Battery Recommendations (size,brand, etc.)

[66LSx]

Alright guys... all of you higher use current draw guys pipe up.

I'm a LS (5.3L/4L60e)swap (electric fuel pump, ECM, DBW, EFI engine, 10 gauges, HID headlights[eventually] etc) all utilizing high draw conditions at startup.

The alternator is up to the task (OEM 2005 Silverado 160 Amp Alternator)

Looking for recommendations as to battery size even. (Looking up the 1966 truck shows a few different group sizes..which one is even correct?)

group sizes: 34, 25/75, 24 all show up... I have no idea where to start or what 'size' is correct for the OEM 1966 battery tray.

Thinking optima red top with dual sets of terminals (front and side)

Recommendations and correct group sizing??? ready..... GO!

[BR3W CITY]

THe optima's are mostly 34 variants, and a few 75/25's. The majority of differences in Optima part # is the post location, and whether or not it comes with the "tray" on the bottom. That tray fills out the base if your using the smaller series battery.

I'm actually using the 34 series Blue Top since it matched my truck (and the red and blue top batteries are virtually the same). Its mounted in back, but I'm using the stock battery tray modded into the rear.

I've also had a Yellow Top 75/25 fit in there. Height is an issue on some vehicles, but with where the tray is on a 66, you'll have plenty of room. I like the Marine screw terminals for quick-removal of 12v accessories and powering jumpers for things like my camera rigs.

Its hard to beat the Optima AGM's, aside from the price. I'd be just as willing to use an Odysey or 02 battery for the same price.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

THe optima's are mostly 34 variants, and a few 75/25's. The majority of differences in Optima part # is the post location, and whether or not it comes with the "tray" on the bottom. That tray fills out the base if your using the smaller series battery.

I'm actually using the 34 series Blue Top since it matched my truck (and the red and blue top batteries are virtually the same). Its mounted in back, but I'm using the stock battery tray modded into the rear.

I've also had a Yellow Top 75/25 fit in there. Height is an issue on some vehicles, but with where the tray is on a 66, you'll have plenty of room. I like the Marine screw terminals for quick-removal of 12v accessories and powering jumpers for things like my camera rigs.

Its hard to beat the Optima AGM's, aside from the price. I'd be just as willing to use an Odysey or 02 battery for the same price.

I was hoping you'd chime in


was thinking of this redtop 75/25($195ish) (with the wide side posts far apart to give room for the batter hold down hardware in the center....

Part Number: BAT N997525RED
Product Line: NAPA Batteries
Attributes:
Battery BCI # : BCI #75/25
Battery Cold Cranking Amps @ 0 Degrees F : 720
Battery Cranking Amps @ 32 Degrees F : 910
Battery Posts Type : Top
Battery Reserve Capacity (Minutes) : 90
Battery Voltage : 12 Volt
Height : 7 3/4"
Length : 9 3/8"
Wet or Dry : Wet
Width : 6 13/16"
Battery Application : Automotive
Battery Weight : 33 lbs
Features and Benefits:
Designed For High Power Engine Starting Applications.
Nonspillable Battery.

[WhippinSaw]

Got the battery and cables at napa, the battery has to be the correct size unless you mod it,

[jtrichard]

stock is a group 24.... and if for some reason you want the posts reversed then get a 24F

[BR3W CITY]

Just so you guys are aware, you will not find an Optima that will say "group 24". That size has become pretty much relegated to boats and Rv's.

The old stock GM batteries were 558DC12's, a Delco battery that was the size of a "group 24" but didn't retain the amp hours/cca the old ones had. Since no one wants to find an old battery like that, they either find a group 24 (which like I said, mostly end up in boats and Rv's since soooo many of them are deep cycle).

You can use any battery with enough CCA, that fits the spot. Keep in mind, since you'r running an LS motor, your electrical requirements are much higher than o.e, so you can pretty much ingore anything about the stock spec's.

A "Group 24" battery is 10.25"x6.75"x9.88" , which means that a 75/25 @ 9.31"x6.82"x7.82" OR a 34-series @ 10"x6.88"x7.63" will fit. Even though they are .10" wider, there is enough room around the battery that its negligible.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

A "Group 24" battery is 10.25"x6.75"x9.88" , which means that a 75/25 @ 9.31"x6.82"x7.82" OR a 34-series @ 10"x6.88"x7.63" will fit. Even though they are .10" wider, there is enough room around the battery that its negligible.

I knew you'd drop the specs down for me....

cuban coffee in an american sized cup for you


Right now I'm leaning toward a optima red 34 series twin post
800 CCA
1000 CA

[TR65]

I have been happy with the red top. 6.0L LS2.
The top terminals are covered with rubber caps and are used for jumping other vehicles.

TR

[BR3W CITY]

The video on the channel has more detail.

And ya, 66Lsx you know once I'm started on a data-grab, I'm gonna try and come up with it ALL if I can.

[donthekawguy]

I used a marine battery from Walmart. Fit the tray and weighs about twice as much as the same size truck battery. It also has extra lugs to hook stuff up.

[66LSx]

Here is what I am going with... Summit Racing actually was the best price....



Brand:Optima Batteries
Manufacturer's Part Number:9022-091
Part Type:Batteries
Product Line:Optima RedTop Starting 12-Volt Batteries
Summit Racing Part Number:ULT-9022-091

UPC:811405000911
Battery Usage:Starting
BCI Group Number:75/25
Volts:12 V
Battery Terminals:Top and side
Battery Type:AGM
Cranking Amps at 0 Degrees F:720 amps
Cranking Amps at 32 Degrees F:910 amps
Reserve Capacity:90 minutes
Length (in):9.380 in.
Width (in):6.813 in.
Height (in):7.750 in.
Weight:33.000 lbs.
Quantity:Sold individually.

[Sillyoldman]

I have an Optima Orange top in my Buick. I picked it up as old scrap, charged it correctly and have never looked back in three years.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I have an Optima Orange top in my Buick. I picked it up as old scrap, charged it correctly and have never looked back in three years.

Did you do anything special? I have another yellowtop sitting in my DD for "Winter ballast" and always wondered if it could be ressurected.

[66LSx]

FWIW Diehard platinums are seemingly made by odyssey in USA while diehard model "everything else" is made by johnson controls in mexico... optima also made in mexico by johnson controls....

anyone know if quality concerns are fixed with optima.... i'm finding quite a few 'hiccups' with newer optimas (circa 2009+ when manufacturing left the USA [and after J.C. bought them])

duralast platinum AGM's are made by east-penn in USA

duralast *every other model* is made by johnson controls in mexico

Group 35 AGM duralast platinum(east-penn).... no side posts... but made in USA and fits.... (i don't have any diehard platinums (odyssey) near me within driving distance)

Part Number: 35-AGM
Weight: 40.0 lbs
Warranty: 3 YR
Notes: Warranty consists of 3 years free replacement. Caution: Do not use a memory saver on this vehicle. *** 680 Cold cranking Amps ***. 100 reserve minutes. Battery located in engine compartment
Amp-hour: 50
Application: Automobile
BCI Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 680
BCI Cold Cranking Amps Value: Tested to BCI Standard
BCI Designation: Not Applicable
Battery Height: 197 mm - 7 3/4 in
Battery Length: 242 mm - 9 1/2 in
Battery Width: 171 mm - 6 11/16 in
Core Charge Applicable: Yes
Cranking Amps (CA): 810
EN / DIN Designation: Not Applicable
EN Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 0
JIS Designation: NA
Positive Terminal Side: Right
Post Location: Top Post
Reserve Capacity (min): 100
Voltage: 12

[Jasons65]

What about the Deka Intimidator Yellow Top? My local battery shop swears by them over the Optimas because they come with a 3 year warranty amongst other things, anybody used these? I have one in my Nova and it seems like a pretty good battery.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by Jasons65

What about the Deka Intimidator Yellow Top? My local battery shop swears by them over the Optimas because they come with a 3 year warranty amongst other things, anybody used these? I have one in my Nova and it seems like a pretty good battery.

Deka Intimidator is made by East Penn.....

I am 'guessing' that the Deka Intimidator IS the Duralast Platinum with a different sticker.... (and price tag)

specs, plastic casting housing etc look to be exactly the same.

NOTE: Duralast Platinum IS indeed Deka Intimidator after some research

[cg285]

i'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned a D-8 yet.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by cg285

i'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned a D-8 yet.

You mean those huge industrial/Marine batteries? They weigh like 150lbs, we're not building SPL or DBdrag cars here
Cool if you need like 300 amp hours, but good luck fitting one anywhere.

[cg285]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

You mean 8D Marine batteries? They weigh like 150lbs, we're not building SPL or DBdrag cars here

i know.

[donthekawguy]

The one I got from Walmart is a Maxx-24DC. Its a deep cycle marine and is the same size as stock.

[cg285]

Originally Posted by donthekawguy

The one I got from Walmart is a Maxx-24DC. Its a deep cycle marine and is the same size as stock.

a deep cycle is a no-no for a cranking battery. they belong in rv's and boats

[61_FL_Apache]

Im running a group 24 Wal-Mart special.. No issue here.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Im running a group 24 Wal-Mart special.. No issue here.

Unfortunately 61_FL_Apache I am a little concerned with the amp/hr's and CCA's of that given my LS swap is so amp-starving at initial start up due to: fuel pump, ecm, tac, elec fan, gauges, DBW throttle body, injectors, coils, etc.

I was pretty set on the optima's until I narrowed it down to 2 and started doing homework.

now it looks like duralast platinum AGM made in the USA (east-penn)

Anything from Johnson controls (optima included) seems to be really struggling reliability wise due to production issues in mexico. (And their shrinking warranty program I think is a consequence of that)

[cg285]

your class a mtrhome workhorse chassis w 8.1 and all your elec stuff plus a tcm and tac uses a standard grp 78 which is a grp 24 w side posts. u don' need a double get back custom battery w/flouresant colors unless u just WANT one

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by cg285

your class a mtrhome workhorse chassis w 8.1 and all your elec stuff plus a tcm and tac uses a standard grp 78 which is a grp 24 w side posts. u don' need a double get back custom battery w/flouresant colors unless u just WANT one

Deep cell motor home battery is completely different animal (complete opposites actually) than hi-cranking amp battery.