C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

[James B.]

Does anyone have recommendations based on a recent purchase of a side-post battery for C3? If so, which battery model? Where was it purchased?

Also, any thoughts regarding AGM type batteries?

I have a 72 BB that needs to be taken out of hibernation.

Thanks!

Jim

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

Does anyone have recommendations based on a recent purchase of a side-post battery for C3? If so, which battery model? Where was it purchased?

Also, any thoughts regarding AGM type batteries?

I have a 72 BB that needs to be taken out of hibernation.

Thanks!

Jim

Jim

Please tell us the intended use of your Corvette. Especially if you think NCRS or NCCB judging is in your future.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

HI James,

You could try this if you want to a correct replacement:

http://www.restorationbattery.com/r89wvette.html

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

As a functional replacement, use any Group 78 battery with vented manifolds on top. They're used for cars with the battery located in the interior (many later model Cadillacs) or in the trunk, and are available from most major brands. Then uninstall the original vent tubing from the car, and replace with vent tubing from a car that uses this battery.

I have an Allante and happened to have an extra vent tubing assembly for it. It fits on the two oblong vents on the battery top then goes through the holes in the C3's floor. My '70 LS-5 battery is installed this way, and starts right up with a $60 650 CCA Walmart "EverStart" battery.

[Frank K.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

Buy a Delco and keep a battery maintaner on it. The dealer prices in ct are less than the major auto pats stores

[Jimmy G.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

I gave up trying to find a Delco close by me. I have found EXIDE (who I think makes DELCO) at Tractor Supply Co. Odd thing was that it was 20 + bucks cheaper than the Delco or any auto parts house and it only had a 5 dollar core charge. Who would have guessed??

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

I use AC Delco and have for years in 3 of my Corvettes. They last if kept fully charged, one of my oldest ones has been in use for many years, about 10.

[Anthony F.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

Regarding your question on AGM batteries, I'm using an Optima RedTop AGM in my 72. I'm not nearly ready for judging (needs paint), so I thought I would try an AGM type. It fits and works great, but I'm not seeing any obvious advantages over a typical battery, since I've only had it for 2 months (my last battery was a Sears Die Hard, lasted 14 years and never needed recharging!) . You can usually get at least 20% off at Advance Auto Parts. Note: For recharging, you would need a battery charger that has AGM capability.

[James B.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

-I don't have any plans (ay least immediate plans) for NCRS or NCCB judging. Just looking for a functional replacement at this point.
-Some sites recommend Group 75, while others recommend Group 78 or either. Any experience of one or the other?
-I too, have seen difficulty finding a, AC Delco battery source near me. Yes, maybe a GM dealer is an option (if the price is reasonable)
-Yes, I see that Walmart is an option. However, it looks like it'll need to be special ordered as my local Walmart doesn't seem to carry any battery for my 72 BB.
-Don't have Tractor Supply Co where I live.
-I see that Autozone also offers Group 75 and 78 batteries. Any feedback?

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

Group 78 is a fraction of an inch longer (L) and shorter (H) and about the same width (W) than Group 75. Either will fit (at least in 70-73 cars); Group 78 is typically more powerful.

Folks at big box stores are easily confused. Don't ask for a battery for a '72 Corvette. Ask for a Group 78 (or 75), side terminals, vented ports on top. On second thought, the vented port thing will confuse them. Just ask for a Group 78, then look to see if it has vented ports (most do). Many GM cars use this battery, so it's a volume seller usually in stock.

[James B.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

I have a blade type battery cut-off switch that I've yet to install. Any issues with fit and function of this type of switch (if I purchase a Group 78 battery per Mark's suggestion)?

Anthony: Thanks for the input regarding your AGM battery. I'm also considering AGM due to the supposed minimal gassing or having to deal with possible acid leakage. BTW: There aren't any Advance Auto Parts stores where I live (South Orange County, CA).

[Anthony F.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

Those might be advantages, but I never experienced those issues with a regular battery. Maybe someone else can comment. The AGM battery works great, holds a charge, and starts the car just fine, it's just expensive. If it minimizes gassing or acid leaking, I guess it's worth it.

I have a blade cut-off switch, fits and works great, but I'm using a group 75 battery (small block, LT-1). You may have fit issues, depending on how much bigger a group 78 battery is.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

James, Great news!! I can check what I have when I get home but I just went to my FLAPS and bought the best battery they had that the computer said would fit. Don't have the cut off but I'll check the group size for you.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

I checked, its a group 78. got it at Advance off the shelf. Good luck and keep me posted!

[Jim M.]

Re: C3 Side Post Battery Purchase Recommendation

AutoZone batteries are mostly made by Johnson Controls. Our Gold batteries are the best bang for the buck. Five year warranty, three years free, last two years pro-rated. If showing the car is not a big concern, put the higher cranking amp battery in, the group 78. It is 800 CCA if I remember correctly.