MIKE'S02VETTE

I purchased a'02 base Corvette in Nov. of '11. I didn't much know about the issue of the variable parasitic drain on the C5s. As a result, I found the car wouldn't start after 2 weeks. I recharged the battery with my Optimate charger, and all is well. I started to investigate batteries and come to find out:
1. the battery in the car is a Group 75 ACDelco 75-60. It only has an RC of 90 min. It was probably put in in '11.
2. I can't find any flooded or AGM Group 75 batteries that are rated @120min.
3. I can find Group 78 AGM batteries that are rated @115-120 mins.
What I don't know is will a group 78 battery fit in the battery box of an '02 C5? The big 3: AAP(autocraft AGM), Autozone(Duralast Platinum) and ORileyAP sell AGM batteries in the $150-180 price range. I guess the other question is whether I should ditch the battery that is currently in my C5?
Thanks for helping out a rookie on a topic that has probably had a lot written about it.
Mike

RetiredSFC 97

I have had great success/luck with Oreilly batteries myself. I think I paid in the 120 price range, maybe a little more.

I had one on my truck that lasted 10 years before it crapped out.

C5Txfan

Be sure and get a 'gell' type battery to avoid the dreaded acid leak onto the computer module underneath problem !

olbear1962

don't take the risk.

killain

I put an Optima red Top in my 2003 a year after I bought it new 2003, that battery lasted till this year, 2013 and was still fine, but I decided to go ahead and put another Optima in and I both have had great service and peace of mind with the Optima 75/25. Some folks don't like them, can't say why, but they have treated me real good. But if my Vette is going to be unused for 10 days or more, I put the float charger on it, takes a minute or more.

calvins

I have a Redtop in my '03 as well. I don't know how old it is as it came with the car when I bought it. It's given me no issues, yet. But if I know I'm not going to be running it for 5+ days (personal preference) I hook up my Battery Tender Plus and think nothing more about it.

RetiredSFC 97

My red top crapped out. I don't know when it was put in.

Vetteman Jack

I'm currently running a Sears DieHard Platinum in mine - been in there for about three years and no issues. Had an Optima Red Top in there before that and it last just a month past the three year period. In a previous C5 ran an Optima Red Top in it for over 7 years with no problems.

reath1

I also went with the Diehard Platinum. Last Optima Red top in my wife's Tahoe lasted 10 months...

Definitely not the quality they used to be.

Phanni

I put a new red top Optima in my coupe last fall, it didn't last 4 months. I put a Delco in and have had no problems. The Delco came out of a wreck we tore apart. I have no idea how old it is.

gunga68

I went with the Autozone Platinum and I keep a CTEC charger on it when the Vert is tucked away in the garage.

jframe

There's only one or two companies in the U.S. that make batteries anyway. Some get Interstate stickers, some get Die Hard stickers, some get AutoZone stickers, etc.

PeterB

Quick related question; When you take the battery out in there anything other then the clock that needs to be reset? I know to remember the code, so good there, what about the tire sensors etc. Thank you

Back to batteries...

El original

Just radio security code if activated. Other than that okey to go. would wait 5 min before hooking up the battery to let computer clear properly. Battery cables positive on first then negative to limit sparking.

CalF

Here is the battery you need and yes it fit in my 2004 c5.Only downside is the cost and it weighs 53 lbs.I still use a CTEK 3300 tender.http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinu...p-02850090000P

donald4972

I have this battery as well, and very happy with it. Also; when I went in to buy mine, it was 'on sale' at Sears.com but not on sale, in the store. The store matched the on line sale price. You might check this out, should you decide to go with the big Die Hard.

striper

I read a report a long time ago where the #1 rated batteries were AutoZone and Walmart, which I've used with good success. I also want to point out that the battery in my '03 Z is a 14 year old Optima Red Top. I took it out of my previous C5 and out it in this car when I got it. The Z's original GM battery I put in my truck and it didn't last a year.

jake2000

Yes a group 78 will fit and usually a better choice

Choreo

Usually just clock, HUD-setting and radio (if locked).

LoneStarFRC

+3 Sears Die Hard Platinum P4 Made in U.S.A.



Group 78s fit and have higher CCAs and RCs, regardless of brand.

Note: While AGM batteries are good (shock resistance, spill proof, etc) they are NOT "gel cells" or "gel" type batteries.