Cosmo Kramer

Will a Optima (yellow top) for a C5 fit a C6?

Rada 1

The C-5 and 2005 C-6 should be the same battery, the 2006 C-6 uses a reversed post battery, I just installed a red top in my 2006, I had little problem finding the correct battery, I do not know about the 2007s.

timd38

2005 is the same as 2004 (C5), but 2006, 2007 and 2008 are the same.

Cosmo Kramer

Cool. Thanks.

The input from fellow Corvette enthusiast on this site is wonderful.

When I sold my C5, I replace the Optima battery with a cheapie battery from Fleet Farm. The battery has been on a tender since 05/05 and is fully charged. Given all the problems I'm reading about regarding the stock GM battery, I plan on swapping out the GM battery with the Optima. (I'll keep the GM battery on a tender and put it back in when I sell the C6 for a C7.)

Fast Fun

So which Optima battery (part number) did you end up getting and were there any fitment problems?

Thanks.

nastyC6

I used the red top Optima and mounted it in the right rear storage compartment.works well and weight transfer is helped also

timd38

Great move! The only issue is that you have to vent it. If you don't have a means of venting, you could end up with fumes in the car. Optima makes a battery for the diesel PT Cruiser (not sold in the US) that has vent tube ports on it. Also, the new Optima 51 has vent ports on it also.

nastyC6

The small compartment has vents in the event they were needed,I don't believe the optima battery needs venting but i did it anyway just as a precaution......and taking 35 lbs off the front and installing it in the right rear was worth the 50-50 or better weight break

timd38

The Optima needs to be vented and that is why it has the two round holes on the top about 1/2 inch round. The new 51 has actually vent tube ports built into it so that you can vent it to the outside of the vehicle. Optima's don't gas much, but if your alternator goes nuts one day, you will end up with allot of gassing.

SickRick

I had a 14 month old Optima YellowTop drop dead on me last week.

Very surprised/disappointed - I expected it to last alot longer than that - especially for a $200 battery.

Rick

mwvettec5

Just installed a Red Top in a 2005 Coupe - dropped right in !!!

timd38

I just looked at your profile and you have a 2005 with manual trans. Are sure it wasn't the car that drained the battery? Optima is better than a regular battery, but it still go dead if a module on the car is on.

Cosmo Kramer

Just swapped out the OEM battery with the Optima yellow top (5 yrs. old) and everything fit perfectly.

SickRick.........You either had a DBS incident or your yellow top is defective. In either case, have it looked at.

TCW

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think C5 batteries were side post batteries except for the 2004 C5. I remember they switched to the top post batteries because the side post tended to leak batery acid.

Tom

timd38

You are correct. GM also changed battery suppliers for the Corvette. Delphi was supplying them until 2003 and in 2004 JCI started supplying the Corvette. Just remember that the Delco name is owned by GM, so that can have anyone make the product.

Cosmo Kramer

Optima batteries have both side and top posts. As such, they will work in either application.

SickRick

No DBD, never had one - ALWAYS make sure the car shuts down completely. DO however have an 800Watt Amp for my stereo that does put a drain on (the reason why I went with a yellowtop in the first place), but the voltmeter always reads 13.5+ when cruising, so the charging system is OK.

Dead cell on the battery, cost $56 (pro-rated) for replacement. Wouldn't take a charge, read 12.5 surface volts but no CCA.

When these go dead, do NOT expect a "normal" car to jump start you. AAA truck with booster had to come out and jump me. Got it home and had a friend drive me & the dead one to PepBoys for my replacement.

Yet and still - I'll stay with the Optima, due to the high current draw my stereo puts on the car.

Rick