Battery question---
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 48
Battery question---
My ACDelco is on it's last legs and I have been wondering, after doing a bit of research, is a larger, more powerful battery ( AutoCraft Platinum AGM-size 78 with 115 RC) really necessary(or better) in a 2002 base Vette? Or is the recommended size 75(gold) with 95 RC plenty of power especially when I'll be using a Ctek tender on it when she's sitting still?
We're only talking about 60 bucks difference between the two and they both have a 3 yr replacemt warranty and I understand that the leaking problem is mostly a thing of the past. What do you guys usually go with?
( and I'm not forking out over 200.00 for a Red Top especially with the problems that have been documented w/them lately).
p.s I'm trying to stick with Advance Auto's offerings because by using the TRT30 promo code I(or you) can save 30% off of the entire order online--up to 50.00!...Thanks for any feedback.
We're only talking about 60 bucks difference between the two and they both have a 3 yr replacemt warranty and I understand that the leaking problem is mostly a thing of the past. What do you guys usually go with?
( and I'm not forking out over 200.00 for a Red Top especially with the problems that have been documented w/them lately).
p.s I'm trying to stick with Advance Auto's offerings because by using the TRT30 promo code I(or you) can save 30% off of the entire order online--up to 50.00!...Thanks for any feedback.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
The recommended reserve capacity for the C5 is 120. Given how sensitive these cars are to electrical variation, I'd stick with the 120 RC. I bought my battery at Auto Zone. Not sure of the brand but has served me well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 110
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Go online and put the agm 78 in your cart. Then enter TRT30 for a coupon/discount code. That will get you $50 off and then make sure you select to pick it up in store. Buy it and be done. When i bought mine, i also had a $20 off reward from them and was able to use it with the TRT30 code. I paid about $120 or so for the battery.
Chris
Chris
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 48
Go online and put the agm 78 in your cart. Then enter TRT30 for a coupon/discount code. That will get you $50 off and then make sure you select to pick it up in store. Buy it and be done. When i bought mine, i also had a $20 off reward from them and was able to use it with the TRT30 code. I paid about $120 or so for the battery.
Chris
Chris
I'm thinking the same thing --seems like the best bang for the buck.You can overthink these things sometimes with all the different opinions that are out there, but what I was wondering is, if the spec is for 700 CCA and 120 RC then why did GM put a size 75 battery in the 2002 year Vette?
Anyway, thanks for confirming what I thought was the best(and easiest) solution.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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It's also a good indicator/predictor of how long a battery will last. More plates per cell = higher RC = battery enjoys a longer life span. I ALWAYS get the highest RC I can afford. Mine has 130 (135?) RC.
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I have a Sears Diehard Platinum in my '03 and it has an RC of 135. Have had it for 5.5 years and never a problem. It is rather expensive though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
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From: Kelowna BC
The battery I bought just after getting my Z is 95RC. I get the pull key warning every so often, which I think is due to this. Only happens when I haven't run the car for a few days and it's cool out (mornings only, never after work).
Have actually considered ditching my 2YO battery...
Have actually considered ditching my 2YO battery...
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Western Ontario
The higher RC capacity is just so you can leave the car parked for longer periods of time. I ran a cheap group 75 battery for about 6 years without any issues. I drove the car regularly and pulled the battery and charged it every few months during the off season. Never once used a battery tender.The stories about the C5 being extremely sensitive and requiring a battery tender all the time are blown way out of proportion after being started by owners who rarely drove their car to the point the battery would be discharged by the parasitic drain of the car.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 122
Likes: 7
Will the Group size 78 fit a C5 tray? Have an 03 Convert 50th Anniversary.
BTW, Amazon and Jet.com have the Red Top Optimas cheap - Group 78 is $152 with Free Shipping, no tax, no $20 core charge, and no local environmental fees.
Jet has 15% coupon "shop15" for a total of $129.
BTW, Amazon and Jet.com have the Red Top Optimas cheap - Group 78 is $152 with Free Shipping, no tax, no $20 core charge, and no local environmental fees.
Jet has 15% coupon "shop15" for a total of $129.
Last edited by smartadze; Mar 10, 2016 at 03:33 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
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From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I replace the battery in our 3 cars every 4 years. I have never had a problem with the battery since that one day when my wife could not start the car because of a dead battery. Happy wife, happy home. 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,294
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From: Western NY
The complaints with Optimas seem to come and go. They seemed to increase after the original company that developed the Optima, sold off the business. However, when it was time to replace the OE battery in my '01, back around '04, I replaced it with an Optima. That battery stayed in the car about 3-4 years in the 'Vette, then went into my Camaro, for another 2-3 years. I replaced the one from the 'Vette with another Optima......
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
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OPTIMA REDTOP WARRANTY INFORMATION
6V, 12V Passenger Vehicle / Light Truck (noncommercial)
36 Months Free Replacement
Commercial
12 Months Free Replacement
Abusive service / Deep Cycle Applications / Car Audio
Not covered
6V, 12V Passenger Vehicle / Light Truck (noncommercial)
36 Months Free Replacement
Commercial
12 Months Free Replacement
Abusive service / Deep Cycle Applications / Car Audio
Not covered
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,294
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From: Western NY
One of the main problems I have with them is their relatively short warranty period. It's 3 years, PERIOD, end of story. After that time there is NO pro-rating or credit applied etc, to a new replacement Optima. IOW, the 3 yrs is NOT just their "Free Replacement" period and after that they pro-rate a replacement battery based on its age, it's their TOTAL WARRANTY.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
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From: South Western Ontario
I bought a different brand of AGM and it was $60 cheaper on sale and has a full 5-year replacement warranty vs the 3-year of an Optima. So, don't get stuck on brand names but shop around.