CRC2362 Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Hey guys any suggestions on what brand battery to get? I have a 99 Deville that has a 3 1/2 year old Interstate battery in it now and was thinking about replacing soon so I don't get stranded up the road. The dealership said they'll put a Delco in, which is what they strongly suggest, for $160. So any suggestions? Thanks Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 AC-Delco. My '97 is 8 years old, on only its second battery. Original was an AC, the replacement, and current, is an AC-Delco Professional. Great, reliable batteries, these. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QbanCgar Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 i currently have a an Optima battery (red top) in my '93 STS, probably 1 of the best batteries on the market! Pimpin' In My Black 'Lac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob D Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 I for one, am a proponent of the gel filled hermetically sealed type batteries, such as the Optima. That’s all I’ll run in any of my cars. These days of sensitive electronics under the hood (or seat, or trunk), connections are very sensitive to corrosion which can be caused by sulfuric acid fumes and/or leakage is too much of an added risk for my taste. Plus the ability of them to take a direct hit from a M-16 burst and keep cranking is pretty impressive ( I have direct knowledge of that one..) '93 STS.. opened, dropped, wide...fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regis Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Hey guys any suggestions on what brand battery to get? I have a 99 Deville that has a 3 1/2 year old Interstate battery in it now and was thinking about replacing soon so I don't get stranded up the road. The dealership said they'll put a Delco in, which is what they strongly suggest, for $160. So any suggestions? Thanks Craig Is there something currently wrong with the Interstate battery you already have? Because if it's fine then what's the rush.....unless you feel like throwing some money into the wind. My last 2 batteries were Interstates. The previous Interstate went just over 7yrs and the current one has 3yrs on it and counting. Now that battery BobD is talking about sounds like the cats meow. "Burns" rubber " I've never considered myself to be all that conservative, but it seems the more liberal some people get the more conservative I become. " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 ....Plus the ability of them to take a direct hit from a M-16 burst and keep cranking is pretty impressive ( I have direct knowledge of that one..) That might be a benefit in California. The bad guys in Georgia are still using fists, knives, and small caliber stuff. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob D Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 ....Plus the ability of them to take a direct hit from a M-16 burst and keep cranking is pretty impressive ( I have direct knowledge of that one..) That might be a benefit in California. The bad guys in Georgia are still using fists, knives, and small caliber stuff. Hey, if the Optimas are good enough for "Cadillac 1" (the presidential Cadillac and the rest of the fleet, it's good enough for me..) '93 STS.. opened, dropped, wide...fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian95sts Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 I've personally always had great luck with Interstate batteries,goin on 6+ years. BUT, i think when this one finally does go , i will probably go with one ofe the gel batteries as well, Interstate has never failed me, but i like to try new technology sometimes, and the gel batteries seem to have some pretty good features and ratings so far. Matt A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...BUT, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "darn...that was fun!" www.madd.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 gel batteries seem to have some pretty good features and ratings so far Matt. Interstate has gel batteries! They are nice, but I have not heard too much feedback on them. Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnydone Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 consumer reports best buy costco signature battery 1000 coldcranking amps 59.00 3yr free replace i just put it in my car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronson Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 I've been through several batterys and positive cables do to leakage in a very short time. Optima is the battery that I have now and with the heat and extreme conditions here in south Florida it has been issue free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 I've been through several batterys and positive cables do to leakage in a very short time. Optima is the battery that I have now and with the heat and extreme conditions here in south Florida it has been issue free. Bronson, what made you change the positive cable? I had leakage also and think my positive cable has been damaged by that. Did acid wick up into the cable? Did you replace the entire cable or splice in a new end? Thanks, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronson Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Mike, Corrosion from the battery leaking from the side post would "wick" into the cable, the cable end was a two piece though. I went through this several times with both Caddy's I had at the time. It's hot here, life of an auto battery is about 18 months if your lucky in so. Florida. Replacing the positive cable is expensive, at least it was for me, and in two cars, I think I went through this about four times. After replacing the battery in my STS with a new Optima I went to the dealership to have the cable checked, I was told that the two piece was no longer made and since then have not had any issues with the optima battery or corrosion at all. Was on the Sawgrass last Monday and looked down and the temp outside was 104, traffic was running 80 to 90 mph. I had prolonged speeds of 100 or so and she never heated up nor did I have or have had any issues with the Optima battery leaking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Mike, Corrosion from the battery leaking from the side post would "wick" into the cable, the cable end was a two piece though. I went through this several times with both Caddy's I had at the time. It's hot here, life of an auto battery is about 18 months if your lucky in so. Florida. Replacing the positive cable is expensive, at least it was for me, and in two cars, I think I went through this about four times. After replacing the battery in my STS with a new Optima I went to the dealership to have the cable checked, I was told that the two piece was no longer made and since then have not had any issues with the optima battery or corrosion at all. Was on the Sawgrass last Monday and looked down and the temp outside was 104, traffic was running 80 to 90 mph. I had prolonged speeds of 100 or so and she never heated up nor did I have or have had any issues with the Optima battery leaking. Thanks I have been thinking that I need to replace my positive cables, NAPA sells splicable sections..... My battery leaked and wicked up the cable also, Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRC2362 Posted August 3, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Thanks everyone !! Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 Funny things, batteries. Just as someone posts a thread about batteries, I go to the garage this morning to drive to work and the Caddy cranks VERY SLOW. A cursory look at the DIC reveals 9.9 volts. Hmm...bad cell? I think I might take this opportunity, since I need a new battery, to take the advice of a few here and look into an Optima battery. I don't discredit the AC-Delco that's in there now (been there for almost 4 years and 70,000 miles), but I do like the idea of no battery acid under the hood. For now, I have my mother-in-law's TL at work, and I'll be installing a battery tonight in the Seville. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 I ended up with a new AC-Delco battery from Pep Boys. Warranty was same as Optima, and it was 30 bucks cheaper. I had to sell it to myself, though. Their computer said they had to special order an AC-Delco battery for it, so I checked on their rack and there set a group 78A battery. Sometimes you gotta do the work yourself. Yes, it WAS installed at home. System voltage prior was 9.9v. Voltage after starting and running for a few seconds at idle was 14.2v. In the words and voice of Mr. Burns, "excellent." Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julio Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 I shimmed mine with a copper washer had her cutting off because corrision of the eye, go optimia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 I ended up with a new AC-Delco battery from Pep Boys. Warranty was same as Optima, and it was 30 bucks cheaper. I had to sell it to myself, though. Their computer said they had to special order an AC-Delco battery for it, so I checked on their rack and there set a group 78A battery. Sometimes you gotta do the work yourself. Yes, it WAS installed at home. System voltage prior was 9.9v. Voltage after starting and running for a few seconds at idle was 14.2v. In the words and voice of Mr. Burns, "excellent." Jason, What does a 78A Delco cost these days? Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96DeVille Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 I believe that Interstate manufactures Optima anyway, so you really wouldn't be switching brands, so to say. Optima yellow tops are the best in terms of cold cranking amps, especially if you are running a high powered system. You can get some rated at 1200 CCA and higher !! ADT Security Services, Inc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Jason, What does a 78A Delco cost these days? This one was $89 at Pep Boys (plus core, but I'll return my old one today or tomorrow). The Optima was $119. The new Delco was exactly the same as my old one, 775 CCA I think (WAY enough for North Carolina). In truth, I didn't go with an Optima this time because I really don't know how much longer I'll be driving this car full time. Through the next 2-3 years to be sure, but I don't know what our plans will bring in the long term. I'd like to keep this car "forever", but I just can't quite get God to let us in on His plan for us, so I preferred not to spend the most I could at this point (not to mention, the expenses that go along with a newborn). I also didn't spend the least I could (Advance battery, $59). Having had personal experience changing countless ADV batteries after just 6-12 months of service, having worked at an Advance before, I felt more confident in a Delco. For what it's worth, the dealer wants $120 for it. I should have brought the old one in for a prorated purchase on a new at the dealer, because I think it would have been a bit cheaper than buying one outright at Pep Boys, but I didn't have the luxury of removing the old one before I went to work yesterday. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Jason, What does a 78A Delco cost these days? This one was $89 at Pep Boys (plus core, but I'll return my old one today or tomorrow). The Optima was $119. The new Delco was exactly the same as my old one, 775 CCA I think (WAY enough for North Carolina). In truth, I didn't go with an Optima this time because I really don't know how much longer I'll be driving this car full time. Through the next 2-3 years to be sure, but I don't know what our plans will bring in the long term. I'd like to keep this car "forever", but I just can't quite get God to let us in on His plan for us, so I preferred not to spend the most I could at this point (not to mention, the expenses that go along with a newborn). I also didn't spend the least I could (Advance battery, $59). Having had personal experience changing countless ADV batteries after just 6-12 months of service, having worked at an Advance before, I felt more confident in a Delco. For what it's worth, the dealer wants $120 for it. I should have brought the old one in for a prorated purchase on a new at the dealer, because I think it would have been a bit cheaper than buying one outright at Pep Boys, but I didn't have the luxury of removing the old one before I went to work yesterday. You should be able to file a warranty claim at any AC Delco retailer for your old battery to get some $ back. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Kevin, thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpsq Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 My 99 STS is still on the original battery... I am going to replace it before winter. I have been looking at the optima battery, but have not been able to find one that fits my car. Where have you found one that fits a 99 STS? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfreezn Posted August 6, 2005 Report Share Posted August 6, 2005 Here in the unoffical battery testing center of the USA, I have reached the opinion that all, liquid filled, side terminal batteries will leak, sooner or later. The older they, the more likely a leak will start. I have been a sealed cell customer for maybe 12 years, and not only do they last longer, they never leak! Optima is my first choice, but I have an Exide in my Bravada and my Eldorado. This time of the year, you will see hundreds of batteries passing over the counter at Pep Boys, Checker, Autozone, etc. Most last about 2 years and they all look like crap. Since about 1990, GM cars have been particularily hard on batteries because of the tremendous under hood temperatures, created by the low hood line. Moving the battery to the back seat caught GM up with Volkswagen, they have been doing that since the 50s. By the way, you can get a Red Top Optima at Costco for $105, as low as $79 on EBAY, plus shipping and handling, of course. With post and side terminal connectors you can install it on it's side if need be. If you are going to keep your Car more that 2 years this is the only way to go! Off my soap box now, Jim in Phoenix Jim in Phoenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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