Too good for the Corvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 419
From: Fulshear TX
Too good for the Corvette
the OEM (glass mat) battery in my 2001 Z06 lasted 3 years. I replaced it with an Optima Red Top on the basis of recommendations at this site. After less than 2 years this battery would not hold a charge for more than a week. This was not acceptable to me, so I replaced the Red Top with another of the same design. Two years later it has the identical problem; it will not hold a chargeore than a week.
The wizards at my local Optima Red Top dealer blame the situation on the application rather than the battery. What do you think?
regards, Steve
The wizards at my local Optima Red Top dealer blame the situation on the application rather than the battery. What do you think?
regards, Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
Not sure how the "application" could have much to do with it ... did they elaborate why?
I've had an Optima Red Top in my 02 Zee for 4+ years now, and it has been fine. But one thing I do if I don't drive the car much (i.e., winter time) is to keep the battery on a Battery Tender. If I don't I do notice that the Optima will self discharge somewhat faster than an normal lead acid battery. If it's ever been discharged significantly a few times that could possibly harm it enough to die earlier than normal.
Have you verified that your parasitic current draw it about 20 mA? ... which is the normal draw rate for the C5s.
Another key when getting an Optima new is to ensure it is fully charged and was made fairly recently -- there is a date code on the battery. Bring a voltmeter to the store and make sure it's at least 12.6 volts or more before buying one.
What's the guarantee on the Optima these days?
I've had an Optima Red Top in my 02 Zee for 4+ years now, and it has been fine. But one thing I do if I don't drive the car much (i.e., winter time) is to keep the battery on a Battery Tender. If I don't I do notice that the Optima will self discharge somewhat faster than an normal lead acid battery. If it's ever been discharged significantly a few times that could possibly harm it enough to die earlier than normal.
Have you verified that your parasitic current draw it about 20 mA? ... which is the normal draw rate for the C5s.
Another key when getting an Optima new is to ensure it is fully charged and was made fairly recently -- there is a date code on the battery. Bring a voltmeter to the store and make sure it's at least 12.6 volts or more before buying one.
What's the guarantee on the Optima these days?
Last edited by ZeeOSix; Nov 22, 2007 at 03:05 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Keeping a charge on...............
I get a charge out of reading the owners manual where it states that if the car sits for 3 weeks or more , put a charge on the battery. When ever my Vettes (2000 and 2001) sit in the garages they get a Battery Tender . I also have to do this with my 454 Suburban (2 batteries) if it sit for a month or so.
Car batteries don't like signifcant discharge and charging cycles. They are not like deep cycle batteries
I have use the Optima RedTop for most my cars with out problems for many years, but as I stated , I keep them on a charger as they are not daily drivers.
Car batteries don't like signifcant discharge and charging cycles. They are not like deep cycle batteries
I have use the Optima RedTop for most my cars with out problems for many years, but as I stated , I keep them on a charger as they are not daily drivers.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,778
Likes: 1
From: Myakka City Fl
Optima Battery Maintenence
the OEM (glass mat) battery in my 2001 Z06 lasted 3 years. I replaced it with an Optima Red Top on the basis of recommendations at this site. After less than 2 years this battery would not hold a charge for more than a week. This was not acceptable to me, so I replaced the Red Top with another of the same design. Two years later it has the identical problem; it will not hold a chargeore than a week.
The wizards at my local Optima Red Top dealer blame the situation on the application rather than the battery. What do you think?
regards, Steve
The wizards at my local Optima Red Top dealer blame the situation on the application rather than the battery. What do you think?
regards, Steve
I just replaced my 5 year old red top with another Optima red top. Optima Red Top is a starting Battery which provides the most starting power (Amps). The Yellow Top is a Deep Cycle and does not have the CCA but can be discharged and recharged more. You can fully charge a Red Top and it will start the car months later, if it is disconnected but our Vettes draw power to maintain things like remote Key Fobs, ect. So you must keep it charged. As with any battery if the voltage drops much it begins to sulfate. I notice you live in a hot weather state also and Lead Acid batteries don't like excessive heat. A starting battery also likes to be driven almost as a daily driver, if you drive only once a week or so then let the car sit with it discharges then the altenator must recharge. Red Tops do not like this deep cycle and will die sooner if you do not keep a float charger connected. Have a load test done on the battery and check the alternator output also. Get a Micropressor charger that charges in stages and also will "Float" charge.
I was even able to reawake the old red top with a SLOW micropressor charge so will give it to away to someone in need of a "Get by" battery.
Hope this info helps.
OGC5
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
you'll forget about the 36 month replacement warranty on the battery. This is the same kind of dealer that will try to sell someone on the need to use synthetic blinker fluid because of the extended service life and better lubricity for the turn signal/emergency flasher lamps, and because you use the emergency flashers so little, you KNOW how important it is to be double safe and be sure they're ready for duty when needed. Turns signals are one thing, but when you hit that flasher button, you need the peace of mind that only synthetic blinker fluid can give. I have found Royal PITA to be the best brand.Charlie
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
We have two Red Tops here. One in my 70. It just about has to be jumped off every time I want to drive the car. I am sure it is because of non use. My son has one in his 2000 Camaro and it works like a champ. Starts the car every time and not one problem out of it. I think the Red Tops are probably pretty good batteries but if they are not being used they need to be on the charger.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 976
Likes: 1
From: Lincoln NE
I WILL NEVER OWN AN OPTIMA. Based off all the horry stories i've heard here and on certain tech site... over price and for what??? some weight savings? i'll take a battery that always works at a fraction of the cost...
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30,770
Likes: 41
From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
I bought a Delco battery for my Blazer at the dealer. Warranty is 60 months! If battery fails ONE DAY before they replace it for nothing! Trust me its true...they have replaced it for nothing already! I think they go on the theory that most people don't keep cars as long as I do ! 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
...another bash the OPTIMA battery discussion...
I've been using them prior to the public even being able to buy them. I've never had one fail. The fleet of my employer used them to test in AZ heat. Not one failure. The fleet of a similar CO employer used them to test in cold. Not one failure to my knowledge.
I have them in all of my personal vehicles except for my new Silverado. It will get a new OPTIMA in three years whether the oem DELCO battery is still functional or not.
The longest I've had an OPTIMA battery last was seven years, using a float maintenance charger during storage periods. The buyer of that car was still using the same battery and charger two years after he bought it from me.
Any battery will lose charge in modern electronics laden vehicles if not driven, or stored for prolonged periods while supporting the electronics. I just read a technical article that said a new battery in a modern electronics laden vehicle will lose a significant % (40% was the claim) of its full charge after only 12 days of non charging.
You need some type of supportive periodic charging, preferably a float maintenance type charger. I also don't need acid damaged computer woes in my future.
I've been using them prior to the public even being able to buy them. I've never had one fail. The fleet of my employer used them to test in AZ heat. Not one failure. The fleet of a similar CO employer used them to test in cold. Not one failure to my knowledge.
I have them in all of my personal vehicles except for my new Silverado. It will get a new OPTIMA in three years whether the oem DELCO battery is still functional or not.
The longest I've had an OPTIMA battery last was seven years, using a float maintenance charger during storage periods. The buyer of that car was still using the same battery and charger two years after he bought it from me.
Any battery will lose charge in modern electronics laden vehicles if not driven, or stored for prolonged periods while supporting the electronics. I just read a technical article that said a new battery in a modern electronics laden vehicle will lose a significant % (40% was the claim) of its full charge after only 12 days of non charging.
You need some type of supportive periodic charging, preferably a float maintenance type charger. I also don't need acid damaged computer woes in my future.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Actually, the best AGM battery on the planet right now is the Sears Platimum. At $180 each, it's better be good. That being said, I don't think I'll spend more than $100 on a replacement battery - too many Optima horror stories and too much money for the Sears. As mentioned, the latest AC Delco Professional battery has a much stronger case, one in which terminal post areas have been beefed up to a point where leakage is very unlikely, even for side post batteries. In fact, AC Delco is so confident in the longevity of ther Professional batteries, that they provide a free replacement warranty for 50 months - longer than any other battery manufacturer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 5
From: Chicago IL
...another bash the OPTIMA battery discussion...
I've been using them prior to the public even being able to buy them. I've never had one fail. The fleet of my employer used them to test in AZ heat. Not one failure. The fleet of a similar CO employer used them to test in cold. Not one failure to my knowledge.
I have them in all of my personal vehicles except for my new Silverado. It will get a new OPTIMA in three years whether the oem DELCO battery is still functional or not.
The longest I've had an OPTIMA battery last was seven years, using a float maintenance charger during storage periods. The buyer of that car was still using the same battery and charger two years after he bought it from me.
Any battery will lose charge in modern electronics laden vehicles if not driven, or stored for prolonged periods while supporting the electronics. I just read a technical article that said a new battery in a modern electronics laden vehicle will lose a significant % (40% was the claim) of its full charge after only 12 days of non charging.
You need some type of supportive periodic charging, preferably a float maintenance type charger. I also don't need acid damaged computer woes in my future.
I've been using them prior to the public even being able to buy them. I've never had one fail. The fleet of my employer used them to test in AZ heat. Not one failure. The fleet of a similar CO employer used them to test in cold. Not one failure to my knowledge.
I have them in all of my personal vehicles except for my new Silverado. It will get a new OPTIMA in three years whether the oem DELCO battery is still functional or not.
The longest I've had an OPTIMA battery last was seven years, using a float maintenance charger during storage periods. The buyer of that car was still using the same battery and charger two years after he bought it from me.
Any battery will lose charge in modern electronics laden vehicles if not driven, or stored for prolonged periods while supporting the electronics. I just read a technical article that said a new battery in a modern electronics laden vehicle will lose a significant % (40% was the claim) of its full charge after only 12 days of non charging.
You need some type of supportive periodic charging, preferably a float maintenance type charger. I also don't need acid damaged computer woes in my future.
