Optima Red or Yellow Top Battery

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Jul 20, 2004 | 01:39 PM

Dave1998

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 4,806

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From: Rochester MN

Optima Red or Yellow Top Battery

I am ready for a new battery. The car sits several months in the winter without starting, but I have a battery tender. So which is right for me ? Thanks

Jul 20, 2004 | 01:45 PM

RCK1999

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,119

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From: Spring Branch Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1998

I am ready for a new battery. The car sits several months in the winter without starting, but I have a battery tender. So which is right for me ? Thanks

Most folks will probably recommend the red-top. I'd say 99% of the cars I've seen at shows have the red. The only time I've heard folks using the yellow-top is if they had drastically upgraded some electronics that need "juice" while the car is off. The yellow-top is defined as a "deep-cycle" intended to support electronic components.

Jul 20, 2004 | 01:46 PM

carpe dm

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 1999

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From: Tucson AZ

The "Red-top" should be just fine for you. I have a couple in service and have not had a problem with them. The "Yellow" is a deep cycle battery that might be good if you are an audio nut and have your radio/player on for long periods without the engine running. Keep using the Battery Tender!

Jul 20, 2004 | 02:05 PM

mike herhold

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2003

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From: fort worth texas

I have a yellow top to run my stero, amp and DVD system but a red top should do for most applications.

Jul 20, 2004 | 04:51 PM

Monk

Racer

Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Framingham MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1998

I am ready for a new battery. The car sits several months in the winter without starting, but I have a battery tender. So which is right for me ? Thanks

My car sits in the garage from December to April. I don't do the road salt and pothole thang. I have had a hellish time with brand new batteries going bad on me... probably because: a) I was buying my batterys at BJ's and Sam's Club, b) my approach had been to recharge on an "as-needed" basis, and c) my parasitic current draw appears to be above what some folks say is normal. While I have changed my ways and now own battery maintainers for both the Vette and the Harley, I have ordered a Yellow Top because I never again want to deal with battery replacement in the Vette. I'm told that even if the Yellow Top is drawn down into the basement that the battery can be recharged without having done any permanent damage. That sounds awfully appealing to me right about now.

Besides, I got a very good deal.

Monk :flag :flag :flag

Last edited by Monk; Jul 27, 2004 at 09:34 PM.

Jul 20, 2004 | 05:01 PM

JACKAL0PE

Lepus-temperamentalus

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Roswell Ga

I never heard about an "Optima" battery until I came to Corvette Forum. What's the big deal about that brand?

Jul 20, 2004 | 05:27 PM

Monk

Racer

Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Framingham MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE

I never heard about an "Optima" battery until I came to Corvette Forum. What's the big deal about that brand?

I hope I get this straight: They are AGM spiral cell construction so no possibility of leakage (and resulting damage to C5's vital parts). Also should last longer and handle vibration better. To be honest, I also think folks like the high-tech way they look.

Monk :flag :flag :flag

Jul 20, 2004 | 05:36 PM

Vetteman Jack

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Unless you have a lot of electrical components added on, the red top should be just fine. Mine has worked great for almost three years.

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Jul 20, 2004 | 05:51 PM

Wild BillD

Advanced

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Topsham Maine

Some Optima Headaches!

Dave, When I purchased my '98 last year, it had a duel post red top that was on it's last legs. I replaced it with the same type, and had no problems till this past spring startup. Seems the battery drain that has been mentioned before took it's toll and totally killed the battery. It wasn't shorted out totally, but had a very low resistance. The friendly Optima dealer had told me when I bought the first replacement that the battery should be fine without a battery minder over the winter, so with raised eyebrows I decided to listen to the young feller. Well, never again. With my NEXT new duel post redtop in hand, I dropped it in was was back cruising in no time. I'll NOT be forgetting the battery minder from now on. BTW, I use a duel post to power a 1200 watt stereo and have had no problems with dimming lights or loss of bump using the red top. (duel caps, 1F total help out there) But I don't power the stereo by itself for any length of time. All in all, the optima looks great, 3 year warrenty (no questions asked) and will NOT leak on sensitive parts! Worth a few bucks more.

Jul 20, 2004 | 06:24 PM

#10

Railfan

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Traverse City Michigan

The Optima costs a few extra bucks. How much do they generally run(ballpark figure)?

Jul 20, 2004 | 06:27 PM

#11

ICaughtVetteFever

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Akron Ohio

When I got mine for another car, I paid $125 I think. Quite a few bucks more than most.

Jul 20, 2004 | 06:47 PM

#12

Scratch

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Joined: May 2002

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From: Phoenix

St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09

One other point, Optima makes two Redtops, a group 75, and group 78, get the 78 (a little more cranking) costs a couple of bucks more, paid $103 at Pep Boys, they will price match with Costco, but you need to ASK for it!!

Jul 20, 2004 | 07:27 PM

#13

Dave1998

Thread Starter

Safety Car

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From: Rochester MN

It sounds like red is the way to go, and soon! The car has the orginal Delco in it. thanks

Jul 20, 2004 | 11:09 PM

#14

First Vette 03C5

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Washington DC Metro Area

I have a 2003 with (I was told) the new Delco AGM battery ... is this Ok or should I pull it out?

Thanks!

Jul 21, 2004 | 01:37 AM

#15

Scratch

Team Owner

Joined: May 2002

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From: Phoenix

St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09

Quote:

Originally Posted by First Vette 03C5

I have a 2003 with (I was told) the new Delco AGM battery ... is this Ok or should I pull it out?

Thanks!

The Delco AGM seems to have a sudden death issue, many have been replaced. I'm not sure if they are still making that battery.

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