motoring" just make sure it has an RC of 120 or greater and I recommend a smart battery maintainer (like the CTek).
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Personally I would go with an AGM battery if nothing else for the security of it not leaking on the electrical/vacuum items under the battery tray. AC Delco should have one that fits just fine and will give good service.
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Drifting
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From: North pole
Team Owner
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From: Western NY
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From: Moon, VA
I was very recently shopping for an AGM battery, for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. NAPA sells an AGM, made in the USA by East Penn Battery Co, and Champion (formerly just a spark plug supplier) also markets an AGM battery, sold in many auto parts stores, including Pep Boys. I wound up going with the Champion, although not through Pep Boys, but rather an auto parts wholesaler, where an old friend works. The main reason I went with the Champion is because it was highly rated, and considerably less than the NAPA battery.
Having said all this, I can't vouch for either NAPA or Pep Boys stocking an AGM in Corvette sizes....
Having said all this, I can't vouch for either NAPA or Pep Boys stocking an AGM in Corvette sizes....
I had a red top optima that lasted 11 years. I would go with an Optimal.