I see some of you have the Optima but many of you have had problems with it. Is there any battery better than the OEM one?

I pulled mine from the car tonight and will buy one tomorrow, what are your recommendations?

Also, will I need to do the idle relearn or just slap the new one in?

 

I have the Optima yellow top for two yrs now and no problems. :seeya :seeya :flag :flag :hurray: :hurray:

 

Whats the difference between the yellow top and the red top?

 

Joe

The battery issue is as controversial as when and how often you should change you oil.

I have a 98 coupe that I bought in December of 97 and the ORIGINAL battery is still in it and doing well! (YEA, YEA, I know about the acid leak problem. I have a battery matt!) I also have an 02 ZO6 and it still has the original AMG battery. I let the Z sit all winter and have NEVER had a problem with it.

I think it all depends on how you use your battery and take care of it. I have a 97 F150 and it to has the original battery! It starts fine but it's reserve capacity is a bit low. If you play the stereo with the engine off, it discharges to 10 volts in about 45 min.
This spring I will replace the 98 battery with a new battery. I will not pay $100+ dollars for a battery! I think the OPTIMA is WAY over priced and people still have problems with them!eek:

My idea is: Stick a good $55. Wal-Mart battery in it and drive it like you stole it! :thumbs: :D How long do the batteries last in all of your other cars? If they are newer cars they also have the same paresitic current draw as the corvette. Other vehicals use standard run of the mill batteries without problems. Corvetts are GREAT but why can't they be happy with a good $55 dollar battery???:rolleyes:

My 2 cents,, be it right or wrong!

Bill C

 

I'll be very happy with a $55 battery. Does Walmart have one that fits in my Z06?

Mine isn't leaking, but it no longer holds a charge. I had to jump it a few weeks ago when I left the trunk cracked open and the light drained the battery.

 

NAPA has a battery very similar to an optima that can be bought for right at 100$.

 

Joe,

I believe your battery is covered under warranty for 36mo/36Kmi. My 2002 Z06 battery died (then wouldn't fully charge); replaced under warranty. After that, it's pro-rated for 7 years (if it's a 7YR, otherwise it's likely a 6YR, for 6 years). Probably cheapest to check with the dealer first.

If I were to purchase a new battery, I'd get a Hawker Energy variant (probably Odyssey). Lighter, more power than stock, can't leak. Here's some info on battery options beyond OEM or Optima: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=713893

 

I went to autozone and bought their $69 battery. :cheers:

 

Joe

Now your talking! :thumbs: Sounds like a GREAT plan to me! I'll save the bucks for other things!

Bill

 

Optima Red Top

 

I don't know about the mainland, but in Hawaii we got the Red Tops at Costco for $99. Works great, matches the look of my Z06 FRC's! :thumbs: :D

 

Paid $120 for my optima red top about a year ago with no problems.


[Modified by Z06-JIM, 4:02 AM 12/28/2003]

 

[QUOTE]Paid $120 for my optima red top about a year ago with no problems.


:iagree: Go with the Red Top...They can not leak, and last alot longer...

Bill

 

As long as its anything other than AC delco you should be fine.

 

Had my red top for over two years now - absolutely no problems. Only thing I can think of with the regular batteries is that if they leak, you could ruin the computer you have sitting right below it. Good luck.

 

I bought an Optima Yellow top and the cost was reimbursed by the dealer.