Optima Batteries, Which One?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
My first one lasted right at 5 years and although it had not failed on me, I replaced it primarily as a preventative measure. As with any battery, the system voltage was gradually trending downwards over time.
HTH
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Red top. Best for all 'round use as a starting battery. There are two (2) red tops. I recommend the 34/78. Much higher Cold Cranking Amps rating. The CCA rating of any battery is the truest guidepost as to the available power and the likely longevity as well. The "CA" rating is essentially meaningless, like "peak power" ratings on amps and speakers as compared to RMS power ratings.
My first one lasted right at 5 years and although it had not failed on me, I replaced it primarily as a preventative measure. As with any battery, the system voltage was gradually trending downwards over time.
HTH
My first one lasted right at 5 years and although it had not failed on me, I replaced it primarily as a preventative measure. As with any battery, the system voltage was gradually trending downwards over time.
HTH
Yup...Red Top 34/78 here too...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
I used to use the red top Optimas in all my collectable vehicles but if they were drained just a few times , full recovery was hit and miss.
Now I use the Yellow Top 75/25 deep cycle batteries without any problem ( I have seven of them ). They weigh 4 or 5 lbs more but their worth it.
I pay just under $150 each and all are in a storage mode most times and use the Battery Tender Plus to keep them topped off.
The Optima batteries are used mainly because there is no acid to deal with and cell construction is heavy duty. There are all kinds of cheaper batteries and lots of options with batteries available but I prefer the Yellow Optima.
Now I use the Yellow Top 75/25 deep cycle batteries without any problem ( I have seven of them ). They weigh 4 or 5 lbs more but their worth it.
I pay just under $150 each and all are in a storage mode most times and use the Battery Tender Plus to keep them topped off.
The Optima batteries are used mainly because there is no acid to deal with and cell construction is heavy duty. There are all kinds of cheaper batteries and lots of options with batteries available but I prefer the Yellow Optima.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
get the AC Delco.
I have gone though 4 optima Red tops in 5 years. those batteries suck.
even keeping on a battery tender
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 11
From: las vegas nv.
Delco is junk==my pro series 7 year lasted 2 years--went with Optima red top 75/25 no problems for 2 years and I do keep it on a BT junior in storage--
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
You still don't know if the Optima is better since it has only lasted 2 years so far.
- I WILL NOT GO BACK TO A DELCO BATTERY ON A C5 CORVETTE EVER AGAIN.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 35
From: Garfield Heights (AKA:Garbage Hts.) Ohio USA
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Oldtimer
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,337
Likes: 39
From: Birmingham, AL www.hinsonsupercars.com 205-909-9402
For anyone in the market, we keep them in stock.
$105 - Red Top 34/78
$105 - Red Top 75/25
$110 - Yellow Top 34/78
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ops-110-a.html
Seth
$105 - Red Top 34/78
$105 - Red Top 75/25
$110 - Yellow Top 34/78
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ops-110-a.html
Seth
