PerfNut

I have a 2001 6-speed.

Has anyone replaced their OEM battery?
I was told that the vette battery is lighter in weight than most aftermarket?
What batteries are being bought to replace the OEM?

Mine is going, I have erratic voltage and I just got the steering wheel lock error.

vetdude

Replaced the OEM Delco in our '02 about a month ago with a dry cell Optima Red Top - $105 at Advanced Auto. Starts every time, even after sitting two weeks and no more worries about acid leaking onto to the main computer located just under the battery tray.

Sorry, it won't take care of the dreaded "Column Lock" issue. You need to get a CLB (Column Lock Bypass) and install it or have it installed to clear that up once and for all. The dealer recall fix isn't a gaurantee!

JohnnyB

Hi, I bought the Optima Red Top in December of '03. 2 weeks ago it failed and would not take a charge. I took it in and it tested bad, so the store had to send out for a new battery as they were out of stock. The next day my new battery came in so I took it home and installed it only to find that it was dead also. When I took it back, it showed bad on their battery analyzer. So, here I sit, waiting for a new shippment of Red Tops from the factory. I'm not really a huge fan of Optima right now. YMMV, good luck.

Dave68

According to the reports I have read here, Red Tops have been failing more often than makes me comfortable. If you're not worried about a new battery leaking, take a look at this report:

Best for cold weather performance:
1. ProStart (Pep Boys), series 65: $60 CR Best buy
2. Interstate: $75
3. Advance Autocraft, series 75: $55CR best buy
4. Advance Autocraft, series 24: $50
Advance Autocraft, series 34/78: $75 CR Best buy
"All of these batteries deliver a good blend of life and cold-starting power in their group size."

Best for warm weather performance:
1. ProStart (Pep Boys), series 65: $60 CR Best buy
2. Advance Autocraft, series 75: $55 CR Best buy
3. Advance Autocraft, series 24: $50
4. Advance Autocraft, series 34/758 $75 CR Best buy
"The ProStart (1) and Advance (series 24 and 34/78) excelled in our life tests."

If reserve power matters most:
1. ProStart (Pep Boys), series 65: $60 CR Best buy
2. Interstate, series 75: $75
3. Advance Autocraft, series 24: $50
4. Advance Autocraft, series 34/78 North: $75 CR Best buy
5. Diehard, series 34/78: $90
"All excelled in reserve capacity. The Interstate and Diehard had superior CCA performance."

I'm guessing that the Optima was not included because of its higher-than-normal price range, which tends to restrict its sales to those who are extremely concerned about leaks. That being said, I've been driving since 1974 and have never had a leaking battery.

jmiller

I had a Die Hard Gold Series in my C4 for 5 years. It went dead every winter while in storage, and it always charged up in the spring. Never had a problem with it. I was amazed it lasted 5 years. I sold the car and the battery was still going strong. (it was probably a fluke, but I'll buy another Die Hard Gold)

BiggieBoy

This is why I'll never buy another Optima. I've had two of them die after less than a year of service. So far, my 3rd (and current) Optima has lasted almost two years. I'll NOT be getting another one.

Frankie2blue

How many here have replaced their battery with an OEM battery or something very close? Anybody?

boatboatboat

I just bought a yellow top Optima, and wish I had looked into a dry cell prior to buying.

ghost.rider

I'm with you. My first and only $120 Yellow top didn't make it to 3 years.

I now have a fine $40 Kirkland from Costco in my C5 with just as good a, maybe better, guarantee

TalonDG

You might want to consider this too:

http://www.accuratetechnologies.com/...aspx?tabid=337

DISCLAIMER: I make 'em and sell 'em, so I'm definately biased.

DG

chuck1026

Over $200 for a battery

I put the red top in my 2001 coupe this spring... so far so good. For 3 years I get a free replacement and my cell phone can always get me a jump .

wwashing

I've had my Redtop Optima for almost 7 years. It's still nice.

boatboatboat

your cell phone can jump start your car??


gotta see that one...........

boatboatboat

pm me with a special super duper low ball, price.

w8d4it

I had to replace my OEM Delco in a roadside situation about 2 months ago. I thought I was lucky to be less than a mile from Advance Auto which had Red Tops in stock. I remembered that previously the opinion on this forum was that RedTops were the way to go so I bought one.

I wish now that I had know the prevailing opinion. No one is defending the RedTop. I'm thinking I wasted $120

JohnnyB

That's the bad part Chuck, neither of the 2 batteries I had would even take a jump. The first wouldn't take a trickle charge either. They were dead so the car wasn't going to start no matter what. I'm waiting a little over 2 weeks for my free replacement.

vette2k1

I replaced my OEM battery with an Interstate battery a couple of months ago. So far it has been perfect.

Lestat52

I also had a problem with the red top.... after abt 1 yr it went dead overnite and would not even accept or hold a charge. didnt buy a new one.

jimcork1

I replaced my first Delco at 2 years.. with a identical delco. It lasted 3 years and was replaced due to acid leakage, It still worked. The acid damage took me about 6 hrs to clean up and repaint frame and associated parts. The place that warrantied the delco quit selling them and gave me credit on a new bat. They had some off brand or the Optima Red top,, so what the heck,, perhaps I might be lucky , and get a good one. But at least I am rolling again and hopefully it won't leak. It is not "leakproof" and guaranteed not to leak means only battery replacement, not damage repair. I did email Optima for their official position. I think I would have bought another brand of the same type of battery if the credit would have applied. 99 Nassau Blue

98Z51

I've been using a Redtop for about 2 year now without any problems. After having a Delco leak all over my Blazer, I didn't want to take any chances with the Vette.