2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

The latest issue of Consumer Reports compared many batteries for grueling tests that included life, reserve capacity, and CCA performance. Their picks are as follows:

Best for cold weather performance:
1. Everstart $60
2. AC Delco $90
3. NAPA $70
4. AC Delco (75 series) $90
5. Everstart, (75 series) $60 CR Best buy
"Batteries from EverStart, Kirkland, and NAPA are good values."

Best for warm weather performance:
1. NAPA $80 (series 65)
2. Duralast (65 series) $60 CR Best buy
3. AC Delco (65 series): $90
4. NAPA (75 series) $70
5. Nascar (75 series) $40 CR Best Buy

75 Series (the type used in Corvette C5s) batteries:
1. Nascar Select 75-84N (North) $80 Excellent reserve capacity
2. AC Delco Professional 75-7YR $90 Excellent CCA performance
3. EverStart MAX-75N (North) $60 Excellent reserve capacity, CR Best Buy
4. NAPA XLT N75-S (South) $70 CR Best Buy
5. Autocraft Silver 75-2 $55 Excellent reserve capacity

Notes: The best Diehard battery (WeatherHandler 30075 North) came in 9th place among the 75 series batteries. Its life test was below average, although its reserve capacity was excellent.
The best Interstate battery (Mega-Tron Plus MTP-75) came in 15th place. Its life test was below average.
AC Delco batteries carry the longest "free replacement" warranty of the bunch - a full 50 months. Their pro-rated warranty is excellent as well - 84 months.

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

Thanks for sharing Dave

some great information to have!

:D

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

BTW, the report covered groups 65, 75, 24/24F, 34/78, and 35. Of the 34/78 group batteries, the top five are:
1) Everstart MAXX-1N (North) $60 Excellent reserve capacity and CCA performance
2) Nascar XLT Perf Series NXDT34 $100 Excellent CCA performance
3) AC Delco Professional 78DT-6YR $90 Above average life and reserve capacity
4) NAPA 84 Select8434/78 $70
5) Energizer 3478DT-850E $90

I listed thus group because some C5 owners use 78 series batteries.

Also, as an FYI, the AC Delco numbers that fit our C5s are:

75-7YR
75DT7YR
78H6YR
75-5YR
ACD75-60

All are side terminal except the 75DT7YR, which is a dual terminal battery. I'm still amazed at the 50 month free replacement warranty!

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

Good info. However, I have an Optima gel-type spiral wound battery. About 2x to 3x the cost, but noticeably lighter and smaller which was important to me (I relocated it to the trunk with the Lingenfelter kit, them smaller size made it easier).

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

I AGREE WITH LEE I LOVE THE OPTIMA BATTERYS ....THE YELLOW ONE IS GREAT FOR SOUND SYSTEMS TO.......... THAT IS THE ONLY BATTERY I WOULD EVER BUY:D

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...duct_info.html

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

Lee,

CU did not test batteries that are more than $100. This is why the Optima and Exide Orbital were not tested. You might be interested in knowing that a growing number of C5 owners are experiencing bad Optima Red Tops. I've seen dozens of posts within the last year of owners compaining bitterly about their 3 month-old Optimas that suddenly failed. Certainly, many have had good luck, but a good many have not. The current "cost-is-no-object" favorite AGM (leakproof) battery is the Exide Orbital - big bucks, but built like a tank!

Everyone,

Please keep in mind that an acid leak from a battery could travel down to wires and hoses that reside underneath the battery tray. This is why many C5 owners buy only glass mat batteries like the Optima and Orbital. Both are less likely to leak acid. Exide also has a new lead-acid battery that has extra durable posts and reinforced areas that are commonly weak points in most batteries. This battery is called the Exide Marathon. I'n not sure of the cost, though.

2001-2003 C5s have AC Delco AGM batteries (I still have my OEM and it's starting like a champ). These batteries are also highly resistant to leakage but have been discontinued.

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

I AM NOT A BIG FAN OF THE RED TOP..I USE THE YELLOW TOP... MORE MONEY BUT WORTH IT.:D:D:D AND THOSE OTHER BATTERYS FOR UNDER 100.00 BUCKS IS A GREAT DEAL THANKS FOR THE INFO,,

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

And it matches your car. ;)

RE: 2006 Low cost car batteries...
 

this is very true:D