My battery just died on '83 V6 Firebird and I need to get it replaced. What kind of battery do I need?

 

Stock replacement is fine. if you live in a Colder Climate where your temp's drop below Freezing alot, Ask for a slightly bigger battery (More Cranking amps that is.) Your sure its the battery though? Not the Alternator? Any parts Department can help you get the right battery. some offer free installation.

 

If it's your daily driver, optima red top. Dont drive it much? Optima blue top.

 

ive heard too many horror stories about optimas, i run a ac delco. about a year ago my car had problems, and was spun over about a million times, sat at shop for a few months where they spun it over even more, and now it still works great.

 

Walmart special, $40. :-)

 

I have one 8 year old red top in my 01 wrangler and one 7 year old blue top in my RS. Both have been punished with High-demand stereo systems and lighting over the years. In a state (Arizona) where the best lead/acid batteries last 2-3 years at best, I am continually amazed by these gel-cell batteries. I love my cars and they always get the very best. I understand using a cheap battery in a throwaway car or a car that may blow up any day, but thats not the mentality I have always had for my F-bodies.
Just my 2 cents.

 

7-8 year old Optimas don't seem to have problems. 3-5 years ago is when the problems seemed to crop up.

I've heard horror stories about Exide as well. I've got an Exide gel in the '57 and Camaro, not a single problem with them.

 

I have one (Red top)that is almost 3 years old in my 05 trailblazer. <Fingers crossed> Batteries are a real problem here in AZ. The excessive heat causes the sides of rectangular batteries to warp and bulge, allowing the plates to fall into each other. The shape of the optima eliminates that problem. I even have one (Yellow top) on my riding lawnmower. You could say we are an optima family