Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
#1
Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
Hi all, so both my camaro's don't get much use currently. I have gone through so many batteries. I have used Sears Die Hard, Duralast yellow top, exide...I have the batteries on a trickle charger on a timer and I have a battery cut off switch on the battery wire (only a little power stays connected to the car).
No matter what, my battery dies every couple of years. Literally I have a stack of batteries in my yard. One cell always dies (usually the first).
I have been looking online and at AGM batteries. I saw that AC Delco use to make one for our cars but it doesn't like it is being made anymore. I have seen a lot of Optimum battery red top failures. From all I have read, the quality of the red tops is not what it use be.
Anyways thoughts on best batteries to use? AGM batteries? etc.
No matter what, my battery dies every couple of years. Literally I have a stack of batteries in my yard. One cell always dies (usually the first).
I have been looking online and at AGM batteries. I saw that AC Delco use to make one for our cars but it doesn't like it is being made anymore. I have seen a lot of Optimum battery red top failures. From all I have read, the quality of the red tops is not what it use be.
Anyways thoughts on best batteries to use? AGM batteries? etc.
Last edited by castro; 07-25-2017 at 06:25 PM.
#3
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
Daily driver or occasional? The crappy batteries they make now a days can last so long as its been used on a daily.
#4
Member
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
A couple thousand miles in the nice months,I have a company truck so it only gets off hours use.
It gets disconnected from Thanksgiving untill the end of April,no tender,just in a cold shed.
It gets disconnected from Thanksgiving untill the end of April,no tender,just in a cold shed.
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Meriden, CT 06450
Posts: 4,030
Received 511 Likes
on
428 Posts
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
You are not cycling your battery enough for it to have a long life. The cheap trickle charger ain't gonna cut it. Maybe something like a computerized Shumacher charger might do the trick.
As far as long battery life, I got something like 94 months out of a 74 month NAPA battery in my GMC K1500 truck. But, I upgraded to the kick-a$$ CS-144 alternator. I think that has a lot to do with it.
As far as long battery life, I got something like 94 months out of a 74 month NAPA battery in my GMC K1500 truck. But, I upgraded to the kick-a$$ CS-144 alternator. I think that has a lot to do with it.
#7
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
The original Delco in my '89 lasted 11 years, the next Delco lasted 9 years, in the past 8 years, I've gone through 3 Delcos.
Definitely a decrease in quality.
Definitely a decrease in quality.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: CT
Posts: 2,742
Received 258 Likes
on
149 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.0 Liter 4-BBL V8 High Output
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
My Original ACDelco Battery Lasted 10 Years.
#9
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 1,149
Received 83 Likes
on
67 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
Still on my Red Top.
Car is driven once or twice a week. Never on a tender.
Car is driven once or twice a week. Never on a tender.
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
You obviously have not been in Los Angeles rush hour traffic. LOL. Although, it does put our cars to the test with the cooling system. I've stopped using the Autozone batteries as every three months I had to replace them. I went to O'Reily's and have not had a problem with them so far.
Last edited by MY87LT; 07-27-2017 at 10:18 AM.
#12
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
Here's what I use.= https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart...e-75S/21984264
The first one lasted 6 years and the one I have know is on year # 3.
Your alternator and the connections to and from the battery must be in good condition and tight or even the best battery's will fail.
Autozone and others offer a free test of your hole charging system including alternator, battery, and starter in about one minutes time.
Just pull in and ask for the test.
The first one lasted 6 years and the one I have know is on year # 3.
Your alternator and the connections to and from the battery must be in good condition and tight or even the best battery's will fail.
Autozone and others offer a free test of your hole charging system including alternator, battery, and starter in about one minutes time.
Just pull in and ask for the test.
#13
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
90+% of the batteries sold out there are all made by just three companies. Johnson controls, Exide, and East Penn.
Sears, ACDelco, Optima, Die Hard, Interstate.... these are just retail labels. They mean nothing.
They are ALL junk. ESPECIALLY Optima. Johnson Controls bought them out, stripped all the quality out of them for mass production, fired all the talent, sent the manufacturing the Mexico. Completely garbage now.
If you want a decent battery, find one made by Enersys. Odyssey is their major label. I believe Die Hard Platinum is an Enersys. There may be a scant few other rebranded. As far as I know they are the only manufacturer using 99.99% pure virgin lead in their AGM's (like Optima used to before the acquisition and gutting).
This one for cars that sit:
Sadly that's the situation. The vast majority of everything people have stated above is just anecdotal - almost all those batteries are made by Johnson Controls and came from the same factory.
GD
Sears, ACDelco, Optima, Die Hard, Interstate.... these are just retail labels. They mean nothing.
They are ALL junk. ESPECIALLY Optima. Johnson Controls bought them out, stripped all the quality out of them for mass production, fired all the talent, sent the manufacturing the Mexico. Completely garbage now.
If you want a decent battery, find one made by Enersys. Odyssey is their major label. I believe Die Hard Platinum is an Enersys. There may be a scant few other rebranded. As far as I know they are the only manufacturer using 99.99% pure virgin lead in their AGM's (like Optima used to before the acquisition and gutting).
This one for cars that sit:
Sadly that's the situation. The vast majority of everything people have stated above is just anecdotal - almost all those batteries are made by Johnson Controls and came from the same factory.
GD
Last edited by GeneralDisorder; 07-27-2017 at 01:30 AM.
#14
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I don't have much to add to the topic of "the best" car battery , I just must be the luckiest guy on earth because Optima , Die hard , and "Duralast" batteries have all given me at least as many years of service as I expected of them , and most have lasted even longer than my expectations .
But when I saw the thread title "Battery eating monsters" I just had to laugh , ya wanna talk REAL battery eating monsters ??? You gotta go upbrand and look at the Caddys and Lincolns of the early to mid 1980s instead of third gen F bodies , in stock form the rear defroster on my Caddy likely drew more power than the entire electrical system on my Bird !
But when I saw the thread title "Battery eating monsters" I just had to laugh , ya wanna talk REAL battery eating monsters ??? You gotta go upbrand and look at the Caddys and Lincolns of the early to mid 1980s instead of third gen F bodies , in stock form the rear defroster on my Caddy likely drew more power than the entire electrical system on my Bird !
#15
Supreme Member
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I had the same issues until I went with a better trickle charger. I was putting a new battery in my boat every year and one in the f body every couple years. Went with a 2 bank Deltran Battery Tender and I remove the batteries each fall and set them on a rack in my garage. I'm on the fourth year for the boat so it was well worth the $130 investment.
#16
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,637
Received 751 Likes
on
577 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I had the same issues until I went with a better trickle charger. I was putting a new battery in my boat every year and one in the f body every couple years. Went with a 2 bank Deltran Battery Tender and I remove the batteries each fall and set them on a rack in my garage. I'm on the fourth year for the boat so it was well worth the $130 investment.
#17
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
90+% of the batteries sold out there are all made by just three companies. Johnson controls, Exide, and East Penn.
Sears, ACDelco, Optima, Die Hard, Interstate.... these are just retail labels. They mean nothing.
They are ALL junk. ESPECIALLY Optima. Johnson Controls bought them out, stripped all the quality out of them for mass production, fired all the talent, sent the manufacturing the Mexico. Completely garbage now.
If you want a decent battery, find one made by Enersys. Odyssey is their major label. I believe Die Hard Platinum is an Enersys. There may be a scant few other rebranded. As far as I know they are the only manufacturer using 99.99% pure virgin lead in their AGM's (like Optima used to before the acquisition and gutting).
This one for cars that sit:
https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-75-PC.../dp/B0051TL1SK
Sadly that's the situation. The vast majority of everything people have stated above is just anecdotal - almost all those batteries are made by Johnson Controls and came from the same factory.
GD
Sears, ACDelco, Optima, Die Hard, Interstate.... these are just retail labels. They mean nothing.
They are ALL junk. ESPECIALLY Optima. Johnson Controls bought them out, stripped all the quality out of them for mass production, fired all the talent, sent the manufacturing the Mexico. Completely garbage now.
If you want a decent battery, find one made by Enersys. Odyssey is their major label. I believe Die Hard Platinum is an Enersys. There may be a scant few other rebranded. As far as I know they are the only manufacturer using 99.99% pure virgin lead in their AGM's (like Optima used to before the acquisition and gutting).
This one for cars that sit:
https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-75-PC.../dp/B0051TL1SK
Sadly that's the situation. The vast majority of everything people have stated above is just anecdotal - almost all those batteries are made by Johnson Controls and came from the same factory.
GD
All that being said, If you were not able to have the battery on a tender or monitor the battery or check for parasitic draw I would definitely invest in one of the better batteries and probably the $50 a year for a AAA membership.
#18
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
Hey guys great thread. I have had both my batteries on schumacher trickle chargers. I have now just picked up a Battery Tender for whatever battery I get.
I have also done the warranty replacement via autozone twice. They only give you 1 replacement after that its prorated. Totally junk and annoying.
I am thinking of getting that AGM battery mentioned, but hell that is expensive! Trying to see if I have any other options for the AGM battery. ACDelco no longer makes the right size I believe.
I have also done the warranty replacement via autozone twice. They only give you 1 replacement after that its prorated. Totally junk and annoying.
I am thinking of getting that AGM battery mentioned, but hell that is expensive! Trying to see if I have any other options for the AGM battery. ACDelco no longer makes the right size I believe.
#19
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,692
Received 746 Likes
on
505 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
The original delco battery in my daily is going on 10 yrs.
Optima (red) in my 89 formula 350 is over 10 yrs old (driven 2-3 times a month?)
Napa battery in my wifes ra trans am is 7 yrs old
And I have a few other random stragglers that are atleast 5 yrs old or so.
I do put a cheapie trickle charger on them while in garage for the winter for a few days a month.
Optima (red) in my 89 formula 350 is over 10 yrs old (driven 2-3 times a month?)
Napa battery in my wifes ra trans am is 7 yrs old
And I have a few other random stragglers that are atleast 5 yrs old or so.
I do put a cheapie trickle charger on them while in garage for the winter for a few days a month.
#20
Supreme Member
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I have had good luck with all of the optima batteries I've owned over the years, but knowing that they are not made the same anymore is sort of deterring me from buying another one.
The two Interstates in my diesel seemed a little weak this last winter so I have been throwing the idea around of buying a new set before this winter.
The two Interstates in my diesel seemed a little weak this last winter so I have been throwing the idea around of buying a new set before this winter.
#21
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I have had good luck with all of the optima batteries I've owned over the years, but knowing that they are not made the same anymore is sort of deterring me from buying another one.
The two Interstates in my diesel seemed a little weak this last winter so I have been throwing the idea around of buying a new set before this winter.
The two Interstates in my diesel seemed a little weak this last winter so I have been throwing the idea around of buying a new set before this winter.
Go with Odyssey.
GD
#26
Supreme Member
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
#27
Senior Member
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
MY Yellow top is 10 years old. Still kicking strong. (1 of the ole USA made ones)
#28
Supreme Member
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I have a 17 year old Die Hard in the Camaro. When it's not being driven it's hooked up to one of these:
http://www.batteryminders.com/batter...er-desulfator/
http://www.batteryminders.com/batter...er-desulfator/
#29
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Meriden, CT 06450
Posts: 4,030
Received 511 Likes
on
428 Posts
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
17 years, well that maintainer must do what it promises.
It's only $29.99 right now at Northern.
It's only $29.99 right now at Northern.
#30
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,345
Received 298 Likes
on
234 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I have 3 East Penn (Deka) AGM batteries and so far I am happy with them, but I have only had them a few years. They make a lot of different batteries, forklifts and such, and I think the warranty's are pretty good.
I had one USA made Optima and it was great, outlasted the warranty by several years, even though I killed it few times, even worked after being frozen and dead twice. Got another car with a Mexico Optima and it was garbage. I have been reading more and more about how poor they are now. Some people try to justify the need to have a "special" charger for the Optima, I just read it as justifying a junk battery since an alternator doesn't care what battery or type is connected to it.
I had one USA made Optima and it was great, outlasted the warranty by several years, even though I killed it few times, even worked after being frozen and dead twice. Got another car with a Mexico Optima and it was garbage. I have been reading more and more about how poor they are now. Some people try to justify the need to have a "special" charger for the Optima, I just read it as justifying a junk battery since an alternator doesn't care what battery or type is connected to it.
#31
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Meriden, CT 06450
Posts: 4,030
Received 511 Likes
on
428 Posts
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I just read it as justifying a junk battery since an alternator doesn't care what battery or type is connected to it.
Good point.
Good point.
#32
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Battery Eating Monsters - What Battery has Lasted for you long term?
I have a lot of experience with the Odyssey "stereo deck" batteries. The little guys with 550 cranking amps but not much reserve... use them on race cars a lot. I can't tell you how many times we kill those units dead flat. They ALWAYS come back. It's pretty impressive.
GD
GD