Optima batteries - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**john** · 12-19-2001, 05:30 PM

good, bad ? comments

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67 SWB 350eng th400 3:07 posi tilt&tach PS/P/Disc Brakes old air a/c P/W keyless entry gaylord lid 70swb project truck 350/th400

Gordo · 12-19-2001, 05:47 PM

A friend put one in his bone stock 50 Chevy coupe (6V) and has no complaints other than it doesn't look like a typical bat. The concept is good, I guess time will tell.

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi

**Yukon Jack** · 12-19-2001, 05:49 PM

I've only read good reviews but no personal experience. When my 69's battery goes out, that's what will go in.

Do tell the salesperson how the battery will be used so they give you the correct one.
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1969 C20 4x4 with 4" lift and 35's
residing near Rose Hill, Kansas

Yukon Jack's Web Pages

[This message has been edited by Yukon Jack (edited 12-19-2001).]

**john** · 12-19-2001, 05:52 PM

Thanks,I am going for it.

kobuzz · 12-19-2001, 06:07 PM

I have the red one and would recomend one.

awsom69 · 12-19-2001, 06:54 PM

I have had two in my 75 Caprice Classic Convertible for the past four years. Had to replace one last year that went bad, but I would still recommend this type of battery. No acid spills!!!. Kragen Auto Parts now carries a gel cell battery too. Last time I looked they were on sale.

Longhorn Man · 12-19-2001, 07:03 PM

some of th generators in the army used them, we stopped buying them, but no one could tell me why. I think it was becouse too many were goin out the back door of the motor pool.
Bummer is, I never got one.

------------------
The hot rod;
a'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350 W/a heluva cam and nice stance. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man. See it at http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/

I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Check out my Longhorn site at http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/

Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a 350/350 here soon, thanks every one!

If you need a pic posted, e-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com

Mongo · 12-19-2001, 07:23 PM

I have had one now for about 8+ years. I got one hell of a deal when they first came out due to the fact that one of the reps from the company was trying to get a local auto store to carry them. When I had asked just what was so special about them and why anyone would pay around a hundred bucks for a battery he handed me one and gave me his card and said to call him if it ever fails. well it is now in its third vehicle. I wish I still had his card to call and tell him it had out lasted a car and one truck. I say get one there damn well worth the money. that is why the second battery in my dodge is an optima. and the battery of choice for the 66 chevy when it gets on the rode.

------------------
66 chevy short fleet side 1/2 ton converted to five lug front and rear. ZZ4 crate motor Holly 750 double pumper. 700R-4 http://66chevy.homestead.com/66ClassicChevy.html
30 miles west Of Protland OR

Remember PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Don't bother me. I'm living happily ever after.

I've found Jesus. He was behind the sofa the whole time.

Stress is when you wake up screaming & you realize you haven't
fallen asleep yet.

[This message has been edited by Mongo (edited 12-19-2001).]

chevymad · 12-19-2001, 11:38 PM

We have an optima at work that a guy traded in 5 years ago because it wasnt "correct" for his vette. Anyway its 6 years old and we use it for jump starting vehicles. We jump rigs till its dead then recharge. Its still working great. We've almost chewed the posts off the top with the jumper cables. I've personally seen this battery put out over 1100 amps to a bad starter. The only thing bad thats happened..tried to jump a rig and burnt one of the side posts out. Exide now makes a similar battery called orbital. I have one of these in my truck because its slightly cheaper.

**Richard** · 12-20-2001, 02:31 AM

I have at least one in all my vehicles. The best example I can give is my 300ZX turbo which is very hard on batterys because of the heat under the hood. The OEM battery lasted two years, put a Delco in lasted one year, then another that lasted one year. The Optima has been in almost six years and still going strong. Changed to an Optima in my newer Chev truck before it had a chance to get me stranded. Cost a bit more but definitly worth the added assurance IMHO.

------------------
Richard
1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside

ryan68 · 12-22-2001, 11:57 PM

They are awesome, had one in a Willy's Jeep for 9 years and sat around in sub-zero winters and am on 2 years on the 2nd one. They are well worth the money you pay for them.

------------------
68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop
71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 4" and 33's
Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/

**Richard** · 11-15-2002, 01:53 AM

Dug up this old post to post an update. The Optima in our Z finally gave up the ghost. About 6 1/2 years not to bad considering how long the others lasted. It did not short, still puts out 12v just wont put out any amperage. You can probably guess what replaced it.

**MikeB** · 11-17-2002, 01:33 PM

Those Optimas look pretty, but I'm not sure why they cost so much. A buddy of mine says a Porche owners website tested one and didn't find anything different from a regular battery.

My last two batteries have been Champion 1050 amp hour units that I bought at Sams's wholesale club for $30-something each. The first one lasted two Colorado winters and four Texas summers before it gave up. And I swear they'd crank for several minutes in below-zero weather. What else do you need from a battery?

Longhorn Man · 11-29-2002, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeB
a Porche owners website tested one and didn't find anything different from a regular battery...

Hmm, they weren't looking very hard were they?
You ever gotten battery acid on your skin/clothes/car? it does bad things to everything it touches.
These optima batterys can be mounted upside down..the gell won't come out . You'll have to cut the top off to get anything out.
And as stated...they have an outstanding track record.

Ed ke6bnl · 12-19-2002, 04:50 AM

I have one in my Ford Econoline because they are sealed and the battery is in the back of the driver seat and exposed to the cab. They can be mounted in any position including upside down. they better for vibration. I will put one im my ford 50 f1 street rod. Ed ke6bnl

*Randy70C-10* · 12-19-2002, 10:33 AM

Sweet, I'll be putting one in my truck as well.

**MikeB** · 12-19-2002, 01:59 PM

Well, I guess if you handle your battery a lot or it needs to be mounted on its side, Optima is the way to go. My 34 year old truck still has the original battery box, so acid spills from conventional batteries hasn't been a major problem. But I know what you mean about holes in clothes, etc., especially with the older batteries with one cap per cell. Back in the 60s and 70s all my work clothes looked like swiss cheese.

69c10stepside · 12-23-2002, 10:25 PM

With these batteries you do not have to ever clean your terminals

I used to sell these batteries at a car audio store that i worked at.. only way to go

Lippyp · 01-06-2003, 09:06 AM

They're hugely popular over here in the UK amongst the off-road boys. No acid to lose if you roll over, especially useful in a home built special where the battery may be in the cab area, an acid shower hurts!

solidaxel · 01-08-2003, 11:32 PM

Try and take a battery out of a 65 Corvette without spilling acid and not removing a exhaust header. These batteries are the best because you have to turn them about 90* to get them behind the tire and in front of thr firewall, love'em

CustomChevy · 02-02-2003, 01:07 PM

have the red top, never a problem. never a leak. great product!

If you have a Costco in your area, check them out. Best prices I have found. Red top for $99.00.!!

71-longbed · 02-03-2003, 10:19 PM

im a red top user myself ....no problems ... definately a better battery ...

71-longbed · 02-03-2003, 10:52 PM

im a red top user myself ....no problems ... definately better than you average run of the mill cell

12-19-2001, 05:30 PM	#1
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Optima batteries good, bad ? comments ------------------ 67 SWB 350eng th400 3:07 posi tilt&tach PS/P/Disc Brakes old air a/c P/W keyless entry gaylord lid 70swb project truck 350/th400 __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

12-19-2001, 05:47 PM	#2
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	A friend put one in his bone stock 50 Chevy coupe (6V) and has no complaints other than it doesn't look like a typical bat. The concept is good, I guess time will tell. ------------------ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

12-19-2001, 05:49 PM	#3
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	I've only read good reviews but no personal experience. When my 69's battery goes out, that's what will go in. Do tell the salesperson how the battery will be used so they give you the correct one. ------------------ 1969 C20 4x4 with 4" lift and 35's residing near Rose Hill, Kansas Yukon Jack's Web Pages [This message has been edited by Yukon Jack (edited 12-19-2001).] __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

12-19-2001, 05:52 PM	#4
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Thanks,I am going for it. __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

12-19-2001, 07:23 PM	#8
Mongo YES_____NO Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Somewhere in the vicinity of betelgeuse Posts: 7,351	I have had one now for about 8+ years. I got one hell of a deal when they first came out due to the fact that one of the reps from the company was trying to get a local auto store to carry them. When I had asked just what was so special about them and why anyone would pay around a hundred bucks for a battery he handed me one and gave me his card and said to call him if it ever fails. well it is now in its third vehicle. I wish I still had his card to call and tell him it had out lasted a car and one truck. I say get one there damn well worth the money. that is why the second battery in my dodge is an optima. and the battery of choice for the 66 chevy when it gets on the rode. ------------------ 66 chevy short fleet side 1/2 ton converted to five lug front and rear. ZZ4 crate motor Holly 750 double pumper. 700R-4 http://66chevy.homestead.com/66ClassicChevy.html 30 miles west Of Protland OR Remember PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. Don't bother me. I'm living happily ever after. I've found Jesus. He was behind the sofa the whole time. Stress is when you wake up screaming & you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet. [This message has been edited by Mongo (edited 12-19-2001).] __________________ People many not remember what you said or what you did, but they will remember the way you made them feel. - unknown Cause, remember: no matter where you go... there you are. - Buckaroo Banzai 1984 Help support the board

12-19-2001, 06:07 PM	#5
kobuzz Parts Whore Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: lockdown cell #1465 Posts: 105	I have the red one and would recomend one.

12-19-2001, 06:54 PM	#6
awsom69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego, California, USA Posts: 24	I have had two in my 75 Caprice Classic Convertible for the past four years. Had to replace one last year that went bad, but I would still recommend this type of battery. No acid spills!!!. Kragen Auto Parts now carries a gel cell battery too. Last time I looked they were on sale.

12-19-2001, 07:03 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	some of th generators in the army used them, we stopped buying them, but no one could tell me why. I think it was becouse too many were goin out the back door of the motor pool. Bummer is, I never got one. ------------------ The hot rod; a'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350 W/a heluva cam and nice stance. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man. See it at http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/ I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Check out my Longhorn site at http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/ Need to pick up the one ton Longhorn with a 350/350 here soon, thanks every one! If you need a pic posted, e-mail me at longhornmail@yahoo.com

12-19-2001, 11:38 PM	#9
chevymad Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: skamokawa, WA, USA Posts: 527	We have an optima at work that a guy traded in 5 years ago because it wasnt "correct" for his vette. Anyway its 6 years old and we use it for jump starting vehicles. We jump rigs till its dead then recharge. Its still working great. We've almost chewed the posts off the top with the jumper cables. I've personally seen this battery put out over 1100 amps to a bad starter. The only thing bad thats happened..tried to jump a rig and burnt one of the side posts out. Exide now makes a similar battery called orbital. I have one of these in my truck because its slightly cheaper. __________________ 70 C10 long fleet, 355/200 4r, 6 lug disc conversion, 3" drop 70 gmc changed to 67/8 chevy, 454 with voodoo cam, th400, all 74 running gear.. in progress

12-20-2001, 02:31 AM	#10
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,692	I have at least one in all my vehicles. The best example I can give is my 300ZX turbo which is very hard on batterys because of the heat under the hood. The OEM battery lasted two years, put a Delco in lasted one year, then another that lasted one year. The Optima has been in almost six years and still going strong. Changed to an Optima in my newer Chev truck before it had a chance to get me stranded. Cost a bit more but definitly worth the added assurance IMHO. ------------------ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

12-22-2001, 11:57 PM	#11
ryan68 Certified Chevy Man Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States Posts: 2,053	They are awesome, had one in a Willy's Jeep for 9 years and sat around in sub-zero winters and am on 2 years on the 2nd one. They are well worth the money you pay for them. ------------------ 68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop 71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 4" and 33's Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/ __________________ 68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop lots of fun stuff 71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 7" lift 37's, D44/14 bolt and other sorts of goodies, lockers front and rear, flexes 40", 895 RTI score Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/

11-15-2002, 01:53 AM	#12
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,692	Dug up this old post to post an update. The Optima in our Z finally gave up the ghost. About 6 1/2 years not to bad considering how long the others lasted. It did not short, still puts out 12v just wont put out any amperage. You can probably guess what replaced it. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

11-17-2002, 01:33 PM	#13
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,406	Those Optimas look pretty, but I'm not sure why they cost so much. A buddy of mine says a Porche owners website tested one and didn't find anything different from a regular battery. My last two batteries have been Champion 1050 amp hour units that I bought at Sams's wholesale club for $30-something each. The first one lasted two Colorado winters and four Texas summers before it gave up. And I swear they'd crank for several minutes in below-zero weather. What else do you need from a battery? __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

12-19-2002, 04:50 AM	#15
Ed ke6bnl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Agua Dulce, Ca. usa Posts: 179	I have one in my Ford Econoline because they are sealed and the battery is in the back of the driver seat and exposed to the cab. They can be mounted in any position including upside down. they better for vibration. I will put one im my ford 50 f1 street rod. Ed ke6bnl __________________ Ed ke6bnl Agua Dulce 70 S.E. Los Angeles 70 Chevy short bed 1948 F3 ford pu 1949 F1 stock V8 flathead 3 on floor 1950 F1 pu street rod 1948 F6 Ford Dually/350sbc no bed stock trans&rear 1972 El Camino 4" chop 1953 Chevy 3100 2b daily driver 1970 SB 4X4 400ci 6in lift

12-19-2002, 10:33 AM	#16
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Sweet, I'll be putting one in my truck as well.



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12-19-2002, 01:59 PM	#17
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,406	Well, I guess if you handle your battery a lot or it needs to be mounted on its side, Optima is the way to go. My 34 year old truck still has the original battery box, so acid spills from conventional batteries hasn't been a major problem. But I know what you mean about holes in clothes, etc., especially with the older batteries with one cap per cell. Back in the 60s and 70s all my work clothes looked like swiss cheese. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

12-23-2002, 10:25 PM	#18
69c10stepside Large Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Northwest Arkansas Posts: 747	With these batteries you do not have to ever clean your terminals I used to sell these batteries at a car audio store that i worked at.. only way to go __________________ 1989 GMC C1500 ECSB 1972 Gmc Jimmy 1972 Chevy C10 SWB Sold

01-06-2003, 09:06 AM	#19
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	They're hugely popular over here in the UK amongst the off-road boys. No acid to lose if you roll over, especially useful in a home built special where the battery may be in the cab area, an acid shower hurts! __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

01-08-2003, 11:32 PM	#20
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Try and take a battery out of a 65 Corvette without spilling acid and not removing a exhaust header. These batteries are the best because you have to turn them about 90* to get them behind the tire and in front of thr firewall, love'em __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

02-02-2003, 01:07 PM	#21
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 462	have the red top, never a problem. never a leak. great product! If you have a Costco in your area, check them out. Best prices I have found. Red top for $99.00.!!

02-03-2003, 10:19 PM	#22
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	im a red top user myself ....no problems ... definately a better battery ...

02-03-2003, 10:52 PM	#23
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	im a red top user myself ....no problems ... definately better than you average run of the mill cell

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