Battery Advice Please
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Valdosta GA
Battery Advice Please
Old battery died on me - I could tell the last few weeks that it was cranking a little slow. I,ve got the old one out (what a pain!), everything cleaned up and ready to buy a new one. Right now I am really leaning towards an Optima Red Top. I don't mind paying more for the best - what are your thoughts? Is the gel type worth the extra bucks? Also, will it "work better" in the environment of sitting a week or two at a time without being driven in the winter?
One other question - is the size deal a big issue? (cutting tabs off battery tray)
Thanks - Steve :flag
1994 Coupe
[Modified by kwhman, 5:17 PM 12/16/2001]
One other question - is the size deal a big issue? (cutting tabs off battery tray)
Thanks - Steve :flag
1994 Coupe
[Modified by kwhman, 5:17 PM 12/16/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 5
Re: Battery Advice Please (kwhman)
If you are letting your car sit for weeks between starts then the Optima yellow top is the correct choice. I got mine from L.A.P.D., call them at 877.843.5273 and they can explain which is best for your use. In all fairness though other forum vendors are also very good. So look them up and compare shipping etc. Good luck, Skip :chevy
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Battery Advice Please (kwhman)
Here's a brief comparison of an AGM vs. Spiral-wound types:
http://www.acdelco.com/html/catalog/index.htm
Your battery should be okay after sitting a week or two. Any more than that and I'd use a batter tender.
http://www.acdelco.com/html/catalog/index.htm
Your battery should be okay after sitting a week or two. Any more than that and I'd use a batter tender.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Re: Battery Advice Please (kwhman)
After the totally rotten job GM did on the batteries they put in one of their most expensive cars (the C5 Corvette), I would never buy a Delco battery again. If you don't believe me---just look thru the many threads regarding defective Delco batteries---this forum is loaded w/ them. Optima Red Top all the way!!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Battery Advice Please (BiggieBoy)
I guess you should trade your car in at the Lexus dealership then, considering that most of the failures were due to GM's overtightening of the positive battery terminal. Delco probably realized that this oversight could result in people blaming the leaking fluid and damaged wires on the battery, so they went ahead and developed the leakproof, vibrationproof AGM - superior to anything else on the market.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 5
Re: Battery Advice Please (Dave68)
Where do you get your information on G.M. making the connection to tight? I had never heard this before, and it sounds like one of those things. You know, so simple it's true. If it is, it cost Delco a lot of battery business. Skip :chevy
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,972
Likes: 3
From: Rhome TX
Re: Battery Advice Please (BiggieBoy)
My DELCO (pos) was leaking from the positive post.....the dealer said they's replace it.......with the SAME THING.......HELO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ya I want more of the same.
He say's he can't install the newer version of the delco battery cause it isn't from that year!!!!!
So I went to NAPA, they have a BETTER warranty, more cranking amps, more cold start amps and the cost is better. Also it looks like OEM.
NEXT :D
Ya I want more of the same.
He say's he can't install the newer version of the delco battery cause it isn't from that year!!!!!
So I went to NAPA, they have a BETTER warranty, more cranking amps, more cold start amps and the cost is better. Also it looks like OEM.
NEXT :D
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Battery Advice Please (skip89)
Well, I've used Delco batteries for 22 years and never had one leak. Maybe that's because I was the one who tightened the cable clamps to the terminals. From the many posts I've read, the negative terminal is hand-tightened. Coincidentally, I've never read of a negative terminal leaking.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, Calif. ca
Re: Battery Advice Please (kwhman)
I purchasd a yellow top cause of the leaking stories. It went dead after 2 weeks. Called Optma they said I need the red top. My car is not a daily driver( sometimes a monthbetween starts) and I was told the yellow is for race cars and marine use. Call Optma, they will be very helpfull. :)
I did not understand the the reply about cutting, the red top fits perfect. :confused:
I did not understand the the reply about cutting, the red top fits perfect. :confused:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,648
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From: Ohio, USA
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Battery Advice Please (Dave68)
My Delco battery is not leaking yet.... Looks brand new!..... Probably because it's sitting in a plastic box in my basement..... right where it should be.... The Vette is in the big storage bubble with a red-top Optima in it.. also have a battery tender on it keeping it happy... The "swolen" sides of the Delco had me a little concerned even though the battery seemed to work fine... Wuznt gonna take any chances on a rupture... :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,422
Likes: 9
From: Rockaway, NJ
Re: Battery Advice Please (Douglas)
There were far too many stories about leaky batteries for me to risk it. Hence, I chose the Optima and got the Yellow top version. The yellow top will survive far more total discharges then the red top. I have lost other batteries from sitting too long and decided the meager $20 increase for the yellow top was one less head ache to worry about.