Optima, Red top? Yellow top?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Omena, MI
Optima, Red top? Yellow top?
After reading some of the current and archived threads re. OE batteries, I'm getting a little worried. I think I'll make a change and avoid some potential problems. I like what I'm hearing about the Optima line but have a few questions:
What is the difference(s) between the Red top and the Yellow top Optima batteries?
Are there different sizes of Red tops (and yellow)? (I seem to remember reading this.)
Which one would you recommend for a '00 that is stored "most" of the winter and kept generally low mileage throughout the year?
Any other brands to seriously consider?
Thanks!
:cheers: :chevy
What is the difference(s) between the Red top and the Yellow top Optima batteries?
Are there different sizes of Red tops (and yellow)? (I seem to remember reading this.)
Which one would you recommend for a '00 that is stored "most" of the winter and kept generally low mileage throughout the year?
Any other brands to seriously consider?
Thanks!
:cheers: :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Optima, Red top? Yellow top? (Y2KFRC)
The yellow top is a deep cycle battery for marine and RV use. Some Vette folks with hugh sound systems and other current drawers seem to like it. The red top is the choice for "regular" cars and does nicely in the Vette. It is an AGM type, so you don't have to worry about leaks. Got mine at Cosco. Happy Holidays. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,658
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: Optima, Red top? Yellow top? (Y2KFRC)
I replaced my acid-bleeding GM battery with a Red Top Optima.
There are 2 sizes of Red Top that will fit the C5. Either one is more powerful than the stock GM battery, so I don't think you will go wrong either way.
I chose the small Red Top, because it is a little lighter than the large one, and the small Red Top also seems to have a more substantial hold-down tab for bolting the battery down. In reality, the mouting tab on either one is probably strong enough (never heard of either failing), but that's why I chose the smaller one.
The small Red Top seems to be holding up pretty well. I recently started the Vette after it had been setting outside, sometimes under snow cover, for over 7 weeks since it's last startup. Fired right up with no hesitation. After that test, I don't think a month or three in the garage between starts will be a problem.
Cheers,
Kent
[Modified by Kent1999, 10:02 PM 12/22/2001]
There are 2 sizes of Red Top that will fit the C5. Either one is more powerful than the stock GM battery, so I don't think you will go wrong either way.
I chose the small Red Top, because it is a little lighter than the large one, and the small Red Top also seems to have a more substantial hold-down tab for bolting the battery down. In reality, the mouting tab on either one is probably strong enough (never heard of either failing), but that's why I chose the smaller one.
The small Red Top seems to be holding up pretty well. I recently started the Vette after it had been setting outside, sometimes under snow cover, for over 7 weeks since it's last startup. Fired right up with no hesitation. After that test, I don't think a month or three in the garage between starts will be a problem.
Cheers,
Kent
[Modified by Kent1999, 10:02 PM 12/22/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Valencia Ca
Re: Optima, Red top? Yellow top? (borba)
Either one is a far better piece than the factory leaker. Like a dummy, I put the 'vette battery in my wife's van..... and wouldn't you know it, it leak all over and screwed up pieces in that. Can't win. Put an Optima in that, too.
BTW, Costco is where I saw the best price, too.
BTW, Costco is where I saw the best price, too.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
Re: Optima, Red top? Yellow top? (dogdoc)
If you drive your car regularly, go with the red top.
If it sits quite a bit (like mine), go with the yellow top.
BTW, if you change the battery quickly, you won't lose any presets (I didn't).
If it sits quite a bit (like mine), go with the yellow top.
BTW, if you change the battery quickly, you won't lose any presets (I didn't).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,499
Likes: 0
Re: Optima, Red top? Yellow top? (dogdoc)
I just reset the time on the clock. I haven't done the presets yet and I had the battery disconnected for about three hours. I just took the car for a half hour drive to charge the battery.
