Exide makes this nice battery with a blue top! its not orbital, its called
Exide Edge AGM (FP-AGM78 ,with side post only which I like) and when I went to the auto parts place it did not show on the computer that this battery would fit my car!!! but after doing some research and checking out the dimensions on it I know for a fact it would fit in my Corvette perfectly !! the system only shows some group 75 batteries and I already have a group 78 Optima that I am replacing with almost the same exact dimensions!! all I need to know is should I just go buy the Exide and put it in ( cause I know it will fit) or it's not listed on their computer cause it's going to cause me issues and it doesn't work well with a 2000 Vette ? Thank you guys for any input on this , hope I get some quick answers on this one as they have it on sale now for a couple of days only, Thanks.

 

Buy it. The Group 78 "fits" and works well.

These little idiot "programs" in the AP stores' computer only show what was OE. This makes it simple for the uninformed, inexperienced, and/or just generally ignorant so-called "parts man" behind the counter to find something to sell you. Most times they have neither the capability, nor the desire to actually THINK as part of their so-called "job". MUCH cheaper these days to hire a drone to push buttons and then say "Next customer".

Additionally the word "fit" can be taken a couple different ways, and to the uniformed, often get used interchangeably, not to mention incorrectly:
1. Physical size "fit"
2. Electrical capacity "fit".

Lesson: learn as much as you can about what you need before walking into the average so-called auto parts store, so when the uninformed clerk tells you "it won't fit", you tell them "Just sell me what I want, or I can go elsewhere".

 

What is the Reserve Capacity? You need a minimum RC of 120 for a C5 Corvette. That's why Optima's suck *** for a Corvette. The Sears Die Hard Platinum (made by Odyssey) has an RC of 135 and a 4 year replacement warranty. It's the best battery you can buy for the car.

 

hope this helps:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...1999-c5-2.html

Group 78 is just slightly larger and tipically has more CCA then a Group 75. the 2004 is the odd duck with the top post battery but the trays are the same size so a larger Group 75/78 battery with top post should also fit a 2004. Seems like every year the battery got a little smaller...


Battery Size index:
http://www.rtpnet.org/teaa/bcigroup.html
In Inches Length x Width x Height
Group 75: 9 1/16....7 1/16...7 11/16
Group 78: 10 1/4....7 1/16...7 11/16
Group 86: 9 1/16....6 13/16..8

Battery Sizes and option Per Interstate Battery Site: Most likely can be mixed between the years.. size looks to be about the same, some have more CCA then others and they do have a AGM. The Number is the "Battery Group" (Size). My guess is that you can swap in a larger batter with little to no work. Interstate shows the 75 and 78 are interchangeable... I would get the larger of the 2.

I would do the MT7-78 AGM. Most CCA and AGM (also most $$).
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/c...470-2147384906

2004 MTP-86 640CCA (2004 Only year with TOP POST on a C5)

2003 MTP-75 700CCA
2002 MTP-75 700CCA
2001 MTP-75 700CCA

2000 MTP-78 800CCA -Alternate/Optional MT-75 700CCA
2000 MT7-78 800CCA -AGM
1999 MTP-78 800CCA -Alternate/Optional MT-75 700CCA
1999 MT7-78 800CCA -AGM
1998 MTP-78 800CCA -Alternate/Optional MT-75 700CCA
1998 MT7-78 800CCA -AGM
1997 MTP-78 800CCA -Alternate/Optional MT-75 700CCA
1997 MT7-78 800CCA -AGM

* AGM (absorbed glass mat) recommended for high-accessory-load vehicles including frequent plug-in use. 48 Month Free Replacement
* Mega-Tron Plus Longest life in cold to moderate climates. 30 Month Free Replacement Six Year Performance Warranty
* Mega-Tron II Longest life in hot to moderate climates. 24 Month Free Replacement Five Year Performance Warranty

Hope this helps

 

Group 78 batteries absolutely, positively, will fit the C5 battery compartment. No guesswork or speculation or "should" about it.
A battery's Group size relates to it's physical dimensions and terminal type and placement and NOTHING else.
Because 78s are slightly larger than the 75s, there is physically more room for more plates inside and therefore it is more common to see 78s with higher CCAs and RCs because of this. But, like anything else, all 78s are not created equally, even though they all meet the same physical size/terminals characteristics.

Not sure why you say that. The 34/78 Optima (Yellow) Top has a standard 120 minute RC.

Btw, I'm also a fan of the Sears Die Hard Platinums, even though I think the contract with Enersys Corp (owners/makers of Odysseys) has expired and they no longer manufacture for Sears. I would need to verify that, but I think that is now the case.

 

Thank you very much LoneStarFRC, I did go back and took your advice and bought the battery this morning, I got the 78 Exide edge,
AGM , I replaced my 6 year old optima wich got discharged cause I have my car parked for winter ( Canada here), I guess I could have just charged the optima and be back in business but I figured its 6 years old and that's the third time it gets discharged so I figured I just go and by this Exide which I really like and it has a blue top on it, it is also 120 rc, groupe 78 and it fit my vette like a glove.. now another question when I had the new battery in my other car in the trunk I had slammed on the brakes hard cause this guy jumped in front of me so the battery tumbled I think once in my trunk but its all soft carpet in there you don't think I damaged it do you ? anyways I have installed it and it fired right up, my volts gradually went from 13.2 to
about 14.0 after I drove the car for half an hour, then I just parked it again for another month or so!! thanks again for your advice and input.

 

If all the AGM battery did, was get rolled around briefly in your trunk when you hit the brakes, I'm confident you did no harm. The AGM batteries of today (of all brands really) are a good bit more rugged by their design, plus they are also designed to be used in non-vertical positions if need be, just not inverted.
If you are at all able to keep your battery charged/maintained when not in use, I would definitely do so. There are several on the market nowadays, but the better ones that have specific "AGM" settings and desulphating ability are preferred. Personally I use the "Battery Minder" (brand) and have found it convenient, rugged and reliable. They make several varieties, but I like the 12248, which in addition to being a 2/4/8 amp charger/maintainer, it also desulphates and has a temperature monitoring sensor as well. It is the unit of choice of many RV owners whose vehicles spend a lot of time inactive.
Whatever you do, resist the temptation to cheap-out on a decent battery charger/maintainer (many incorrectly call them "trickle chargers"), because there are lots out there. A good one will last for years and years and are worth the money.

HTH

 

LoneStarFRC how about if I cant have a charger put on the car? I live in a condo unit and im in a parkade garage so its not an option for me !! should I just take take of one of the cables off ( black or red) and leave it at that ? thanks...and also REDZMONTE thank you very much for the right up , great info !

 

In your situation, I would physically remove the battery and bring in to a location where you can keep it on a maintainer. It short order, the pcm will quickly "re-learn" after re-installation in the Spring. Just be SURE to write down your radio unlock code beforehand.
Besides, unless someone's using a wrecker, it makes auto theft much more difficult as well.

Btw, if you DO decide to disconnect, take the negative cable off. Same caution applies about the radio unlock code though.

 

Great , thanks again LoneStarFRC !