Optima Replacement Battery
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
How much was it and what part/model #?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 388
Likes: 41
C7 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 235
Likes: 37
From: Monterey CA
Best AGM battery I have found are made by Odyssey. Sears marketed a Platinum AGM battery a few years ago which was based on the Odyssey. I bought one 2 yrs. ago... worked great but they are expensive, about $200.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,953
Likes: 12,364
From: NE South Carolina
I called Odyssey and after three folks found a young lady that gave me a number that would fit. It has recessed terminals. However she didn't sound confident. I called JEGS where I bought many parts for my Street Rod. The tech rep checked their info on Oddessy batterys, which they sell. He found a note saying a modification is necessary but no specifics. The pic shows recessed terminals but I question if it has a recess center for the hold down.
So far have seen one AGM battery at AutoZone that has recessed terminals and a recess in the center that "should" be correct for the battery hold down. Their info says it fits. Would be great if someone buys a AGM battery and can report on the fit.
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 27, 2016 at 02:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
I have an Optima Yellow top in my Street Rod that is 6 years old. Bought one for my C6 and it worked fine. Optima did have issues after the business was sold to Johnson Controls and the plant moved to Mexico. Those initial problems have been eliminated. Would buy one in a minute, BUT they and many others won't fit the C7! The C7 battery has a large power board connected to the positive post. The terminals have to be recessed to have it fit.
I called Odyssey and after three folks found a young lady that gave me a number that would fit. It has recessed terminals. However she didn't sound confident. I called JEGS where I bought many parts for my Street Rod. The tech rep checked their info on Oddessy batterys, which they sell. He found a note saying a modification is necessary but no specifics. The pic shows recessed terminals but I question if it has a recess center for the hold down.
So far have seen one AGM battery at AutoZone that has recessed terminals and a recess in the center that "should" be correct for the battery hold down. Their info says it fits. Would be great if someone buys a AGM battery and can report on the fit.
I called Odyssey and after three folks found a young lady that gave me a number that would fit. It has recessed terminals. However she didn't sound confident. I called JEGS where I bought many parts for my Street Rod. The tech rep checked their info on Oddessy batterys, which they sell. He found a note saying a modification is necessary but no specifics. The pic shows recessed terminals but I question if it has a recess center for the hold down.
So far have seen one AGM battery at AutoZone that has recessed terminals and a recess in the center that "should" be correct for the battery hold down. Their info says it fits. Would be great if someone buys a AGM battery and can report on the fit.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,953
Likes: 12,364
From: NE South Carolina
I believe Advance Auto Parts also has a battery, I think it's an AGM, that is listed to fit the C7 "without modification". It is likely also made by Johnson Controls so it may well be Identical to the Auto Zone battery with the exception of the outside casing logos. I plan to replace my OEM battery at about 36 months since this is the expiration of its warranty and I don't want to get stranded. My experience with auto batteries is that they die quickly and usually at the most inoppertune time.
Will do the same more quickly since my OEM battery has had a low voltage (~12.4 volts when the surface charge is depleted in ~12 hours after the car is driven) that is probably due to a weak cell. Has performed without failure for over 2 1/2 years. Even been on vacation for ~2 1/2 weeks several times and I don't use a charger.As you say, I'd rather change when "I" want to before a failure, probably before this winter. Will post my install info.
Both branded batteries could well be made by Johnson Controls. They have a battery plant 5 miles from my home. Toured it two years ago. At the end of the line there were workers putting on one of over 20 labels on the batteries coming down the line. I asked the manager giving the tour what the differences were and was told often only the price and warrenty offered by the seller! Some did have different colored cases like some for Sears.
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 27, 2016 at 10:59 PM.
