Replace C4 battery with Optima?

[Rain]

AC Delco finally died in the 96 coupe.
It had gotten to the point of jumping it off, driving for 2 days, and then not cranking on the third. Alternator reading fine.
ODBII software on the lap top only threw up one error code but no one has replied to that post here on the CAC. Will drag it back to the top of the list in a second.

What to replace the Delco battery with?

Read reviews of vette owners using the Optima red top 34/78. over 100$ though.

what have you guys used?
Thanks-
Rain

 

[Ken]

I'm using a Red Top. Check this post out Rain: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=260459#post260459

 

[6speeder]

Have had success with Die Hard "Gold" ($79) over many years. The last one I replaced was in my PU for over 9 years, and still strong. The "Silver" is about $10 cheaper...good battery, shorter warranty period. Depends if you are going to keep the vette for awhile.

 

[Rain]

Thanks Ken,
had just done a refresh on Todays Posts.
saw that Optima post directly below mine
and just finished reading it.

Looks like the quality of the optimas (for a 100$ + battery) is sinking.

Might end up with a die hard if its a nice alternative to the orig. AC Delco

thanks guys
Rain

 

[ltcdad]

Die Hard

I second 6speeder, I've had nothing but GREAT SUCCESS with the Die Hard series of batteries.

 

[TWINRAY]

I replaced a Delco battery after 6 years while it was still good because I couldn't believe a battery could last that long and I wanted to be on the safe side. I used that battery for at least 3 years after that as a knock around battery for cars off the road, just to start them. If Delco isn't the best battery made, it's a close second.

 

[c4cruiser]

I just replaced the original :eek AC Delco battery in my 92 roadster right before I left for the 50th Anniversary Caravan. I didn't want to risk a problem for the 6000+ miles I traveled.

I was considering a Sears Diehard Gold, but wound up with another AC Delco with better performance figures and actually found a good price. I looked at Optimas but some people with them told me they had to do a bit of surgery on the battery tray to get them to fit. The positive top post on the Red Optima come awfully close to the diagonal brace and that could be a real problem if the post contacted the brace.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Optima

Rain

Just replaced mine with an Optima. Yes, I was concerned with the clearance of the positive post. I came up with a padding (electrostatic) to wrap around the brace. I have had an Optima battery in my truck for almost 3 years now, and still as strong as the day I bought it. This is going two months at a time without starting ... but turn the key and it'll start right up.

Maybe a bit biased.

G

 

[Ken]

Well I for one am glad to hear something good about the Optima battery, seeing that mine is still brand-new. :L

 

[Eagle85C4]

I have one in my vette and 2 in my Blazer. From April to November the Blazer sits while the vette enjoys the sunshine. Once weather sets in the vette goes to sleep and I drive the Blazer.5 years it has never failed to start with the Optima batteries in it. One batt is just for starting, the other runs all the accessories, including the inverter and the welder...
Optima for me....

 

[Vettelt193]

For all of the Die Hard fans (and others) Wal Mart batteries (can't remember the name) are the same as Sears Die Hard. The yellow batteries in wal mart are the same as the die hard gold. If you are in wal mart, you can even read in the battery book (not the computer) that the batteries are sold in other stores using different names.... they even list the stores and brand names. Wal mart has a good warrantee as well, with full replacement. the prices tend to be significantly cheaper than sears too.

 

[Rain]

One more question:

Correct me if Im wrong, But I DO need to keep those threaded silver battery terminal posts that I unscrewed to remove the AC Delco, Right?


Just been about 10 years since Ive owned a vehicle that Ive had to change a battery on.. Yes, I know.. horrible of me to keep turning in vehicles every 3-4 years, but it keeps me out of the toolbox! haha

Thanks for the insight
Rain

 

[Hrtbeat1]

By all means keep them. They should stay with the terminals when you remove them (loose but won't fall out)

 

[Rain]

Positive side had some corrosion(beige light brown) on it. but they both slid out rather easily. Sure they will go back in just as easy.

Thanks for the vote of re assurance.
Rain

 

[Tom73]

I just use a $39 Wal-Mart battery in my cars. Three year warranty, full replacement, so if it should die I just take it to Wal-Mart and get a new battery, free, with another three year warranty.

tom...

 

[TWINRAY]

Decided against the Optima due to the recent negative comments and bought the Yellow WalMart for 58.84. 3 yr free replacement. Seems like a no brainer:dance

 

[Rain]

Ditto that, I just did the same.
PIcked up the yellow Wal Mart everstart.
same price.
So very glad I waited till the heat of the day to go out and install it!
LOL


btw, Walmart will install for free if you buy it there.... HAHAHAHAHA
I would never let those monkeys near my vette!!!!

Thanks everyone
Rain

 

[kingman]

Repacement!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi

Did anyone have somebody else replace the battery, like a dealer or specialty shop?? And how much did it cost??


I'm talking about the labor, not the battery!
Thanks

Alan

 

[Rain]

Hi Allan,
its not a hard task.
Just taking having the right tools and taking your time.

This post had some GREAT pics and info on it. But the pics went away for some reason.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26304&highlight=remove+battery

essentially need 10mm, 8mm, and 13mm open ended wrenches. A socket with a 13 mm plus a long extender or a flexible shaft socket screwdriver. and torx 10 and 30 bits to remove the body panel.

GOes back together faster than it comes out.

no need in paying anyone to do it for you
Rain

 

[kingman]

Hi Rain

Every time somebody says it's easy l get concerned, but l found an article with pics on how to change a battery. Right now my battery is good, but l'm building a file on how to fix things.

l ordered daylight running lights from Lawrence for approx $38 and l'm going to be putting them in this week. It took me time to find the correct wire that had juice on all the time.

They should look kool!

Alan