optima v other batteries
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Tolland CT
optima v other batteries
Can someone tell me if the Optima is worth extra cost? I can get a regular aftermarket for over half the cost of an Optima. What does the Optima give me that the others don't. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
This is one of those highly subjective issues. Some people have had great luck with the Optima....others have had them last no longer then any other brand. My '99 has a replacement Delco high capacity no problems for over 1 year. Prior to that was the original Delco 6 years it was only replaced as a precaution. On my other vehicles I have had great luck with the Costco brand of Batteries ( Kirkwood?), I try to go with the largest # of cranking amps I can. All Batteries are made by only a few manufacturers. I believe Costco is Johnson Controls. I would have no problem with installing it in my Corvette. Had one in my '86. Great Warranty, just bring it back and they replace it..no charge.
Barrier
Barrier
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
A recent conversation with an Optima dealer who carries multiple lines suggested that about 16 months ago Optima's quality control seemed to drop off considerably. I just installed an Odyssey 925MJT with an aluminum hold down #HD925SM. It looks good and I'm saving about 12 lbs over the factory battery and more over the Optima. Now we'll see how it performs and lasts. At least I don't have battery acid setting directly over the main computer anymore.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
A recent conversation with an Optima dealer who carries multiple lines suggested that about 16 months ago Optima's quality control seemed to drop off considerably. I just installed an Odyssey 925MJT with an aluminum hold down #HD925SM. It looks good and I'm saving about 12 lbs over the factory battery and more over the Optima. Now we'll see how it performs and lasts. At least I don't have battery acid setting directly over the main computer anymore.
Odyssey Battery. The last battery you will ever need!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow OK
Some people have reported problems with recent Optima batteries. However, mine is 3 years old and works fine. I went to the Optima because my 2 previous batteries leaked and damaged A/C vacuum lines. One leaked after only 6 months. This is primarily a problem with the side post batteries. I understand that the top post are not that much of a problem.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Arlington VA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
2. Yep--just about.....
3. A huge pain in your azz when it dies permaturely....
Summary--they (Optima batteries) are over priced pieces of sh*t that have a long history of premature cell failure. Buy something (anything) else....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Three in less that a year, huh. I thought I had bad luck when it took me 4 1/2 years to have three of them (Optima Red Tops) die on me. The amazing thing is people still buy this POS....
I've had my Sears DieHard Gold for almost 2 years now, no trouble whatsoever...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
After experiencing the acid leak on the computer first-hand, my only concern is getting a battery that absolutely positively will not puke acid. I assume this Odyssey is a gel or something?
What other batteries meet the "no leak" criteria?
Tks,
DG
p.s. my first Optima died within a year - not too impressive
What other batteries meet the "no leak" criteria?
Tks,
DG
p.s. my first Optima died within a year - not too impressive
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 415
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Wayne In
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Here's a poll of over 450 owners.
No poll is perfect but it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Red Tops don't like being discharged by the way. If you don't use your Vette regularly it may not be the best choice for you. A Yellow Top may be better in that case. AC Delcos are not good batteries IMHO. They often die or even leak without warning. Exide gets a good press.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
No poll is perfect but it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Red Tops don't like being discharged by the way. If you don't use your Vette regularly it may not be the best choice for you. A Yellow Top may be better in that case. AC Delcos are not good batteries IMHO. They often die or even leak without warning. Exide gets a good press.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
