eddie1349

I like the no spillage aspect of this type of battery.
My last one lasted about 9years & was priced around $100+...
I'm told to replace it now will run in the $265 - $295 range.
Does this seem accurate & recommended ?

Thanks to all...

Bruce
1963 Coupe

dplotkin

You will get a dozen opinions.

I would not be afraid of spillage unless you are afraid of over charging and boiling the juice out of it.
All 3 battery types will generally give 7 or more years of service in a hobby car so long as not abused or chronically under or over charged.
But they have their proclivities. Gel cells can be a hassle to recharge if discharged severely.

But spillage, I wouldn't let that keep me from using a flooded cell battery especially given they look the part.

My re-pop Mopar battery has a gel inside the case, was new in 2007 and has been great. We will see what it does next week.
A re-pop battery can cost that much. An off the shelf shouldn't run much over $120

Dan

Frankie the Fink

eddie1349

Hey Dan,
Thanks for your reply.
I can see by the responses I have received I need to be a bit more specific.
From my experience, the best way to remove/install the battery is to turn it completely on one end, then lift straight up, pushing the aluminum reserve tank to the side.
I'm not suggesting that I constantly remove/reinstall the battery, but when I do, it really helps to not have battery acid dripping out onto my arm.
I'm also not as "physically fit" as I used to be, so once I start lifting I need to pull the battery up & out quickly.
I'm not referring to "spillage" as distilled water/acid coming out of the battery in the process of charging. I don't remember that ever happening.
Since I have not purchased a battery recently, I'm just trying to make sure $265 - $295 is a reasonable price range for a Gel-Type battery.
I like the idea of a Gel-Cell because I can put the battery in any physical position possible without concern about leaking.

Thanks again.

Bruce

59BlueSilver

Guess I’m not up on batteries, I see Diehards running around $100! Are they not gel type?

DansYellow66

I just replaced a wet cell battery on my GTX that I keep a disconnect on. Looked up in my records when I installed it - 2005. I have found the lids need to be popped every few years and a couple cells topped off with distilled water but I also can't remember the last spill I observed. But the top-of-the-line, big, wet cell replacement battery at Autozone was about $140 so I wouldn't be surprised that the gel fill are over $200.

GUSTO14

Diehard does sell an AGM battery, but not a Gel Cell battery. AC Delco (PRO) and Interstate also sell AGM batteries.

I bought an Interstate AGM (MT7) for my C5 Corvette a few years back and have been very pleased with it. The MT7-34 should fit the C2 Corvette.

Exide also sells an AGM (Edge) that fits the C2 Corvette, FP-AGM24, but I can not find anyone that says they have them. Everyone seems to be out of stock on them.

Good luck on the search... GUSTO

quahog

I have a optima red cell in my 66, bought it in 2003, maybe, and it's still ticking. Last spring I went to purchase that same battery for my 67 project and the price was @ 250ish quite an increase. Go on line and search for the best price. Hope this helps Jeff

firstgear

I use them in my ‘60 and my ‘30 street rod. I use small ones...they fit nicely in tight areas....

GTOguy

Just replaced the $29 Walmart battery I bought in 2002 for my '67 GTO.....got 16 years service out of it. The replacement was $118. Same battery. Got 16 years out the the Walmart Battery in my '65 GTO as well, but have not replaced it yet. We use Optima gel-cell at work. Very over-rated, and not stellar performers. Also, with gel, you can only trickle charge the batt on 2 amp. Gel will bubble during charging, and the bubbles stay, leaving the plates exposed. That's why the slow charge. I'm with Frank.....I can't remember seeing a spilled battery......a blown up one, yes. But gel will explode just as well as a conventional lead-acid one will!

bcwaller

I've got the Bosch AGM battery from Pep Boys in my C2 (I think this one https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/844459/01675) and they currently have 25% off coupon so you can get this for $142.50 plus tax. All the advantages you were looking for (same reasons for me) and pretty affordable. I've got regular Costco in my Chevelle

eddie1349

That's a nice looking/performing battery, although I'm not that knowledgeable about AGM design. Are they lighter weight and longer lasting?

Thanks.

BADBIRDCAGE

Some of us with later model Corvettes have concern as GM made the decision to place the battery immediately above the main computer for the vehicle.

As you are aware battery acid and computers/wiring don’t like each other.

I chose to replace the wet cell battery with an AGM type battery.

tuxnharley

Yup. That was exactly the situation - and my solution - on my 92 when I had it a few years ago.

CorvetteMikeB

Did you get your battery? What AMP battery do you get? I need to get one soon for my C2.

MAD IN NC

........ keep the cars on the 4 rubber treads is a must

Sears carries a agM product much better than a Gell OR Optima


check with Batteries +


Optima movede plant to Mexico and nothing but problems have been seen by many

Paster

That's a great battery. The Bosch AGM is a rebranded Exide, Rural King sells the same rebranded Exide AGM battery as their house brand. I have the Rural King battery in my 66, works great.

I had nothing but problems with newer Optima batteries after the plant move and will never purchase one again.

eddie1349

Hey Mike,

Despite the negative feedback, I went ahead with an Optima Model 3478DT, AGM Battery, Part #N993478Red.
It needs the piece that snaps on the bottom to enable it to sit at the correct mounting height.
Cold Cranking Amps = 800
So far so good, so we'll see how it performs over time.

Vettegeezer

Bruce,
I didn't see it mentioned in any of the replies, but AGM (Activated Glass Mat), batteries are sensitive to over voltage charging. Had this happen to me several years ago. Seems my original voltage regulator was putting out in excess of 15 volts - battery lasted only 2 years. Bought a new AGM Reproduction Battery along with their recommended charger, put in a solid-state regulator in the car, and have had no issues for the past 7 years. From what I remember charge voltage should be under 15 volts. Also, the charger I bought is marked "AGM Only".
Phil

firstgear