ls2kev

Battery died, worst case scenario I have to buy a new one if charging it fails.

Options:

Gold Duralast 90-DLG
10.0 Core
600 cold cranking amps (750 cranking amps)
100 reserve minutes

Optima Battery D35
10.0 Coore
720 cold cranking Amps (910 cranking amps)
90 reserve minutes
Red Top

Optima Battery D35
12.0 Core
620 cold cranking Amps (775 crankin gamps)
100 reserve minutes
Yellow Top


Now, in a previous thread I had a few people recommend a "red top" battery. So I should go ahead with the 2nd option? Can anyone help explain to a noob what all these nice words mean in terms of battery performance and reliability?

Thank you in advance!

Gearhead Jim

Lots of people have problems with the original Delco battery because, uh, lots of people have them. I've gotten good service from the several I've owned.

The Optima yellow top is designed to take repeated deep discharges without damage, the red top is more of a normal battery. Some people swear by Optima, others say they are less reliable than other brands. They are supposed to not leak acid if damaged.

RadarP3C

Since you live in MD, I'd recommend the "red top" due to it's higher cold cranking amps because of your location.

RedVette84

I've heard some reports that the new Optimas have a higher failure rate than before - probably because they are not made here anymore. Others still like them - but any battery you buy will not last like they used to. Maybe from the amount of power the newer cars require or because they are built more cheaply.

mack morrow jr

This is the one I have and the best I have ever used.

Boomer111

Have a Red Top in my 96 4 Runner with 100,000miles and 7 years, still working fine.

PS, I also run a RF amp that pulls 60 amps. All off the single battery.

johnodrake

I have the original battery in mine and never had an issue. I also don't let it drain down. I keep it on a battery maintainer when it sits. Same for my other two cars. Cheap insurance.

Bandit1

Red top is for starting....high voltage, short duration “bursts” of power when cranking the motor. Put another way: Big-time cranking amps with only a little discharge because the motor starts and the alternator quickly takes over within RPM range. Yellow top is dual purpose....Purpose #1: Starting, like the red top. Purpose #2: Continuous or long periods of high demand, high power usage. Put another way: Crank it, over power your alternator, drain it, then let your charging system catch up. This up-down, repeated cycling is what Yellow Tops are made for. Had Red tops in my 99 coupe in climates from AZ to CO and I was not impressed after replacing the battery within two years and a second time a year later. I currently have a Yellow top in my 06, mainly because there weren't too many applications when I replaced mine in 09. I would recommend you get the Duralast Gold and save yourself some coinage. The DG seems to consistently have good performance/user ratings/reviews and AutoZone's warranty isn't too bad either.

But when its all said and done...no matter what battery you decide on, highly recommend you follow johnodrake's recommendation for a battery maintainer. A battery's best friend in these battery munching cars.

CO Lightfoot

Same here.

For most folks, regular use of a good battery maintainer (like a CTEK) is more important than which battery you use.

Battery-removal Tip: It is not necessary to remove the cone-shaped nut that tightens the battery terminal clamp. Just loosen the nuts, then the clamps can be loosened & removed. And whatever you do, do not lose the nuts... to get replacements, you have to buy the whole cable assembly for ~$190.

Also, you might as well get new fob batteries if they're more than 3 years old. #CR2032, about $4/each, available everywhere. Some tips: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...y-warning.html

Thrill6

Buy the cheapest of the three, and then buy a battery tender. Bought a battery at Walmart for my C5, and a tender. Battery is now 7 years old and still like new.

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

Yellow Top and a CTEK 3300 battery maintainer here.

Great combination!

VET4LES

I've had a RED top for over three years and it's still going strong.

SteveTurner

Same here and it works great.

Just 4 2

keep it original (Delco) nothing wrong with them, just put a maintainer n f yu let it sit for more than 3 weeks