Corvette battery and optima replacement
Been running an Optima (red top) in my C4 for just over three years.
(got one of the old stubby ones that did fit under the CC servo.) The
battery has impressive cranking voltage for the first few seconds--makes
for a fast start. It has lousy deep-cycle characteristics. (Optima
makes deep-cycle batteries for Marine and heavy duty applications--those
don't fit cars.)
A couple of weeks ago I got home late and did a "deep cycle test" on the
C4--left the interior lights on overnight. Next morning, nary a
solenoid or relay click--nothing from the center console lamp. Left the
load off for 10 minutes and came back and tried again. Nada! Open
circuit voltage (3 vdc) was lower than I've ever seen in a car battery.
Battery did take a charge but didn't bounce back to where it was
before the dumb**** move. My charger has a standard charging profile
and might not be ideal for the gel-cell type of design in the Optima. I
haven't a clue as to how it might behave in really cold WX.
If you like real crisp starts, the Optima is impressive. If that isn't
important, go with something more conventional (and save a few bucks).
--
PJ
89 HookerCar, 02 E-blu 6-spd Coupe
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