RobJoy

2008 Corvette Base model, 3LT, 6spd.
The time has come for a new 12 volt battery. I've had the car about ten years now, and have had an ACDelco that lasted 4 years and 10 months, and the last one was an Interstate that lasted 4 years and 2 months - pretty sure it's kaput since the engine only turns over a couple of times slowly before quitting. I used a battery tender on both. The car has been garage-kept for the last 10 years.
Now, I need to pick a new one. I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount of money but don't want to go overboard. The Interstate was disappointing for the money I paid since it didn't even last as long as the cheaper ACDelco.
What do you recommend?

Update 2/8/22
Okay. I made a decision. I had thought I wouldn't spend a great deal of money, but after doing research I have bought the Optima Red Top type 35; it's a perfect fit.
I've also ordered a Battery Tender "Plus" to replace my old Die Hard 71219 tender since I can't find that it's AGM friendly. The Battery Tender "Plus" is approved for AGM batteries and is a "maintainer" for car-sized batteries.
Thanks to all for your input.

jeffs64

Optima

BadAV

Buy an AGM. They last longer and won't dump acid if the case cracks. They are more expensive. I bought a Duracell AGM at Sam's Club a little over 2 years ago for a little over $200. I put one in the wife's 2014 Charger last year and will do the same in my 2015 F-150 when the OEM battery gives up the ghost.

I had a bad experience with 2 Red Top Optimas - only lasted a year - and won't buy another.

Vette_Fan

Honestly, nobody is gonna like my answer, because it will be percived I'm offering a "cheap" option for a Vette. However, I'm speaking from many many years of experience,
I've had great luck with batteries from Walmart. They are decently priced, and made by the Interstate Batteries, under the name of Everstart (for Walmart). They've lasted me 5-7 years - out which 3-4 months parked car. Required very minium charging after the car came out of hibernation.

I've used them in Lincoln Towncar (4.9L engine), Mercedes 350, C5 Corvette, VW, Honda, Cadillac, BMW, and a few others.

Just sayin'... Do your research...

BadAV

Interstate doesn't make batteries. Last I knew, JCI made the Interstate batteries. The battery division was sold to Clarios. JCI used to make the Everstart batteries, but I believe there is more than one supplier now. I have also had good service from Everstart batteries.

Corvette_Ed

Optima Red Top is recommended for our cars.

Joe 2008 Z51

I just replaced my Duracell AGM battery in my 08 last week. It was purchased new in December 2018 and had 36 month warranty. Lasted 37 months. I now have the Optima Red Top based on the reviews and experiences of several who have had them.

She_Thicc

I agree with this one, although I don't have first-hand experience with Everstart. The YouTube channel "Project Farm" does all kinds of independent test videos and recently did a video on batteries. For the price and performance, I will be buying an Everstart battery. They performed right up there with the best for a fraction of the price.

torquetube

I second the suggestion to get an AGM battery, especially for C6s with batteries mounted up front. The white crusty stuff on conventional batteries falls down onto the BCM harness and over time can do a number on the wires inside.

Scuba Ghost

Costco Interstate battery.

dpigguy

No matter which make batter,y I’ve tried, I get 4 years of serv.ice give or take a few months. Settled on OEM battery for last time and will do it again when the time comes later this year. Car is driven weekly and kept on a tender between use.

1Hotrodz

I agree with others on here. The Walmart "Neverstart" battery is the highest rated battery according to Consumer Reports. Been using them for a couple years now. Have one in the Jeep GC and one in the Charger R/T.

slothman

walmart batteries are actually good, and you can get a new one every single year, without hassle. just keep the receipt.

1bdvet

Sorry I buy from Walmart, use them on my last Corvette and this one!

farmington

My original (10 year old) battery hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down yet. It goes on a tender if car won’t be driven for a week or so. I must have gotten a good one.

slothman

yep, they are good, and come with 3 years.

if they take a ****, pull it and take it to CS, you will get a brand new battery with your core, no questions asked.

regardless, people should ALWAYS run a battery tender.

jeffs64

RED35 Optima Five Years no Problem. The car sits on Quick Jacks 3-4 months every winter with a 1.5 Amp Tender. Starts right up. Plus, no acid to corrode terminals / cables or battery tray.

Corvette_Ed

I'm sorry, but I don't trust anything from WalMart that plugs in, much less one of their batteries. I'll stick with the ones that have proven themselves over decades. They're well known for having cheap crap throughout the store. I'm not putting anything from a bargain store in my Corvette. May as well buy a battery from Dollar General.

Vette_Fan

Thanks for the correction. So "Walmart" batteries (Everstart) is made by the same guys (JCI) that make Interstate batteries - that's good to know, and thanks for confirming they give good service!!!

Vette_Fan

Hahaha... With all due respect, how do you know these are cheap "crap"? Walmart sells many things, they don't make the batteries. Apparantly, the Everstart Maxx batteries are made by same guys who make Interstate that everyone knows about. Walmart sells TVs, cellphones, computers, etc - same items you'd find in electronics store (limited choice though). However, in many Lab test and real life experiences, Everstart Maxx have met or outperformed the most expensive batteries. Many people here, also have knowledge/ experience with these batteries. And they don't swell, explode, or leak.
It's to each their own what they want to buy - but while doing research one must keep an open mind to learning from others' experiences.