Gel Batteries
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: St. George Utah
Gel Batteries
Hi Everyone. I plan on purchasing a gel battery for my 97 Vette and am looking for some info if you all would be so kind. I called several different auto parts stores and one place that speciallises in batteries. This battery store carries both Optima yellow and red top batteries and also an Orbital battery that's made by Exide. He recommends the Orbital which is a spiral gel type battery, which I assume is similar to the Optima batteries. Has anyone used the Orbital battery and what comments do you have regarding it....both good or bad. I have no idea why he prefers the Orbital and it is actually a little cheaper than the Optimas. But with this purchase, I want to get what's best. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Craig
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
I used the Orbital Gel Battery for over 2 years, no problems. If you buy it at SAM's Club you get the best warrenty. I got the smaller of the two sizes (still over C5's requirement).
Last edited by Oldvetter; Dec 30, 2004 at 11:19 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 805
Likes: 2
From: Granbury TX
Originally Posted by cajung
Hi Everyone. I plan on purchasing a gel battery for my 97 Vette and am looking for some info if you all would be so kind. I called several different auto parts stores and one place that speciallises in batteries. This battery store carries both Optima yellow and red top batteries and also an Orbital battery that's made by Exide. He recommends the Orbital which is a spiral gel type battery, which I assume is similar to the Optima batteries. Has anyone used the Orbital battery and what comments do you have regarding it....both good or bad. I have no idea why he prefers the Orbital and it is actually a little cheaper than the Optimas. But with this purchase, I want to get what's best. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Craig
I run a red top Optima (no problems) on my C5--about 16 months now. My car stays in the garage during the week as it is not a daily driver. I also have a battery tender to keep it maxed out.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Originally Posted by Z06machine
The optima red top weights about 4-5 lbs less that the orbital. Optima available at Autozone. Just food for though. No problems with my Optima's for 4 years now.
To compare battery capacities, sizes and weights, go here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=976812
