Strick

Has anyone installed an Optima Battery in their C6? If so, why did you pick the Optima? What are the advantages? They don't seem to last any longer and charging them seems to be a problem especially if the voltage goes below 10 volts. I'm just looking for the advantages.

djbrun

I don't know first hand, but the local performance shop no longer recommends them due to a short life span.
So , I would be interested to hear as well.

DJ

eboggs_jkvl

Well, short life span? My 5 year old optima on the Camaro disagrees. My current optima on my Corvette seems to be working just fine. I had problems with the original Delco batteries, went to Optima and have NEVER had a problem.

I guess I'm just lucky?


Elmer

EuroRod

The original battery in my 2005 lasted 1 year. Swapped it with a red top Optima. It lasted 1 year. Installed a Bosch and it has lasted 3 years and starts the car as if brand new, even after sitting for 2 weeks! Purchased at Pep Boys.

djbrun

This is like some of the things I have heard, you will always have some good and some bad. If you think about it, how many brag about there batteries when they are good? This is why I am interested to see.

Finster07

I just went to Autozone last week to ask about a Optima red top for my 2007. I was surprized when the sales person who I trust said they have had some feedback that the optima batteries do not last as long as they should in the C-6's.

Understand, that is just one persons opinion. That said, I am going to do a bit more research before I spend that much $ on a battery that may not last any longer (or even as long) as other batteries.

carlrx7

i love my 35 yellow top

Gearhead Jim

AFAIK, the Optima can have two advantages:

The gel electrolyte won't leak out, that was a big issue on the C5 with the side-mounted terminals that sometimes leaked acid onto the electrical components below them. Not a big problem on the C6.

The Yellow Top Optima is designed for deep cycle use, it won't last longer in normal use but will last longer if you run it way down.

I bought an Optima for my C5 but sold the battery unused after hearing from local people who'd had problems with them.

YLOFEVR

I have an Optima yellow top in my Z51 Coupe. It's heavier than the stock battery, but that's OK with me because I've done a rear mount (as the Z06 has) and it puts the weight on the rear wheels and takes it off the front for better weight distribution. I have no problems with the yellow top. One thing you must consider: Most folks who buy a C6 don't drive it in really adverse weather conditions, i.e. snow, ice, maybe even rain so the car is tucked away in the garage and typically not driven as a DD, therefor it sits. While sitting, the C6's various electric/electronic devices continue to draw electric current through the system which, of course, takes a toll on the battery over time especially during long durations in the winter in colder climates. Just running the engine at idle speeds occasionally to warm-up the engine without driving it a operating speeds only adds to the battery drain. Consequently, the battery should be attached to a trickle charger during these dormant episodes in order to keep the battery from draining past the point of no return--especially in the case of deep-cycle charging which is in the case of the Optima battery. Anyone who thinks they're going to get 5 years service out of a battery with a 5 year warranty without precautionary measures like those mentioned herein is only kidding themselves. So whatever battery you choose to buy, make sure to include a trickle charger for use if your vehicle fits the description of one that is sometimes seldom used as in the example given. That's the only way you will get the maximum benefit of longevity from your battery.

timd38

Same here 5 years and going strong.

JoesC5

When I heard about the leaking Delco batteries in the C5's, I replaced the two year old factory battery in my '98 C5 with a Optima Red Top. Nine years later, when I traded in the C5 for a 09 Z06, the Red Top was still starting strong. One thing though. I never let the battery run down. If the car was going to sit more then two weeks, I connected the float charger to it.

jpee

I have a "Yellow Top" type 34 (a little larger than 35) it only has the two terminals on the top (none on the side)

I have had it going the 3rd year, & I think I put a lot of abuse on it..

I drag race, and have an electric water pump... the race itself is only 11-12 sec. + the time to drive back to my pit area. (total 3-4 min)

Now the engine temp is 190 + so I shut it down and run the water pump & fan on HI for app 10-15 min.

This gets my engine temp down to 150...and I'm ready for the next round... If I'm lucky and win a few rounds + my 2 time shots I may make 8-10 runs.. then running the Electric water Pump & fan with engine OFF!!

That = about 1 hr + of draw with no alternator ... I have about 100 mile drive home & that pretty well gets it recharged, however I also put it on a Battery Tender and its been a "GEM" no problems ever..

Yes type 34 is about 41 lb a little heaver than the Delco, but I get much better servace... I'm VERY HAPPY with the Yellow Top!!

Gering

I have a red top on my 07 DD. So far so good.

Boomer111

I do not know for the C6 but a Red Top in my 96 4Runner was installed in 2003. I have put 100,000 miles on it over the last 7 years, still working well through this Winter so far.

got2hav1

When you buy a Optima make sure you check the Mfg. date. Someteimes they are on the shelf a while. The last one I bought was for 03Z and its still starting the car for a new owner four years later. Red top by the way.

KP08

Actually its wise to check the manufacture date of any battery.

chevybob

Two years on a yellow top with no issues and lots of storage with a battery tender.

Tally Ho

Two years with a yellow top in my C6 and it may sit up to a week to 10 days sometimes. No issues. I have 6 years with a yellow top in my wife's Jaguar and no issues so far.

saplumr

My first red top only lasted a year but I also let the car sit to long without my battery tender connected several times and of course drained it. Replaced for free two years ago and still in good shape. I won't take chances without using the battery tender ever again. One thing I like about the Optima is it's not a ugly battery.

CSixDude

I put an Optima Red Top in a previous car I owned and it lasted a whole 2 years before it totally died. I've heard similar reports from others who bought Optimas. I won't waste any more money on their batteries. I think you can get a better battery that will last twice as long for half the cost. Consumer Reports also did a test on car batteries a few years back, and the Optima didn't do well in their tests.