Battery options?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
Battery options?
Looks like my battery is about ready for replacement. I think my tilt sensor alarm research last night probably hastened it's demise. So I've started researching my options.
My 08 needs a BCI Group 85 battery. Costco's used to carry their Group 12 battery that was the correct size, but they no longer stock it anymore. Wal Mart also doesn't carry a Group 85 battery.
So the only other options I have found are:
Super Crank (Deka) at Orielys for $89
Duralast Gold at Autozone for $110
Or the GM battery from the dealer for $150
Does anyone know of any other options for this car? (And no, I'm not interested in an Optima, BTDT, didn't even last a full year).
My 08 needs a BCI Group 85 battery. Costco's used to carry their Group 12 battery that was the correct size, but they no longer stock it anymore. Wal Mart also doesn't carry a Group 85 battery.
So the only other options I have found are:
Super Crank (Deka) at Orielys for $89
Duralast Gold at Autozone for $110
Or the GM battery from the dealer for $150
Does anyone know of any other options for this car? (And no, I'm not interested in an Optima, BTDT, didn't even last a full year).
Last edited by RainMan12; May 3, 2012 at 01:28 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 4
From: Montgomery Texas
This is what I will be replacing my battery with. We use these batteries on our airboats and they do a great job but weigh almost nothing.
http://http://www.braillebattery.com/
Group 90
B3121C Carbon Fiber $299.00 weight 21 pounds
B3121 standard $188.00 weight 21 pounds
ML30C lithium Battery in Carbo fiber $1950.00 weight 9.3 pounds, this is the same battery corvette racing uses.
http://http://www.braillebattery.com/
Group 90
B3121C Carbon Fiber $299.00 weight 21 pounds
B3121 standard $188.00 weight 21 pounds
ML30C lithium Battery in Carbo fiber $1950.00 weight 9.3 pounds, this is the same battery corvette racing uses.
Last edited by Crowhater; May 3, 2012 at 01:53 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
I have AutoZone Duralast batteries in all four of my cars. Installed the 90-DLG in my Z06 last month for $113 + tax. 3 year free replacement and a total of 8 years prorated on the Gold's. That's a darn good warranty, especially for the price.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I also found a Bosch at Pep Boys for $102. I'm currently leaning toward the Duralast.
It's too bad Costco doesn't carry the group 12 batteries anymore. They seemed to be about the best bang for the buck.
It's too bad Costco doesn't carry the group 12 batteries anymore. They seemed to be about the best bang for the buck.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I was kind of hoping to be able to start a thread that would have all the different options posted in one thread instead of having to chase down dozens of individual threads.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
And if you need to get a battery replaced under warranty, and you're 200 miles from home with a dead battery on a Sunday morning, you will find more AutoZone stores open then you will a store or dealer that carries Delco batteries.
Last edited by JoesC5; May 3, 2012 at 02:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
This is what I will be replacing my battery with. We use these batteries on our airboats and they do a great job but weigh almost nothing.
http://http://www.braillebattery.com/
Group 90
B3121C Carbon Fiber $299.00 weight 21 pounds
B3121 standard $188.00 weight 21 pounds
ML30C lithium Battery in Carbo fiber $1950.00 weight 9.3 pounds, this is the same battery corvette racing uses.
http://http://www.braillebattery.com/
Group 90
B3121C Carbon Fiber $299.00 weight 21 pounds
B3121 standard $188.00 weight 21 pounds
ML30C lithium Battery in Carbo fiber $1950.00 weight 9.3 pounds, this is the same battery corvette racing uses.
http://www.shoraipower.com/p-209-lfx36a3-bs12.aspx
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I went to Costco with my ruler and did some measurements of various batteries they have. While they no longer have the Costco Fitment code 12 that is called for (BCI 85) they have their fitment code 3 (BCI 35) that is very close in size and has the proper terminal configuration (length and width are identical). The only difference is it's about 1 inch taller than the BCI 85 but it fits perfectly in the car. The only catch is that it partially blocks the door for replacing the cabin air filter, so you'll have to unbolt the battery and tip it forward, or remove it, to replace the cabin air filter every year or so. But this is probably a good thing, as it also gives you a chance to clean around the battery tray and inspect the battery real good when your changing out the cabin air filter.
It has 640 cold cranking amps, and 800 cranking amps. The Costco item number is 12865 and it comes with a three year replacement warranty.
And here is the best part. It costs $65. It was a no-brainer decision for me.
Its the first battery in the list on this site.
http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/loca...-batteries.htm
It has 640 cold cranking amps, and 800 cranking amps. The Costco item number is 12865 and it comes with a three year replacement warranty.
And here is the best part. It costs $65. It was a no-brainer decision for me.
Its the first battery in the list on this site.
http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/loca...-batteries.htm
Last edited by RainMan12; May 3, 2012 at 06:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I always use Sears Die Hard. I've never had one die on me. The last one I had in my previous car was 10 years old and still going when I sold it. I replace the GM battery in my '05 with a Die Hard a year ago. I don't like Optima either and I'd stay away from Bosch. They have a bad rep from all I've read about them.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
Here are the BCI numbers for dimensions in case you're interested in the exact differences between the 35 and 85
BCI---L------W----H_____L---------W-------H
35---9.1--- 6.9---8.9-- or--230mm 175mm 225mm
85---9.1----6.8---8----or--230mm 173 mm 203mm
So the difference in height is .9 inches, or 22mm.
http://www.batteryweb.com/bci.cfm
For $65, I don't think you'll find a better deal, and the Kirkland batteries Costco sells are some of the best rated ones out there according to Consumer News and others who test them.
BCI---L------W----H_____L---------W-------H
35---9.1--- 6.9---8.9-- or--230mm 175mm 225mm
85---9.1----6.8---8----or--230mm 173 mm 203mm
So the difference in height is .9 inches, or 22mm.
http://www.batteryweb.com/bci.cfm
For $65, I don't think you'll find a better deal, and the Kirkland batteries Costco sells are some of the best rated ones out there according to Consumer News and others who test them.
Last edited by RainMan12; May 3, 2012 at 06:51 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 1,669
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
When I need to replace my Group 90, I will look at the Group 96R at WalMart. Same dimensions and CCA for about 75 bucks.
Haven't looked at the mounting tabs to see how it is locked down. It is probably about a half inch longer than your Group 85.
Haven't looked at the mounting tabs to see how it is locked down. It is probably about a half inch longer than your Group 85.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I always use Sears Die Hard. I've never had one die on me. The last one I had in my previous car was 10 years old and still going when I sold it. I replace the GM battery in my '05 with a Die Hard a year ago. I don't like Optima either and I'd stay away from Bosch. They have a bad rep from all I've read about them.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 484
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
I went with Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 90T5, 600 CCA (750 Cranking Amps). It cost $124.99 but it's on sale for $105.99 right now. Through May 5, they have a promotion where you save 15% off all orders of $100+, and then get a $50 coupon off a future order — not bad!
If that's not good enough for you or you miss out on that deal, just use this referral link — sign up and get a 40% OFF COUPON e-mailed to you to use on your 1st order!
Specs:
Battery Type: Lead Acid
Cold Cranking Amps: 600 amps
Cranking Amps: 750 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 6 15/16 in
Length: 9 9/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 100 min
Terminal Type: Top Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 32 lbs
Width: 6 15/16 in
If that's not good enough for you or you miss out on that deal, just use this referral link — sign up and get a 40% OFF COUPON e-mailed to you to use on your 1st order!
Specs:
Battery Type: Lead Acid
Cold Cranking Amps: 600 amps
Cranking Amps: 750 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 6 15/16 in
Length: 9 9/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 100 min
Terminal Type: Top Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 32 lbs
Width: 6 15/16 in
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
Likes: 235
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
I went with Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 90T5, 600 CCA (750 Cranking Amps). It cost $124.99 but it's on sale for $105.99 right now. Through May 5, they have a promotion where you save 15% off all orders of $100+, and then get a $50 coupon off a future order — not bad!...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 64
I went with Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 90T5, 600 CCA (750 Cranking Amps). It cost $124.99 but it's on sale for $105.99 right now. Through May 5, they have a promotion where you save 15% off all orders of $100+, and then get a $50 coupon off a future order — not bad!
If that's not good enough for you or you miss out on that deal, just use this referral link — sign up and get a 40% OFF COUPON e-mailed to you to use on your 1st order!
Specs:
Battery Type: Lead Acid
Cold Cranking Amps: 600 amps
Cranking Amps: 750 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 6 15/16 in
Length: 9 9/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 100 min
Terminal Type: Top Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 32 lbs
Width: 6 15/16 in
If that's not good enough for you or you miss out on that deal, just use this referral link — sign up and get a 40% OFF COUPON e-mailed to you to use on your 1st order!
Specs:
Battery Type: Lead Acid
Cold Cranking Amps: 600 amps
Cranking Amps: 750 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 6 15/16 in
Length: 9 9/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 100 min
Terminal Type: Top Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 32 lbs
Width: 6 15/16 in
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I don't get all that technical about replacing a battery. Although, my OEM AC/Delco battery provided 4.5 years of faultless service I always get the top of the line AutoZone Duralast batteries for replacements. The Duralast provides exceptional performance and service life; AutoZone has a great warranty; and, their customer service is excellent.
I'm not a fan of Optima batteries. They're fine batteries but from what I've learned the premium you pay doesn't translate into that much of an extended service life, if any.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,712
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
No, but when you can get a Duralast Gold with a longer warranty for a cheaper price then a Delco, why? 8 years vs 7 years and $110 vs $150.
And if you need to get a battery replaced under warranty, and you're 200 miles from home with a dead battery on a Sunday morning, you will find more AutoZone stores open then you will a store or dealer that carries Delco batteries.
And if you need to get a battery replaced under warranty, and you're 200 miles from home with a dead battery on a Sunday morning, you will find more AutoZone stores open then you will a store or dealer that carries Delco batteries.
But the "ease of replacement under warranty on Sunday" issue is real, no question about it.