New Battery Needed
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
Some people absolutely hate the Optima batteries, but I've run them in all my cars/trucks for many years and am pleased with them.
Just two days ago, I replaced the OEM battery in my '12 GS (which is also E-brock blown) with an Optima Red Top 35 battery.
Mine is under the hood, though... not sure if that would make a difference for you.
Just two days ago, I replaced the OEM battery in my '12 GS (which is also E-brock blown) with an Optima Red Top 35 battery.
Mine is under the hood, though... not sure if that would make a difference for you.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Some people absolutely hate the Optima batteries, but I've run them in all my cars/trucks for many years and am pleased with them.
Just two days ago, I replaced the OEM battery in my '12 GS (which is also E-brock blown) with an Optima Red Top 35 battery.
Mine is under the hood, though... not sure if that would make a difference for you.
Just two days ago, I replaced the OEM battery in my '12 GS (which is also E-brock blown) with an Optima Red Top 35 battery.
Mine is under the hood, though... not sure if that would make a difference for you.
I retired from Optima in 2013.
Last edited by timd38; Dec 3, 2015 at 08:33 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would look at a Northstar. They build a really nice product and it has a vent tube.
I just put one in my wife's car.
http://buy.northstarbattery.com/p/nsb-agm-35-battery
I just put one in my wife's car.
http://buy.northstarbattery.com/p/nsb-agm-35-battery
Last edited by timd38; Dec 3, 2015 at 08:51 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,629
Better question, what killed the battery in three years, and is the old battery really dead, or is the ground wire to engine bolt lose/ the positive wires on the starter terminal posts loose and the problem isntead.
Hence the tvs-2300 has a electric water pump for the intercooler that will pull a little more amperage over all, but the S/C on the main belt will not cause a need for more amperage at start up instead.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Better question, what killed the battery in three years, and is the old battery really dead, or is the ground wire to engine bolt lose/ the positive wires on the starter terminal posts loose and the problem isntead.
Hence the tvs-2300 has a electric water pump for the intercooler that will pull a little more amperage over all, but the S/C on the main belt will not cause a need for more amperage at start up instead.
Hence the tvs-2300 has a electric water pump for the intercooler that will pull a little more amperage over all, but the S/C on the main belt will not cause a need for more amperage at start up instead.
Last edited by timd38; Dec 4, 2015 at 07:52 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 115
From: Phoenix AZ
I'm hoping it is just a coincidence but three weeks ago I installed tunnel drapes and took both seats out. After the install, both power seats worked as well as the memory option and the air bag light did not appear on the dash so I think I have it buttoned down.
I will check the battery terminals again but I recall them being tight after the seat reinstall as well.
I just happened to go out of town for the last ten days and the car has been idle, so maybe I just drained the battery. I don't recall if I inadvertently had the car in accessory mode after the last time I drove it.
I'm going to jump start it but was thinking if that does not work, what would be the best replacement for it.
Thanks again...
I will check the battery terminals again but I recall them being tight after the seat reinstall as well.
I just happened to go out of town for the last ten days and the car has been idle, so maybe I just drained the battery. I don't recall if I inadvertently had the car in accessory mode after the last time I drove it.
I'm going to jump start it but was thinking if that does not work, what would be the best replacement for it.
Thanks again...
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 15
From: Clayton NC
It probably won't fit in the back of the vette, but I had this Optima in the back of a previous car, it had vent tubes. "Optima Batteries 8078-109 78 RedTop Starting Battery"
I've had Optimas in several vehicles in the past, always great. Planning to buy one for the Vette soon as mine is not holding a charge very well, but mine is under the hood.
But several Optimas have vents, you just need to look.
I've had Optimas in several vehicles in the past, always great. Planning to buy one for the Vette soon as mine is not holding a charge very well, but mine is under the hood.
But several Optimas have vents, you just need to look.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
It probably won't fit in the back of the vette, but I had this Optima in the back of a previous car, it had vent tubes. "Optima Batteries 8078-109 78 RedTop Starting Battery"
I've had Optimas in several vehicles in the past, always great. Planning to buy one for the Vette soon as mine is not holding a charge very well, but mine is under the hood.
But several Optimas have vents, you just need to look.
I've had Optimas in several vehicles in the past, always great. Planning to buy one for the Vette soon as mine is not holding a charge very well, but mine is under the hood.
But several Optimas have vents, you just need to look.
Last edited by timd38; Dec 4, 2015 at 05:44 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 23
From: Venice Florida
Grady, I have a 13 GS with battery in the rear compartment, I believe you will find that given size of the compartment you will be limited to the BCI Group 90. I have been considering adding another battery in the other compartment but haven't done it yet. IMO the 90 size is too small for the application. Also, try and find one with a handle, they are tough to install without one.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 115
From: Phoenix AZ
Grady, I have a 13 GS with battery in the rear compartment, I believe you will find that given size of the compartment you will be limited to the BCI Group 90. I have been considering adding another battery in the other compartment but haven't done it yet. IMO the 90 size is too small for the application. Also, try and find one with a handle, they are tough to install without one.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
My original delving battery lasted about 5 years. I replaced it with the same. They are great, never give issues and have a good warranty in case. Mine is now in the rear cubby and fits no problem. IMO optima is crap since the company was sold. I see lots of problems with them.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I have the Red Top in my 2008 C6 now. The last Optima I had lasted around 10 years. I took it out just because I figured it was time.
The car was a DD and I ran a 60 amp RF amp in it the whole time. Stock alternator too.
I have friends that run this battery and no one I have heard is displeased.
The car was a DD and I ran a 60 amp RF amp in it the whole time. Stock alternator too.
I have friends that run this battery and no one I have heard is displeased.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
I have the Red Top in my 2008 C6 now. The last Optima I had lasted around 10 years. I took it out just because I figured it was time.
The car was a DD and I ran a 60 amp RF amp in it the whole time. Stock alternator too.
I have friends that run this battery and no one I have heard is displeased.
The car was a DD and I ran a 60 amp RF amp in it the whole time. Stock alternator too.
I have friends that run this battery and no one I have heard is displeased.
Will often hear how an Optima lasted 10+ years.... they were the best batteries out there. Several years ago the company was sold and the production was moved to Mexico.... since then its a crapshoot with many not lasting very long. The founder moved on to start Odyssey Battery and that would be my choice today.
Not saying you cant have good luck with an Optima, just saying my shop saw many coming back and stopped selling them because of it.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 209
From: Lake Mary Florida
I would look at a Northstar. They build a really nice product and it has a vent tube.
I just put one in my wife's car.
http://buy.northstarbattery.com/p/nsb-agm-35-battery
I just put one in my wife's car.
http://buy.northstarbattery.com/p/nsb-agm-35-battery
I am not familiar with North Star. Who makes them? Many different branded batteries are made by the same manufacturer.
I note the original post says all batteries are the same except for Optima. With all due respect, this is a bit hard to swallow. I would appreciate additional support for North Star or any other specific recommendation.
BIGMAC
Last edited by BIGMAC; Dec 5, 2015 at 09:10 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I am looking for a new battery for my heavily modded 2012 GS A6 (under hood) as well. I have run Optimas many for years in my cars with excellent results. My C5 and Escalade tow vehicle have them now. But it seems Forum members don't have much love for Optimas.
I am not familiar with North Star. Who makes them? Many different branded batteries are made by the same manufacturer.
I note the original post says all batteries are the same except for Optima. With all due respect, this is a bit hard to swallow. I would appreciate additional support for North Star or any other specific recommendation.
BIGMAC
I am not familiar with North Star. Who makes them? Many different branded batteries are made by the same manufacturer.
I note the original post says all batteries are the same except for Optima. With all due respect, this is a bit hard to swallow. I would appreciate additional support for North Star or any other specific recommendation.
BIGMAC
As far as all others being the same, there is some truth to that since 70% of the batteries out there are made by one company, but you still have different technologies. You have flooded and AGM. I am a believer in AGM and even though my wife's car is less than a year old, I put an AGM battery in it. All of the new start stop cars have AGM batteries because they take cycling better than a flooded battery, but they also cost twice as much.
Remember who your wife calls when there is a car issue, it is you, so I always put the best possible parts on her car to avoid calls!