LT1driver

unless optima has gotten better since last year when I worked at a battery company, I wouldn't put a pos optima in anything, including my worst enemies car....my experience and 2 cents, I have run gp 75 without issue but will switch to 78 next time for more rc.

Ron222

I did exactly the same thing. Also keep a tender on it since it's not a DD. My advice, drive down to Autozone, buy the battery, have them install it for free. (The Guys by me are/were really careful) They'll plug into the port under your dash to maintain all the settings while removing your old battery and installing the new one. Say Thanks, Tip him and drive home. That's what I did...No Problems.

Bear4877

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback. I really appreciate it. Battery selection this weekend. I do keep mine on a Battery Tender when stored for the 'no drives planned' periods. As this is the original OEM battery I'm replacing (AC Delco 6 yr) I'd have to say the BT works pretty well, 10 years on a 6 year battery). All the best and enjoy a safe holiday. :-)
The Bear.

Lt. Dan M.

I bought my Optima at Sam's Club. It died within a year. I took it back to Sam's and they had stopped selling them. Told me there was nothing they could do. I called Optima, they said Sam's should refund my money. Went back to Sam's, got my money back, bought the best battery they had that would fit and still had $90 left over. I always lift my hood when I get home, just to let the heat out. I keep a close eye on the battery for leaks. I have never had a battery leak in any vehicle I have ever had. No more Optima for me. I usually get 5 to 7 years out of a regular car battery, my mazda went 10 with the original battery. Too each their own, but I will stick with what has served me well.

123Gone

You can buy a car computer memory saver at an auto store or Amazon for less than $10. Snap on a 9v battery and plug it into the cigarette lighter and you're good to go.

bence

I agree. Bought an Optima RED78 little over 3 years ago for my C5, which unfortunately I only drive about once a month. It needed to be charged several times in the past. I put a trickle charger on it a year ago, but forgot to hook it up again a month ago. Now it will not hold enough of a charge to start the car. May just byte the bullet and not pro-rate it, rather buy another brand that will do better with infrequent driving.

Any recommendations on the best battery for an infrequent driver?

coia96vette

Being that your vette is an 04, it takes the group 86 top only mount battery. This is the only year that takes them.