C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Need a new battery, what is the best buy?

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Old 02-04-2009, 12:36 PM
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steve mulherin
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Default Need a new battery, what is the best buy?

I neeed a new battery and I want the most cold cranking amps and longevity. The '94 LT1 sits for long periods and I want it to start when I turn the key. Recomendations??
Old 02-04-2009, 12:41 PM
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BobRR3
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I have a optima red top in my 96 LT1 for the last 6 years. No problems at all. The other advantage is that this is a glass mat, Sealed battery. No acid leaks onto the wires below the battery tray.
Old 02-04-2009, 12:44 PM
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engle1147
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Originally Posted by steve mulherin
I neeed a new battery and I want the most cold cranking amps and longevity. The '94 LT1 sits for long periods and I want it to start when I turn the key. Recomendations??
I run the Die Hard myself seems OK....what ever brand you decide on check the manufacturer date code...get a "newer" battery instead of one that is "old" new stock that has been sitting on the vendor's shelf for long periods of time.

Old 02-04-2009, 12:53 PM
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joecarter85
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You'll get as many answers as there are battery manufacturers. With that said, I've been happy with Bosch.

Since your car sits for long periods, I would throw a trickle charger on it. No surprises this way....all batteries
are subject to drain when not in use.

Old 02-04-2009, 01:04 PM
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AZ86Vette
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i use diehard... has a 2 yr warranty if i remember right...
Old 02-04-2009, 01:08 PM
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jmeyer58
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Since there are only 3 or 4 actual manufacturers of batteries but hundreds of different labels on the batts, I just use the WalMart brand battery. They are affordable and made by the same manufacturer that makes the other high dollar batts. If the car sits, use a battery tender jr. to keep it up to snuff. You will extend the life of the battery by one or two years by doing this simple step.
Old 02-04-2009, 01:36 PM
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pearlvett
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Honestly the besr bettery you can get for your money is an optima thats just based on personal experience. They have high cold cranking amps and have a lifetime garauntee.
Old 02-04-2009, 02:01 PM
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383vett
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Originally Posted by pearlvett
Honestly the besr bettery you can get for your money is an optima thats just based on personal experience. They have high cold cranking amps and have a lifetime garauntee.
I have used Optima red tops for years. Very happy with the performance.
Old 02-04-2009, 02:48 PM
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keither
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Optima red top is absolutely, positively, the very best.
And Iv'e tried the rest with many problems.
I know; this is my 9th Vette, I only wish I had Optima batts in the earlier ones.
Happy starting.
Old 02-04-2009, 04:58 PM
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Muffin
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One more vote for Optima Red Top.
Old 02-04-2009, 05:20 PM
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cmcbunch
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My optima battery has outlasted 3 cars. Had it for 6 years now. Now I swear by them.
Old 02-04-2009, 06:39 PM
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jon0108
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interstate mega-tron. Been around forever
Old 02-04-2009, 06:52 PM
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RICEKILA
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Originally Posted by cmcbunch
My optima battery has outlasted 3 cars. Had it for 6 years now. Now I swear by them.

Ditto
Old 02-04-2009, 08:02 PM
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cwyates4
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Optimas are great, just require slow charging if they are drained. I've always used either die hard or duralast gold myself.
Old 02-04-2009, 08:05 PM
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Chuck A
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09

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I recently just bought an EXIDE , 36 months free replacement, seems good so far
Old 02-04-2009, 10:24 PM
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Frizlefrak
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Originally Posted by jmeyer58
Since there are only 3 or 4 actual manufacturers of batteries but hundreds of different labels on the batts, I just use the WalMart brand battery. They are affordable and made by the same manufacturer that makes the other high dollar batts. If the car sits, use a battery tender jr. to keep it up to snuff. You will extend the life of the battery by one or two years by doing this simple step.
They bear the "Everstart" moniker, and I've had very good luck with them. Not to mention the fact that you can get it exchanged in nearly every neck of the woods should a problem arise. The last one in my F150 went six years....and I still got about 20% back prorated.

On a side note, I got sick of wasting $100 a year on deep cycle batteries for my fifth wheel...and that's about how long they lasted. I bought the cheapest Wal-Mart Everstart they had ($39) three years ago, and it's still going strong in the RV. I've run it pretty far down boondocking a few times, and no ill effects.
Old 02-05-2009, 12:09 AM
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BobRR3
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It's true that mose lead acid batteries are the same. However, The Optima is not a lead acid battery. It's a glass mat battery. It's not necessarily just a question of how long the battery lasts but, you won't get acid leaks with the Optima. I found that on my LT1 when i took the original battery out ( original Delco ) i had acid dripped all over the wiring below the battery tray. I cleaned the acid away and installed a Optima red top....No more acid leaks. I would think that this would be an important factor in selecting a battery...

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Old 02-05-2009, 07:22 AM
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Never Satisfied
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Since Optima does not list a specific part number, what model are you guys using?
Old 02-05-2009, 07:41 AM
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runner140*
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I'm using a "Wally World special" (Walmart). Going on three years and still cranking like new. Cost a fortune, $56.95
Old 02-05-2009, 11:09 AM
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josephf31
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Default My opinion

Originally Posted by steve mulherin
I neeed a new battery and I want the most cold cranking amps and longevity. The '94 LT1 sits for long periods and I want it to start when I turn the key. Recomendations??
Go with Interstate or Diehard.

Optima is overrated, overpriced, and you may have problems getting it to fit too. Also search for Optima for problem history.


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