Optima Battery
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
However if you are into Road Racing or AutoX .. you really don't need the Optima Yellow Top, and yes you can save weight & $$ by getting a small lightweight battery!
It all depends on what your needs are.. I need the DEEP CYCLE to run my fan with the engine off... so I went with the Yellow Top and will deal with the 5 extra lb...
You may not have to worry about running your battery down if your doing most driving on the road... so save the weight & $$
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have an OPTIMA in my 02 C5 ZO6. Was it a good battery, Sure! Was it worth 3X the price of a regular everyday walmart battery. NO!
The next battery I get will be a Walmart battery. 3YR Free replacement, fail safe reliability.
Ill NEVER pay that much for a battery again.
BC
The next battery I get will be a Walmart battery. 3YR Free replacement, fail safe reliability.
Ill NEVER pay that much for a battery again.
BC
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Lucas, Texas
Look into the Odyssey batteries. I got one based on several forum members experience and it's been great. I let it sit 4 months in the summer heat, no charger at all. Popped it in and cranked right up.
Jay
Jay
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Optima Yellow top D34
I just got an Optima Yellow top from Hinson Motor Sports--a great vendor with quick shipments and great prices. I'm using the extra weight for a rear mount application on my Z51. Work in progress.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Go with the Sears Platinum P-3 battery. Has the most cranking amps and reserve of any battery in existence. If you have a silver vette then it's also the only one the same color. Yes, $189 is a lot to pay for a battery but for a $30,000 car it's a small price to pay and who is counting. Remember if your battery goes out, you can't even open the doors. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,218
Likes: 3
After 4 years and 2 or 3 bouts with DBS I think it's time to replace the battery in my 2005. The battery will now only hold a charge for 2-3 days. Until 2 weeks ago I could easily go a week or more. In looking for a new battery I have found the Optima 9035-160 & 8035-160. I can't seem to find out what the differance is. Anyone have any sugestion?
Thanks
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Gel cells are your best bet. I have seen far too many vettes with this issue to dismiss it as statistically insignificant.
D35 in my car and I can move it to the trunk when I need to, after having run cables to the rear compartment from Jeggs for 89 bucks shipped for the kit.
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Cruising
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Just FYI this was just my experience:
I purchased a Yellow Top Optima D34/78 in July 2008. It lasted me 13 months. This week it won't hold a charge at all. Out of warranty only one month. The new Optimas have a 3 yr warranty but before 2/09 they only had a one year. I took it back to Autozone and they gave me a 60% cash back credit, about $107. I will not be buying another one. Im probably going with a top of the line Sears battery.
I purchased a Yellow Top Optima D34/78 in July 2008. It lasted me 13 months. This week it won't hold a charge at all. Out of warranty only one month. The new Optimas have a 3 yr warranty but before 2/09 they only had a one year. I took it back to Autozone and they gave me a 60% cash back credit, about $107. I will not be buying another one. Im probably going with a top of the line Sears battery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,218
Likes: 3
Just FYI this was just my experience:
I purchased a Yellow Top Optima D34/78 in July 2008. It lasted me 13 months. This week it won't hold a charge at all. Out of warranty only one month. The new Optimas have a 3 yr warranty but before 2/09 they only had a one year. I took it back to Autozone and they gave me a 60% cash back credit, about $107. I will not be buying another one. Im probably going with a top of the line Sears battery.
I purchased a Yellow Top Optima D34/78 in July 2008. It lasted me 13 months. This week it won't hold a charge at all. Out of warranty only one month. The new Optimas have a 3 yr warranty but before 2/09 they only had a one year. I took it back to Autozone and they gave me a 60% cash back credit, about $107. I will not be buying another one. Im probably going with a top of the line Sears battery.
Last edited by KMK454; Sep 2, 2009 at 10:25 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Many people think that Optima is a gel battery. This is a common mis-perception. A gel battery has acid with silicate added to make it think. Optima is spiral cell AGM. Gel batteries can leak, AGM batteries do not.
There is a video on the Optima website that explains this. The yellow car is mine and so is the garage. optimabatteries.com
There is a video on the Optima website that explains this. The yellow car is mine and so is the garage. optimabatteries.com
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 383
Likes: 15
From: CA
I worry about acid
I had a AC Delco side post battery in my camaro SS that leaked acid ruining the + cable, etching the paint off the engine compartment under the battery, and requiring the starter be replaced. There was a class action lawsuit against AC Delco for this very problem. I replaced the batteries in my C6 and camaro with Optima to prevent acid leaking.
