2006 Replacement Battery
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
2006 Replacement Battery
The battery on my '06, standard C6, is getting a bit slow and I wanted to replace it. My dealer service rep seemed to be strongly discouraging me from replacing it with a new Delco. He was suggesting that I would be much better off with an Optima.
I live in San Diego where there seem to be only a few Optima dealers and even then, I'm getting different suggested model numbers from the Optima website and from different shops that sell them. Costco says that they don't cary a battery for an '06 Corvette.
I've searched other postings on the forum and there seems to be no consistancy in which model is correct for an '06.
Does anyone know what the actual correct model number is for this year? I would prefer to just get the Red Top.
Just fyi, I also checked on Interstate batteries and the only one that they say fits, was poorly rated (per Consumer Reports) and is on "national back-order", probably to correct the problems that they have had with it.
Thanks
I live in San Diego where there seem to be only a few Optima dealers and even then, I'm getting different suggested model numbers from the Optima website and from different shops that sell them. Costco says that they don't cary a battery for an '06 Corvette.
I've searched other postings on the forum and there seems to be no consistancy in which model is correct for an '06.
Does anyone know what the actual correct model number is for this year? I would prefer to just get the Red Top.
Just fyi, I also checked on Interstate batteries and the only one that they say fits, was poorly rated (per Consumer Reports) and is on "national back-order", probably to correct the problems that they have had with it.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Go here, click on Battery-Optima in the yellow pane on the left. You'll get all the Optima education you'll ever need: 
http://www.bugmanweb.com/c6/c6index.html
http://www.bugmanweb.com/c6/c6index.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
For DD I have a lead-acid, AGM Optima Red Top (group 25, part #9025-160). Great, reliable and fast starting - however it's heavy (31.7lbs.)
Part Number: 25 (9025-160)
RedTop®; lead-acid, AGM Battery; Group 25; Cold Crank Amps 720; Crank Amps 910; Reserve Capacity 90; Ampere Hour 44; Top Terminal; L-9 5/16 in.; W-6 3/4 in.; H-7 5/8 in.
For the track I use a light weight (6.6 oz) Braille Carbon Fiber racing battery.
Part Number: 25 (9025-160)
RedTop®; lead-acid, AGM Battery; Group 25; Cold Crank Amps 720; Crank Amps 910; Reserve Capacity 90; Ampere Hour 44; Top Terminal; L-9 5/16 in.; W-6 3/4 in.; H-7 5/8 in.
...our batteries are lead-acid, AGM batteries in a SpiralCell design. They can be treated and charged just like regular lead-acid batteries in most situations, but they are not "gel" batteries and "gel" or "gel/AGM" charger settings should be avoided, as they will not fully-charge our batteries and could damage them over time. If you have any questions about our batteries, I'll do my best to answer them.
Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
For the track I use a light weight (6.6 oz) Braille Carbon Fiber racing battery.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
The battery on my '06, standard C6, is getting a bit slow and I wanted to replace it. My dealer service rep seemed to be strongly discouraging me from replacing it with a new Delco. He was suggesting that I would be much better off with an Optima.
I live in San Diego where there seem to be only a few Optima dealers and even then, I'm getting different suggested model numbers from the Optima website and from different shops that sell them. Costco says that they don't cary a battery for an '06 Corvette.
I've searched other postings on the forum and there seems to be no consistancy in which model is correct for an '06.
Does anyone know what the actual correct model number is for this year? I would prefer to just get the Red Top.
Just fyi, I also checked on Interstate batteries and the only one that they say fits, was poorly rated (per Consumer Reports) and is on "national back-order", probably to correct the problems that they have had with it.
Thanks
I live in San Diego where there seem to be only a few Optima dealers and even then, I'm getting different suggested model numbers from the Optima website and from different shops that sell them. Costco says that they don't cary a battery for an '06 Corvette.
I've searched other postings on the forum and there seems to be no consistancy in which model is correct for an '06.
Does anyone know what the actual correct model number is for this year? I would prefer to just get the Red Top.
Just fyi, I also checked on Interstate batteries and the only one that they say fits, was poorly rated (per Consumer Reports) and is on "national back-order", probably to correct the problems that they have had with it.
Thanks
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=keyplyr;1577333924]For DD I have a lead-acid, AGM Optima Red Top (group 25, part #9025-160). Great, reliable and fast starting - however it's heavy (31.7lbs.)
Part Number: 25 (9025-160)
RedTop®; lead-acid, AGM Battery; Group 25; Cold Crank Amps 720; Crank Amps 910; Reserve Capacity 90; Ampere Hour 44; Top Terminal; L-9 5/16 in.; W-6 3/4 in.; H-7 5/8 in.
My is a DD, so I'm not worried about the weight, so much. At NAPA, they said the the Group 25 battery was correct, but on the Optima site, is says you need a Group 35. It is kind of confusing. Is the 25 a direct fit, with no modifications?
Part Number: 25 (9025-160)
RedTop®; lead-acid, AGM Battery; Group 25; Cold Crank Amps 720; Crank Amps 910; Reserve Capacity 90; Ampere Hour 44; Top Terminal; L-9 5/16 in.; W-6 3/4 in.; H-7 5/8 in.
My is a DD, so I'm not worried about the weight, so much. At NAPA, they said the the Group 25 battery was correct, but on the Optima site, is says you need a Group 35. It is kind of confusing. Is the 25 a direct fit, with no modifications?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
How can you tell it's getting a bit slow? I have a 2006 I just bought recently and I am pretty sure it still has the stock battery in it. So I was thinking of replacing it before I get stuck stranded somewhere. So I was just curious what to look for to tell the battery is near the end of it's life, or as you say, "getting slow".
Thanks!
Thanks!
There is a slight hesitation in the start-up, when you press the start button.
The battery is so old that I think it is better to be safe than sorry.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: LaPorte Indiana
Battery shop, auto service place, dealer and many auto parts stores can do a load test. This will test your battery's ability to produce a high amount of current and maintain a minimum voltage.
If the battery does not produce enough current or the voltage falls to low, the battery is weak.
Autozone sell's Optima's.
If the battery does not produce enough current or the voltage falls to low, the battery is weak.
Autozone sell's Optima's.
Last edited by Pauls72; Apr 13, 2011 at 04:47 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 6
From: Palos Verdes Peninsula California
Battery shop, auto service place, dealer and many auto parts stores can do a load test. This will test your battery's ability to produce a high amount of current and maintain a minimum voltage.
If the battery does not produce enough current or the voltage falls to low, the battery is weak.
Autozone sell's Optima's.
If the battery does not produce enough current or the voltage falls to low, the battery is weak.
Autozone sell's Optima's.
Those are great batteries by the way. I have a red top that is in it's 6th year and still going strong.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 493
Likes: 3
From: East Moline Illinois
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The OEM battery in my '06 seemed to be getting weaker but it turned out the negative terminal was loose. Check them first. I use a battery tender all the time.
For an '06, if you want an Optima Red Top, a Type 35 battery is correct, the positive terminal is on the driver's side, a Type 25 is identical but the terminals are reversed.
Or you can get an Optima Yellow Top D35, this is their deep-cycle battery that can be discharged to a greater depth and still be revived.
Check out 1st-Optima-batteries online. Easy to understand charts with dimensions, terminal positions and pricing.
Other slightly larger Optima's will fit, even ones with the terminals reversed from stock will work with not too much fussing.
Lots of debate on the Forum about performance vs. price with these batteries. I've had good luck with most of mine.
For an '06, if you want an Optima Red Top, a Type 35 battery is correct, the positive terminal is on the driver's side, a Type 25 is identical but the terminals are reversed.
Or you can get an Optima Yellow Top D35, this is their deep-cycle battery that can be discharged to a greater depth and still be revived.
Check out 1st-Optima-batteries online. Easy to understand charts with dimensions, terminal positions and pricing.
Other slightly larger Optima's will fit, even ones with the terminals reversed from stock will work with not too much fussing.
Lots of debate on the Forum about performance vs. price with these batteries. I've had good luck with most of mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 129
From: San Marcos, Texas
The battery on my April built 2006 coupe died recently. Of all the times for it to die, it was up on my drive-up ramps just after I completed a oil change. I could not start it to circulate the oil and drive it off the ramps. Hooked up a battery tender for a coupe of hours and was able to start it. I bought a Everlast battery from Auto Zone and it fit perfectly. I think it was about $112.00. 700 cold cranking amps and it works just fine. Three years full warranty and eight pro-rated. Good Luck with your decision.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: Naples, Florida
I also have an 06' with a 6 speed manual Z51 and still with the original battery. I use a battery tender during the winter month when the car is not being used. The original battery on my Lexus lasted almost 8 years, also on a tender when not being used for an extended period of time. I also carry in the compartment in the trunk a portable battery just in case, the day when I have to use it is the day I'll replace the battery.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
The OEM battery in my '06 seemed to be getting weaker but it turned out the negative terminal was loose. Check them first. I use a battery tender all the time.
For an '06, if you want an Optima Red Top, a Type 35 battery is correct, the positive terminal is on the driver's side, a Type 25 is identical but the terminals are reversed.
Or you can get an Optima Yellow Top D35, this is their deep-cycle battery that can be discharged to a greater depth and still be revived.
Check out 1st-Optima-batteries online. Easy to understand charts with dimensions, terminal positions and pricing.
Other slightly larger Optima's will fit, even ones with the terminals reversed from stock will work with not too much fussing.
Lots of debate on the Forum about performance vs. price with these batteries. I've had good luck with most of mine.
For an '06, if you want an Optima Red Top, a Type 35 battery is correct, the positive terminal is on the driver's side, a Type 25 is identical but the terminals are reversed.
Or you can get an Optima Yellow Top D35, this is their deep-cycle battery that can be discharged to a greater depth and still be revived.
Check out 1st-Optima-batteries online. Easy to understand charts with dimensions, terminal positions and pricing.
Other slightly larger Optima's will fit, even ones with the terminals reversed from stock will work with not too much fussing.
Lots of debate on the Forum about performance vs. price with these batteries. I've had good luck with most of mine.
I got a Optima Yellow Top Type 34 (only top terminals, with the Positive on the Left (passengers side) I beat the hell out of it.. at the track.. ... Make a 1/4 mile run, then shut off the car but run the fan & electric water pump for 5-7 min to cool it to 150.. with no problem....
Sometimes I'll make 10 runs a day, and its been fine for 2 years now..
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 1
From: Seguin Tx
I went through two GM batteries and kept having a low or dead battery.
I finally bit the bullet and bought an Optima Red Top and have not had a problem since.
My Vette actually sat for three months without me starting it and when I finally went to start it...It fired right up with the Optima
I finally bit the bullet and bought an Optima Red Top and have not had a problem since.
My Vette actually sat for three months without me starting it and when I finally went to start it...It fired right up with the Optima