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I had a red top in my C5 and it performed great. Now, I need to replace my C7 battery. I did a little search on this forum only to find that Optima moved their manufacturing to Mexico and the quality is not what it was. Is it true and should I steer clear? I'm thinking of going with the Delco Pro Gold. It's pricy @ $235.64 (dealer quote). Any expert thoughts on this? You folks are the experts!
Optima would be far from optimal. But they would never fit anyway!
Never thought about fitment? Though, my dealer guy suggested the Optima because of the relative cost vs. the Delco Po Gold. No room in the trunk compartment?
When mine went, I too went looking for replacements. Many use the Sear AGM. But then I found that both AutoZone and Advanced Auto sell and exact fit AGM replacement. They match exactly, except they come with handles!!! This really makes battery replacement easier. I just found the best internet coupon available, ordered it, and picked it up. I think it ended up being like $150. They would have installed it but I could not start the car and I won't let them near the vette.
In the other threads about batteries, someone mentioned that there is really only one company that makes the batteries for all the retailers. They slap different labels on them at the end of the line. Although some have different plastic colors and depending on the price they are sold for, come with different warranties.
Last edited by Flame Red; Nov 2, 2017 at 08:50 AM.
I would stay with the AC Delco Professional Gold series battery with 42 month free replacement.
I noticed the stock battery was just the AC Delco Silver series, so this is an upgrade.
I have had good luck with these in all my cars. You could go to the AGM version, but probably not necessary.
My 2014 battery was still doing alright, but it was almost 4 years old, so I decided it was easier to change it in the garage instead of being stuck somewhere.
The battery lists for $216, but I got it a local parts store for $155. (48PG)
A couple of installation notes.. It is very easy to rip the carpet pulling it back, so I would remove the side panel, or at least pull it loose at the rear to get the carpet out. Also, the more you can take off, the easier it will be to get the battery out of the well... I took all the wires off the fuse box on top of the battery and got it out of the way instead of just trying to push it off to the side...
The battery in my early '14 was 4 years old in October and I am thinking of replacing it pro-actively as well. It's stored in my garage now with easy access to the area so might as well do it on my terms rather than on the side of the road or in a parking lot while out of town on a road trip. This way I can purchase the battery I really want and not be subject to whatever is available. I will do an AC ProGold as well. Good info on the installation process-thanks.
My OEM battery died just short of 4 years. I got many CEL codes and the analog needles were going crazy.
Replaced it with an Interstate and everything is fine. I don't see the benefit to pay high price of AGM type battery. I also am not a fan of AC Delco batteries. They probably are OK but had good luck with Interstate in the past. Besides, the only time I'll see it will be 4 or more years from now when it needs replacement, so cares what label is on it.
The battery in my early '14 was 4 years old in October and I am thinking of replacing it pro-actively as well. It's stored in my garage now with easy access to the area so might as well do it on my terms rather than on the side of the road or in a parking lot while out of town on a road trip. This way I can purchase the battery I really want and not be subject to whatever is available. I will do an AC ProGold as well. Good info on the installation process-thanks.
One thing I forgot. Remember there is a vent tube on the end of the battery against the fender that you cannot see and it is fixed on the end that goes through the floor. If not removed, it will hang you up when removing the battery.
My OEM battery died just short of 4 years. I got many CEL codes and the analog needles were going crazy.
Replaced it with an Interstate and everything is fine. I don't see the benefit to pay high price of AGM type battery. I also am not a fan of AC Delco batteries. They probably are OK but had good luck with Interstate in the past. Besides, the only time I'll see it will be 4 or more years from now when it needs replacement, so cares what label is on it.
So, what is the free replacement period for the Interstate.
I had a ACDelco in my C5 with 50 month free replacement and never had to buy another battery.
Low humidity and extreme AZ temps are hard on a acid cell battery. Worse than cold. So we swap out the battery every three years. A a prophylaxis. Maybe could get 4? But why tempt fate. If we were going cheap we'd have bought a Yaris.
A better battery that is a exact fit is the Odyssey, same price point as Optima, but a USA battery that is a AGM battery with 99% pure lead. I have one in my C7 Z, very pleased. Part number is:0752-2020, Model# 48-720
I had a red top in my C5 and it performed great. Now, I need to replace my C7 battery. I did a little search on this forum only to find that Optima moved their manufacturing to Mexico and the quality is not what it was. Is it true and should I steer clear? I'm thinking of going with the Delco Pro Gold. It's pricy @ $235.64 (dealer quote). Any expert thoughts on this? You folks are the experts!
Yes, steer clear of the Optima. Had one of the originals in my hot rod truck and it took a beating and kept going forever. Went to Batteries Plus and they told me the story about the Mexico deal and that they are not the same as they used to be.
I had a red top in my C5 and it performed great. Now, I need to replace my C7 battery. I did a little search on this forum only to find that Optima moved their manufacturing to Mexico and the quality is not what it was. Is it true and should I steer clear? I'm thinking of going with the Delco Pro Gold. It's pricy @ $235.64 (dealer quote). Any expert thoughts on this? You folks are the experts!
To answer you specific question, that move occurred 8 or 9 years ago.
They are owned by Johnson Controls that is one of the largest battery suppliers in the US. That old quality news still prevails. Reminds my of the old joke about the famous bridge builder! No longer PC!
I have an 8 year old Yellow Top Optima in my Street Rod and installed one in my C6. I recently called Jegs an Summit tech folks who are very good. Both said has been no quality issue for many years! I will buy the same model for my Street Rod as I built a special hold down that is inside the sedan. Makes me a bit nervous as it has electric doors and if the battery goes I’d be SOL! At car shows, where it mostly goes, I leave a window open in case I need a jump! (I actually have a somewhat complicated way to provide power to open a door if it happens when in the garage-don't expect it will as it's always connected to a small charger!)
All that said, an Optima won’t fit the C7! There is a large power board on the positive terminal and it must have the OEM recessed terminal configuration.
I bought an AGM battery when I replaced the one in my September 2013 built C7. I bought a DieHard but there are other brands selling the same one. Saw the same one at AutoZone. We have a Johnson Control battery plant in town, probably made both!
A better battery that is a exact fit is the Odyssey, same price point as Optima, but a USA battery that is a AGM battery with 99% pure lead. I have one in my C7 Z, very pleased. Part number is:0752-2020, Model# 48-720
+1 on the Odyssey.
I have them in 2 vehicles, so far they have given the service life of my old USA made Optima.
No idea if the part number mentioned fits though.
FWIW, I've been able to use a smaller battery with the Odysseys, which is useful in cramped spaces.
However in a car with a battery box, like the Corvette I prefer to get the highest capacity battery that physically fits; but that's me.
Last edited by Nexxussian; Nov 2, 2017 at 02:30 PM.
Reason: simplify
I've used them for years in everything and continue to do so... no problems whatsoever.
Btw, Optima makes far more sizes than the ones typically seen stocked in parts stores, etc. I always have NAPA order mine, whatever I need. Currently, I have three of them, including in my ol' C5. It (the C5) is 16 years old and I just put in my third Optima.
The Optima Red Top in my pickup was manufactured in Sept of 2006 and I installed it in November 2006. Still performs perfectly even after sitting a month. Super batteries which are expensive but last a long time.
So, what is the free replacement period for the Interstate.
I had a ACDelco in my C5 with 50 month free replacement and never had to buy another battery.
30 months free replacement. Never seen 50 months, but how much are they? The more you pay, the longer the free replacement period is. Battery companies have a idea about how long they last and then set the price. I'm sure they make money on those batteries.
I figure, 4 years is the average life of a lead-acid battery, so 30 months free replacement is good enough. These are $110 to $120.
Optima Battery?
(I actually have a somewhat complicated way to provide power to open a door if it happens when in the garage-don't expect it will as it's always connected to a small charger!)
