bmarcinczyk14

What I think to be the original AC delco battery has finally died on my 02 Z06. After doing some research it seems like lots of people are using all sorts of different sized red top optima batteries for their z06's. Advance Auto lists Size 75/25 for my car. I see some people are also using 34/78 and other sizes. What size fits the 02 z06 the best? Does the little OEM hold-down boot work for optima batteries? And would a replacement AC Delco still be prone to leak? I heard they strengthened the case since and you can't buy the ones that leaked anymore?

zeevette

I got a red top, and it didn't last long the way my car is rarely driven. So now I have a yellow top deep cycle, and it seem to be more forgiving. Pretty sure I used the 78 series.

bmarcinczyk14

What car do you have? Anyone know if the replacement AC Delco battery I'd get from a dealer still have the leaking issues on the side posts or are they new and improved?

bmarcinczyk14

The more research I do on the forums for Corvette batteries the more at loss I am on what to get... Everyone says don't get acid batteries because they commonly leak and destroy very expensive things, and don't get Optima's because they are extremely unreliable and overpriced. Well what is left to get??

MS04Cpe

For your 02 Z06:

Optima (Redtop) Battery Model: 75/25
Part Number: 8022-09
This battery has SAE / BCI automotive (Top Post) and GM style side terminal (3/8”-16UNC-2B threaded nut)


I use an Optima (Redtop) Battery Model 25 (Top Post Only) in my 04 Coupe. Its been in there two years with no issues.

I like the Optima. I replaced one after 10 years in my daily driver (V8 Pick-up). Even with the age that 10 year old battery will still start the truck. It would just turn real slow when it was 17 Degrees outside. So I'm not complaining. I used the Blue Tops my boats for years with no issues. I'm not an Optima fanboy, just relating my experiences with them.

pbergmann

Here you go!

It is a series 78 but it will fit as the 97-01 had this size. Its glass mat so no leakage concern. You may be able to get it at a dealer too.

bmarcinczyk14

hmm, and what about this one?
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...agm/10310751-P

bmarcinczyk14

I just ended up going with this one. Don't want to deal with all the maintenance of the Optima's and had a 20% off coupon from advance auto. Will this be just as likely to leak as the original AC Delco batteries or should I be safe?
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...000%7CL3*15597

pbergmann

AGM batteries don't leak

bmarcinczyk14

it's not an AGM battery...

Georgies

I got a optima red yop about a month ago.. so fat no issues, and the 4 posts are cool. Used the top positive for my sound system..

My original.ac delco had a small leak, and was also throwing BCM codes. Since the Optima, no more codes.

We will see how long its gonna last...

gordy02corvette

Replaced mine with a Optima Model 25 redtop 5 years ago,,no issues.

JETZ

34/78, no issues.

frank

bmarcinczyk14

How common are leaks with the side post acid batteries in Corvettes? Is it not a matter of if it will leak but when?? Was it more an issue back in the early 2000's and since the side post acid batteries have been strengthened to help prevent leaking?

Potent68

Leaks from the side post batteries of that era were extremely common. I had a '99 Camaro SS for years and there was a permanent rust spot (on an AZ car) under the battery. The problem with the C5 is the PCM is beneath the battery. I'd rather not risk leaking acid onto my PCM and that wire harness. I'll be going with the Optima red top 34/78 when I replace my battery.

bmarcinczyk14

When you say side post batteries of that era, are you referring to the side post batteries that were made back in that era? Meaning the side post acid batteries made today should be more resistant to leaking?

Potent68

One would hope so, especially with their usage still being so prevalent, but it's an insurance thing for me. Some folks here run a pad of sorts that is designed to absorb any leaking battery acid. That could be an option if you're concerned.

bmarcinczyk14

If acid flooded side post batteries are so prone to leaking, why and how do they continue to make them? I imagine it's not just an issue with Corvettes, but all other makes and models that use side post batteries. I'd figure there would be tons of backlash from the consumers if they see battery acid all over the place running down the frame and ruining the paint. Or is it for some reason more prevalent on Corvettes because of the spirited driving done with most of them? Are there any Corvette owners with acid flooded side post batteries that have not experienced leakage?

EDIT: I also just noticed on the "Notes" portion of the ad for the battery I bought it says, " AGM Valve Regulated Lead Acid [VRLA] is required; OE Spec: OE Group 75 AGM; OE CCA 600; Battery Spec: 700 CCA; Flat Top Version". I didn't know what that was referring to at first but now I think it means a AGM replacement battery is required for my car and to not purchase an acid flooded battery?? If so why, is it because of the leakage issues in the past? When I called the GM dealer they quoted me for 3 different types of AC Delco acid flooded batteries, so how bad can getting an acid flooded battery be if GM was only offering me those options? Does this mean I should return the battery I just bought and go with a AGM or gel battery? Here's the ad: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...000%7CL3*15597

MLacroix

Yes. Go with an AGM battery.

bmarcinczyk14

I'll ask again, will this one work for my 02 z06? According to advance it doesn't fit my car but I know some bigger sizes will work.

https://m.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-platinum-agm-battery-group-size-78-740-cca-78-agm/10310751-P