Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72BlckButy · 12-04-2007, 12:28 AM

Okay guys, it's that time... I need to purchase a new battery for the 'ol girl. I'm read past posts about battery replacement and the Optima battery, but before I spent $100+, I wanted to see if everyone's experience with them went well.

As everyone is, I'm looking for a battery that will last a while. My truck, at this time, only gets out of the garage maybe 20-30 times. (I know, I know, this number will increase as other things get replaced on the truck) I need a battery that will last, and not need replaced in 3-5 years. I'm not planning on installing a headaching stereo, or a bagged suspension (although it could be a possibility), so there will not be a lot of drain on the battery except to start the truck.

What's everyones experience with the Optima battery, or another comparable battery?

greasemonkey · 12-04-2007, 12:32 AM

I have an Optima in the truck, have had 0 problems with it in about 3 years.
However, we sell Optimas at work, and we had 3 test bad right off the shelf. May be an isolated incident, but make sure you get a good one if you choose them.

mfarmer · 12-04-2007, 01:33 AM

5 years on an AC Delco with no problems.

bowtieboy93 · 12-04-2007, 01:43 AM

interstate all the way

hvychve · 12-04-2007, 02:15 AM

optima's are a fine battery, thought they were designed for odd positions, due to fact they are dry cells and have no acid to spill if turned on side or even upside down if needed. I personally use a maintenance free delco, I like the fact that the price isnt astronomical and I dont have to worry too much about corrossion from a maintenance type battery.
as far as there length , I am not sure , I suppose you could buy two batteries for the price of one optima though.... my two pennies on the idea. good luck

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 12-04-2007, 03:05 AM

AC Delco. Always good performance and long lasting. Fair price $99.00. I managed to get 10 years from my last one. A battery is something that looks weird in our trucks when you pop the hood and there it is some after market jobber battery. IMHO this looks cheesy. It's like red bulk heater hose.

ESLL.

WHY!

blukangoo · 12-04-2007, 05:00 AM

The Die Hard was in the truck when I got it. Stood 1 year. Loaded it for 24 Hours and it works likes new. Right now it´s sitting over the winter. I will see what it does in April or May.

**special-K** · 12-04-2007, 08:14 AM

DieHards have a 2 year free replacement warranty and Sears guys have no clue when a bad charging system trashes their batteries.They are all over the place,too.
I have a Yellow Optima in my Highlander I installed less than two years ago when I converted to one wire with all new parts,including harness,starter,and 100 amp alt.It`s cranking real slow now that it`s colder.I`m thinking to take it in and see if Sears gives the same warranty on that.
If I had an original resto I`d use an AC/Delco just to be all GM.But,all batteries are made by a few companies and sellers have their names put on them,like anti-freeze.

I don`t buy batteries,I buy warranties.

myoldchevytruck · 12-04-2007, 08:54 AM

I have a Red Optima and have had zero problems. Recently started the motor after sitting in my driveway for 6 months (and I live in South Florida) And It started right up.

I went with the Optima because I have a 1 wire alternator and will be putting in an electric fan and will possibly bag it. I feel the Optima is worth the extra money.

**truckdude239** · 12-04-2007, 09:15 AM

optima's had one in my truck without starting for 7 months turned the truck right over

fast69 · 12-04-2007, 09:46 AM

I have had a wal-mart batt in my car for 6 yearsno problems. Hope it helps.

Sport/Truck · 12-04-2007, 10:29 AM

If you want the best…. Odyssey. I’m using one in my Land Cruiser had 0 problems.
s/t

71 super · 12-04-2007, 10:30 AM

I have a repop of correct battery when I go to shows- It is still dry, drive it to and from on an optima, had it for nearly sevn yearsnever failed to crank evn after extended sitting periods of 4/5 months in garage. My 2000 Siera had original delco in it until couple of months ago, was going to clean it and terminal fell out in my hand, talked to a friend of mine who works for interstate/optima said this was a common problem now with delco- just for the record the battery had never failed and was still in great shape when this hapened. I replaced it with optima and have had no problems.

berencam · 12-04-2007, 11:09 AM

had a diehard in my learning car(a le sabre) when that car went cuput we took the diehard out and shoved it in my c10. lasted 4 years in my c10 till a faulty volt regulator took it out. took it up to sears and they gave us a new one for free. So im going with diehard all the way

69halfton · 12-04-2007, 11:33 AM

one more for the diehard

if you REALLY cant decide. just pick the one that looks cooler.

lol

ChevLoRay · 12-04-2007, 11:39 AM

I just put a new battery from O'Reilly's in the '69. Within five days, it would not crank. Took it back and they put a charge on it.

Bottom line: Don't assume that new batteries are fully-charged when you pick them up.

When I worked at Auto Shack (now Auto Zone), our batteries came from Gould. I don't know who makes them now, but I seem to remember hearing that there are only so many manufacturers, and they make the batteries and put different labels on the, according to their contracts. Exide (I think) made Sears batteries. Of course, anything that I put in these posts is subject to being wrong. If you know I am wrong, don't let the others be duped into thinking I am right. Straighten them out for me, will ya?

70c10 · 12-04-2007, 11:43 AM

I've had an Energizer in my truck for 6 years with zero problems! I've heard Johnson Controls manufactures both Energizer and Optima batteries.

LONGHAIR · 12-04-2007, 12:11 PM

The factory AC/Delco battery in my '98 S-10 lasted until the summer of 2006. It's hard to beat that.

Crank · 12-04-2007, 12:14 PM

On my '01 Silverado, it corroded pretty terribly. It was the original battery I'm assuming(not certain tho, maybe an OEM replacement) when it was beginning to crank s-l-o-w-l-y, I got an Optima red top, which to date has given me no problems, only in for around 3 months or so tho, but when I went to remove the terminals from the Delco battery, the pos terminal had corroded to the battery, so I latched onto it with a pair of vise grips and it pulled the led part of the battery out. This was a side post. I even had to replace the bolt after i seperated them, not from the vise grips, but it ate away half of the bolt
Brandon

zeeklu · 12-04-2007, 01:39 PM

My battery looks like it belongs.http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/gr59.htm Chris

**PICKMUP** · 12-04-2007, 02:12 PM

The right front corners (battery trays, rad spts, fender tips and even hoods) on our trucks are always rusted & eaten up!!! That's the battery area.
I am more worried about corrosion damage, than how long the battery lasts. I always add an Optima or Exide dry cell to my trucks.

**KSCHEVYUP** · 12-04-2007, 02:23 PM

My own personal experience-
Red Top Optima in my 4X4 for 7-1/2 years before it gave up the ghost.
Thrived on neglect
Would sometimes set for a month or better at a time between driving it
Averaged about 1000 to 1200 miles a year in that time
never once cleaned the posts
and never once had to put it on the charger
When it crapped out I bought another one just like it and have had it now for 2 years
I have heard of people having trouble with them; but just like any brand of anything; if you ask around you will find good and bad reviews about just anything.
My $.02 worth
Ron

stllookn · 12-04-2007, 02:23 PM

Inner fender, battery tray, passenger fender front bucket and core support!!!!!!!!!!

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 12-04-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeeklu

My battery looks like it belongs.http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/gr59.htm Chris

**********************************************************

BY the way I like your truck! Saw it on another post looks great. Your battery choice is perfect. I purchased the correct period battery for my Corvette as well. They make these with tons of cranking power. This is one of those finishing touches that completes an engine compartment espeially in a 100% resto. Being that I do not have a stock truck I run an AC/Delco but still looks right at home.

esll.

PS: In case some of you are wondering what the "OAV" stamped in the top of this tar top battery is for .... It's the battery manufacturers ID code and date. My Corvette has a Feb. 05/60 production date. A 6 - 8 week allowance is given for correct date codes of all parts installed on a vehicle with the production date that my Corvette has. The battery would have to be a Jan./60 date code to be considered correct.

0 = 1960

A = January

V = Manufacturer

In the case of my car the DELCO medallion faces the fire wall and the neg. post faces inboard.

Frizzle Fry · 12-04-2007, 05:03 PM

When my last one died (interstate) I decided not to eff-around and got an optima red top. No issues.

View Poll Results: What type of battery due you use? (or would be the best to purchase)
Optima Battery	27	47.37%
Diehard Battery	10	17.54%
Walmart Battery	6	10.53%
Other Battery (Oreilly, Auto Zone, Advance Auto...)	14	24.56%
Voters: 57. You may not vote on this poll

12-04-2007, 12:28 AM	#1
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) Okay guys, it's that time... I need to purchase a new battery for the 'ol girl. I'm read past posts about battery replacement and the Optima battery, but before I spent $100+, I wanted to see if everyone's experience with them went well. As everyone is, I'm looking for a battery that will last a while. My truck, at this time, only gets out of the garage maybe 20-30 times. (I know, I know, this number will increase as other things get replaced on the truck) I need a battery that will last, and not need replaced in 3-5 years. I'm not planning on installing a headaching stereo, or a bagged suspension (although it could be a possibility), so there will not be a lot of drain on the battery except to start the truck. What's everyones experience with the Optima battery, or another comparable battery? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-04-2007, 12:32 AM	#2
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) I have an Optima in the truck, have had 0 problems with it in about 3 years. However, we sell Optimas at work, and we had 3 test bad right off the shelf. May be an isolated incident, but make sure you get a good one if you choose them. __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

12-04-2007, 01:33 AM	#3
mfarmer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Georgetown, Texas Posts: 97	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) 5 years on an AC Delco with no problems.

12-04-2007, 01:43 AM	#4
bowtieboy93 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: (Cloverdale) Surrey BC Canada Posts: 1,566	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) interstate all the way __________________ Travis travis_moffatt@hotmail.com 1969 Chevrolet C-10 LWB, 350c.i., TH350, In Pieces. 1991 GMC Sonoma, IROCS s10 grill 1963 Ford Galaxie 351/C4

12-04-2007, 02:15 AM	#5
hvychve To The Levy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: california Posts: 391	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) optima's are a fine battery, thought they were designed for odd positions, due to fact they are dry cells and have no acid to spill if turned on side or even upside down if needed. I personally use a maintenance free delco, I like the fact that the price isnt astronomical and I dont have to worry too much about corrossion from a maintenance type battery. as far as there length , I am not sure , I suppose you could buy two batteries for the price of one optima though.... my two pennies on the idea. good luck

12-04-2007, 03:05 AM	#6
EAST SIDE LOW LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,602	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) AC Delco. Always good performance and long lasting. Fair price $99.00. I managed to get 10 years from my last one. A battery is something that looks weird in our trucks when you pop the hood and there it is some after market jobber battery. IMHO this looks cheesy. It's like red bulk heater hose. ESLL. WHY! Attached Images __________________ Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! Author: Warren Lake .... (member) Last edited by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE; 12-04-2007 at 03:19 AM.

12-04-2007, 05:00 AM	#7
blukangoo Neighborhood Pickle Slinger Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cadolzburg, Bavaria, Germany Posts: 2,224	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) The Die Hard was in the truck when I got it. Stood 1 year. Loaded it for 24 Hours and it works likes new. Right now it´s sitting over the winter. I will see what it does in April or May. Attached Images __________________ -------------------------------------------------- My C10 Diary Our cars: 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle 396 - TH350 1968 Chevrolet C10/CST 327 TH400/375 1969 Corvette Stingray 350 - Muncie Manual Trans 1969 Chevrolet ElCamino 350 - TH400 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible - 350 Rocket - TH350 1973 Camaro LT - New Engine Done - TH350 1973 Corvette Convertible 454 - TH400 Last edited by blukangoo; 12-04-2007 at 05:01 AM. Reason: guess

12-04-2007, 08:14 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) DieHards have a 2 year free replacement warranty and Sears guys have no clue when a bad charging system trashes their batteries.They are all over the place,too. I have a Yellow Optima in my Highlander I installed less than two years ago when I converted to one wire with all new parts,including harness,starter,and 100 amp alt.It`s cranking real slow now that it`s colder.I`m thinking to take it in and see if Sears gives the same warranty on that. If I had an original resto I`d use an AC/Delco just to be all GM.But,all batteries are made by a few companies and sellers have their names put on them,like anti-freeze. I don`t buy batteries,I buy warranties. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 12-04-2007 at 09:46 AM.

12-04-2007, 08:54 AM	#9
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) I have a Red Optima and have had zero problems. Recently started the motor after sitting in my driveway for 6 months (and I live in South Florida) And It started right up. I went with the Optima because I have a 1 wire alternator and will be putting in an electric fan and will possibly bag it. I feel the Optima is worth the extra money. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

12-04-2007, 09:15 AM	#10
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) optima's had one in my truck without starting for 7 months turned the truck right over __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

12-04-2007, 09:46 AM	#11
fast69 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: kentucky Posts: 46	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) I have had a wal-mart batt in my car for 6 yearsno problems. Hope it helps. __________________ "Its better to be alive and cool than dead and uncool" 1969 chevy c10 lwb,350-400 turbo and 260 air.

12-04-2007, 10:29 AM	#12
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) If you want the best…. Odyssey. I’m using one in my Land Cruiser had 0 problems. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

12-04-2007, 10:30 AM	#13
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,080	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) I have a repop of correct battery when I go to shows- It is still dry, drive it to and from on an optima, had it for nearly sevn yearsnever failed to crank evn after extended sitting periods of 4/5 months in garage. My 2000 Siera had original delco in it until couple of months ago, was going to clean it and terminal fell out in my hand, talked to a friend of mine who works for interstate/optima said this was a common problem now with delco- just for the record the battery had never failed and was still in great shape when this hapened. I replaced it with optima and have had no problems.

12-04-2007, 11:09 AM	#14
berencam Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: branson mo Posts: 933	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) had a diehard in my learning car(a le sabre) when that car went cuput we took the diehard out and shoved it in my c10. lasted 4 years in my c10 till a faulty volt regulator took it out. took it up to sears and they gave us a new one for free. So im going with diehard all the way __________________ 69 chevy c10 350 3 speed manual wood bed build thread here r.i.p. 70 c10 auto 350 build here



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12-04-2007, 11:33 AM	#15
69halfton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: King City, Ontario, Canada Posts: 974	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) one more for the diehard if you REALLY cant decide. just pick the one that looks cooler. lol __________________ - Jason If you can turn, Youre not going fast enough. Favorite caption: first car to 200 mph in the 1/4 mile, no parachute, drum brakes all the way around.. ..back when men were men.

12-04-2007, 11:39 AM	#16
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) I just put a new battery from O'Reilly's in the '69. Within five days, it would not crank. Took it back and they put a charge on it. Bottom line: Don't assume that new batteries are fully-charged when you pick them up. When I worked at Auto Shack (now Auto Zone), our batteries came from Gould. I don't know who makes them now, but I seem to remember hearing that there are only so many manufacturers, and they make the batteries and put different labels on the, according to their contracts. Exide (I think) made Sears batteries. Of course, anything that I put in these posts is subject to being wrong. If you know I am wrong, don't let the others be duped into thinking I am right. Straighten them out for me, will ya? __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

12-04-2007, 11:43 AM	#17
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) I've had an Energizer in my truck for 6 years with zero problems! I've heard Johnson Controls manufactures both Energizer and Optima batteries. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

12-04-2007, 12:11 PM	#18
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) The factory AC/Delco battery in my '98 S-10 lasted until the summer of 2006. It's hard to beat that.

12-04-2007, 12:14 PM	#19
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) On my '01 Silverado, it corroded pretty terribly. It was the original battery I'm assuming(not certain tho, maybe an OEM replacement) when it was beginning to crank s-l-o-w-l-y, I got an Optima red top, which to date has given me no problems, only in for around 3 months or so tho, but when I went to remove the terminals from the Delco battery, the pos terminal had corroded to the battery, so I latched onto it with a pair of vise grips and it pulled the led part of the battery out. This was a side post. I even had to replace the bolt after i seperated them, not from the vise grips, but it ate away half of the bolt Brandon

12-04-2007, 01:39 PM	#20
zeeklu Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Northwest NJ Posts: 746	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) My battery looks like it belongs.http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/gr59.htm Chris

12-04-2007, 02:12 PM	#21
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,158	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) The right front corners (battery trays, rad spts, fender tips and even hoods) on our trucks are always rusted & eaten up!!! That's the battery area. I am more worried about corrosion damage, than how long the battery lasts. I always add an Optima or Exide dry cell to my trucks. Attached Images

12-04-2007, 02:23 PM	#22
KSCHEVYUP Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NEAR MARYSVILLE,KANSAS 66508 Posts: 471	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) My own personal experience- Red Top Optima in my 4X4 for 7-1/2 years before it gave up the ghost. Thrived on neglect Would sometimes set for a month or better at a time between driving it Averaged about 1000 to 1200 miles a year in that time never once cleaned the posts and never once had to put it on the charger When it crapped out I bought another one just like it and have had it now for 2 years I have heard of people having trouble with them; but just like any brand of anything; if you ask around you will find good and bad reviews about just anything. My $.02 worth Ron __________________ 1972 C30 Cheyenne Super 1971 C10 (Parts truck)

12-04-2007, 02:23 PM	#23
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) Inner fender, battery tray, passenger fender front bucket and core support!!!!!!!!!! __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

12-04-2007, 05:03 PM	#25
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Battery Talk... (Optima vs. Others) When my last one died (interstate) I decided not to eff-around and got an optima red top. No issues. Last edited by Frizzle Fry; 12-05-2007 at 01:53 PM.

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