Battery Recommendations 1996 Coupe

[3 Deuce]

Been 3 years on this battery, any new hot tips on a replacement recommendation? Thanks

 

[Gary04Z06]

I bought a Sears Die Hard Gold, they have always been good for me.

 

[Dons97]

Optima Red Top.

 

[Rain]

Optima if you can swing the cash. Otherwise. the yellow top from WalMart is a good choice and they will take it back if it goes bad.

Rain

 

[WhalePirot]

Interstate or Delco

I have been through three lousy Optima RedTops in rather short order and have heard from two dealers who sell them that they have problems with them. I will never buy another.

I got great life from my last Delco, which was top-rated. More than one electrical shop has recommended Interstate, which finally solved my RedTop issues, after I spent lots of time, anxiety and money changing starters, checking the charging system and installing a remote solenoid. I think you know, by now, my 'love loss' with Optima.

 

[vee93]

Been 3 years on this battery, any new hot tips on a replacement recommendation? Thanks

Replaced my old Delco with an Interstate. I've heard good things about the Yellow Tops from WallyWorld too and they don't leave just lint in your pocket either!!! I bought 2--one Y.T., I put it in my 'lil droptop Z24 Cav, replacing the Delco. The other is for the Vette if the Interstate goes bad for some reason in the near future.

 

[Robertwav1]

I've had good luck with sears. One thing you have to understand....batteries are not the same quality as they were before, this is why you wind up with more bad or defective batteries. I deal with commercial stuff...that's what they tell me. There is a cost for cutbacks!

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I would go for any name brand (Sears, Exide, Interstate etc.) with the best warranty you can find. Many batteries sold through larger outlets at cheaper prices appear to be made by these name brands, as well. So, don't sneer at a battery with the Auto Zone name on it (for example) because it's sold next to chain steering wheels and skull decals! I never had a problem with an Optima I once owned, but I have heard others have, and, bottom line, I think it's one of these auto parts/accessories gimmicks that so-called "people in the know" say you MUST have to be considered cool. Save the money.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[Vettelt193]

Optima if you can swing the cash. Otherwise. the yellow top from WalMart is a good choice and they will take it back if it goes bad.

Rain

FWIW:

The yellow battery from wal mart is the same battery as a Sears Die Hard, just re-labeled. The same company makes batteries for most of the name brands we all know of, but wal mart sells them for less $$.

I have the wal mart yellow battery in my car... I especially like the plastic 'pouch' that is on the side of the battery... you put your receipt in it and seal it shut... then when the battery dies you can check it to make sure they don't owe you anything.

 

[3 Deuce]

Thanks Everyone...

I looked at the one in the car and it's a DieHard Gold, yet to price it, and when I was at CostCo, the replacement on their chart was 550 cold and 700 cranking amps, 36 mo free replacement and 100 month warranty for......................$39.99!!! Just might do that.............but thanks for all the getback. When I saw the Optima prices I started to think it should be mounted on the hood and chromed for that money..........

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I looked at the one in the car and it's a DieHard Gold, yet to price it, and when I was at CostCo, the replacement on their chart was 550 cold and 700 cranking amps, 36 mo free replacement and 100 month warranty for......................$39.99!!! Just might do that.............but thanks for all the getback. When I saw the Optima prices I started to think it should be mounted on the hood and chromed for that money..........

Something that Optima could do to differentiate itself would be to give a much better and totally complete warranty than other batteries. You know, this all reminds me of another thread concerning K&N vs. standard filters, where people sort of came out of the closet and couldn't see that K&Ns were any better than far cheaper standard filters. In time, I think more people will question Optimas. One thing which is interesting is that Optimas are now sold by Auto Zone and other chain stores, whereas before there seemed to be this idea that the chains were too "low brow" for such an exalted brand. I used to hang around with a guy who was president of the local Porsche Club, and when that crowd started insisting that everyone buy Optimas I knew something was wrong.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[froggy47]

I looked at the one in the car and it's a DieHard Gold, yet to price it, and when I was at CostCo, the replacement on their chart was 550 cold and 700 cranking amps, 36 mo free replacement and 100 month warranty for......................$39.99!!! Just might do that.............but thanks for all the getback. When I saw the Optima prices I started to think it should be mounted on the hood and chromed for that money..........

I am eyeing that Costco battery also, $39.99 and Costco is very good with returns, just keep that receipt.

 

[Greg Gore]

Like wax everyone has their favorite replacement battery brand. Personally I have had good results from Delco batteries and I just put in a new 7 year Professional Series 75 Delco from the local GM dealer in my 1996 LT-1 coupe. I like to keep the car as original as possible which is another reason I like to use only OEM replacement parts whenever possible. Admittedly some aftermarket parts are as good as GM but many are not. Anything from NAPA would be a good second choice though because of their known high quality. The most common failure for side terminal batteries is leaking battery acid at the positive terminal which will always wick into the plastic covered cable clamp and destroy it; the usual cause is overtightening. A torque wrench should always be used to tighten C4 side terminal battery bolts and the correct torque is 11 lbs/ft.

Regards, Greg