Best Replacement Battery?
#21
Race Director
#22
Melting Slicks
I wish I had technical data for you, but this is all I have. For me, it was enough to push me to the battery I trust...Delco.
#23
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: AZ
Posts: 5,754
Received 536 Likes
on
279 Posts
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
The Optima Red Top on my 05 died after two years. I replaced it with a Diehard Platinum. Sears said they didn't have the right one but they did. I never had an issue with the battery. The big downside to this battery is the cost. I think they run $150-$180. But they are essentially an Odyssey battery. I put one in my 05 Murano also and have had zero issues with it.
#24
Racer
#25
Race Director
I've had a Optima yellow top in my 96 4 Runner since the original one died. It was installed in the middle of 03 and I still have it. I run a RF amplifier in the vehicle that pulls 60 amps amps. stock alternator too. No problems.
#26
CF Senior Member
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Tucson Arizona
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 0
Received 19 Likes
on
18 Posts
I've never had any starting, electrical or battery related problems (even with my car sitting idle for weeks at a time and even after the dealership totally discharged it on one occasion). My OEM battery provided faultless service for 3+ years (which is typcial where I live). Despite the popularlity of the Optima battery here on the forum, I replaced my OEM battery with a conventional battery. My friends at the auto parts store where they sell various brands of batteries (including Optima) were unanimous in their opinion that the Optima battery wasn't worth the extra money. Based on returns and replacements they don't feel the Optima provides any better service.
Like glennhl below, I also buy batteries from AutoZone, Checker Auto, etc. For my C6 I bought the 'top of the line' conventional battery from AutoZone...it works well and has a great warranty.
I'm no battery expert but a racing friend of mine experienced problems resulting from one of those lightweight batteries. It saved weight but evidently is wasn't functioning quite the same as a conventional battery. It caused problems in his modified C6.
Batteries are maintenance items. With the high heat and extreme temperature variations here in the desert southwest, 3-4 years is pretty typical for any make battery. I consider 3-4 years a decent service life for a car battery.
Like glennhl below, I also buy batteries from AutoZone, Checker Auto, etc. For my C6 I bought the 'top of the line' conventional battery from AutoZone...it works well and has a great warranty.
You have several options. I went with the stock AC since mine failed before warranty was out (got a free one right before the 3 year warranty expired on the car). There is an interesting option of a lightweight battery, will save you over 15 pounds.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...tall-pics.html
I have never gone with an Optima only because they weigh more than the stock battery. I typically just buy batteries that are easy to replace if I'm on a trip, Autozone, Checkers, Interstate, or an AC Delco.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...tall-pics.html
I have never gone with an Optima only because they weigh more than the stock battery. I typically just buy batteries that are easy to replace if I'm on a trip, Autozone, Checkers, Interstate, or an AC Delco.
Batteries are maintenance items. With the high heat and extreme temperature variations here in the desert southwest, 3-4 years is pretty typical for any make battery. I consider 3-4 years a decent service life for a car battery.
#28
Melting Slicks
Optima Yellow Top
I don't disagree with those who went with the Optima Red Top. It's a fine battery. I chose to go with the Yellow Top because a deep discharge will not inflict the permanent capacity damage it would to a Red Top and all other non-deep-discharge batteries. As a rule of thumb, they will lose 10% of their storage capacities (and useful lives) every time they are completely discharged. You decide.
#29
Race Director
I don't disagree with those who went with the Optima Red Top. It's a fine battery. I chose to go with the Yellow Top because a deep discharge will not inflict the permanent capacity damage it would to a Red Top and all other non-deep-discharge batteries. As a rule of thumb, they will lose 10% of their storage capacities (and useful lives) every time they are completely discharged. You decide.
Last edited by saplumr; 01-02-2010 at 11:42 AM.
#30
Le Mans Master
I choose the deep cycle because they can take the constant recharging that I need.
Yellow Top
Demand More from Your Vehicle?
The YellowTop® high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. The YellowTop can repeatedly bounce back from deep power drains to full energy capacity, so it can power plenty of electronics and still start you up time after time. Lower internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges.
Yellow Top
Demand More from Your Vehicle?
The YellowTop® high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. The YellowTop can repeatedly bounce back from deep power drains to full energy capacity, so it can power plenty of electronics and still start you up time after time. Lower internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges.
#31
Race Director
The Optima Red Top on my 05 died after two years. I replaced it with a Diehard Platinum. Sears said they didn't have the right one but they did. I never had an issue with the battery. The big downside to this battery is the cost. I think they run $150-$180. But they are essentially an Odyssey battery. I put one in my 05 Murano also and have had zero issues with it.
#32
Melting Slicks
I live in Chicago??
#33
Race Director
Oh really? For either case, why?
Define "better start battery". Take two batteries, one Yellow Top and any non-deep-discharge battery (even a Red Top). Now subject both to two complete discharges -- a fairly common occurrence for C6 owners. After recharging, which is the better start battery? Which will have the longer service life?
I live in Chicago??
Define "better start battery". Take two batteries, one Yellow Top and any non-deep-discharge battery (even a Red Top). Now subject both to two complete discharges -- a fairly common occurrence for C6 owners. After recharging, which is the better start battery? Which will have the longer service life?
I live in Chicago??
#34
Drifting
The site says
Yellow Top
Demand More from Your Vehicle?
The YellowTop® high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. The YellowTop can repeatedly bounce back from deep power drains to full energy capacity, so it can power plenty of electronics and still start you up time after time. Lower internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges.
Red Top
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.
The OPTIMA® RedTop® high-performance AGM battery is the ultimate high-CCA starting battery designed to deliver the strongest 5-second ignition power for a reliable start-up every time. The RedTop will outperform and outlast traditional batteries in demanding cranking/starting applications. With unparalleled high power delivery and extreme resistance to the most common causes of battery failure, the RedTop is idea for trucks, SUV's, luxury cars, hot rods, off-road vehicles and other applications that require a leak-proof starting-only battery.
Since alot people store or drive weekends only would benefit from Yellow Top.
Buy yellow, no I am not biased.
Demand More from Your Vehicle?
The YellowTop® high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. The YellowTop can repeatedly bounce back from deep power drains to full energy capacity, so it can power plenty of electronics and still start you up time after time. Lower internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges.
Red Top
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.
The OPTIMA® RedTop® high-performance AGM battery is the ultimate high-CCA starting battery designed to deliver the strongest 5-second ignition power for a reliable start-up every time. The RedTop will outperform and outlast traditional batteries in demanding cranking/starting applications. With unparalleled high power delivery and extreme resistance to the most common causes of battery failure, the RedTop is idea for trucks, SUV's, luxury cars, hot rods, off-road vehicles and other applications that require a leak-proof starting-only battery.
Since alot people store or drive weekends only would benefit from Yellow Top.
Buy yellow, no I am not biased.
#35
Race Director
Yellow Top
Demand More from Your Vehicle?
The YellowTop® high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. The YellowTop can repeatedly bounce back from deep power drains to full energy capacity, so it can power plenty of electronics and still start you up time after time. Lower internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges.
Red Top
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.
The OPTIMA® RedTop® high-performance AGM battery is the ultimate high-CCA starting battery designed to deliver the strongest 5-second ignition power for a reliable start-up every time. The RedTop will outperform and outlast traditional batteries in demanding cranking/starting applications. With unparalleled high power delivery and extreme resistance to the most common causes of battery failure, the RedTop is idea for trucks, SUV's, luxury cars, hot rods, off-road vehicles and other applications that require a leak-proof starting-only battery.
Since alot people store or drive weekends only would benefit from Yellow Top.
Buy yellow, no I am not biased.
Demand More from Your Vehicle?
The YellowTop® high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. The YellowTop can repeatedly bounce back from deep power drains to full energy capacity, so it can power plenty of electronics and still start you up time after time. Lower internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges.
Red Top
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.
The OPTIMA® RedTop® high-performance AGM battery is the ultimate high-CCA starting battery designed to deliver the strongest 5-second ignition power for a reliable start-up every time. The RedTop will outperform and outlast traditional batteries in demanding cranking/starting applications. With unparalleled high power delivery and extreme resistance to the most common causes of battery failure, the RedTop is idea for trucks, SUV's, luxury cars, hot rods, off-road vehicles and other applications that require a leak-proof starting-only battery.
Since alot people store or drive weekends only would benefit from Yellow Top.
Buy yellow, no I am not biased.
#37
Le Mans Master
Approaching 40 months with my OEM battery..... what's to complain about?
#39
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 1999
Location: Silicon Valley and Yosemite, CA
Posts: 5,511
Received 635 Likes
on
341 Posts
I only use Interstate, my last Interstate, in the C5, lasted almost 9 years, and failed slowly, so I knew it was going. My Delco in the C6, lasted 5 years, so I can't really complain about an OEM battery not lasting a decent amount of time. But I can complain about how fast it went down.
I came out to drive the car after a two week sitting and it would almost crank, but not quite. I charged it to FULL, Drove it to my shop - 15 miles away, and it was almost dead 4 hours later. It barely cranked the starter, but enough to catch. Drove it home, went back out the next day and it was completely dead.
Never had an Interstate die that quick.
I don't have time to search but I also thought I saw several posts in this section with several people having issues with Optimas.
I came out to drive the car after a two week sitting and it would almost crank, but not quite. I charged it to FULL, Drove it to my shop - 15 miles away, and it was almost dead 4 hours later. It barely cranked the starter, but enough to catch. Drove it home, went back out the next day and it was completely dead.
Never had an Interstate die that quick.
I don't have time to search but I also thought I saw several posts in this section with several people having issues with Optimas.