Delco Freedom Battery Series - 1978-80

[Tom R.]

While Corvette added power options during the later-model C3 years, alternator amperage was chased to accommodate battery capabilities. Base was a 42-amp alternator that called out the R87-5 battery with 430 CCA, but heavy-duty requirements increased from 61 to 63 (calling out the heavy-duty R89-5 battery and 465 CCA) and later a 70-amp alternator called out as K73. It was in 77-78 when the rear window got the C49 "electro" defogger while vehicles were loaded up with power options.

The 3rd edition of the 78-79 TIMJG lists the K73 alternator but does not specifiy a matching battery part number but does reference 465 CCA, which I assume is the R89-5 model. It also lists a 540 CCA and no reference to a battery model number.

Anyone have an old Delco Freedom Battery order guide that might list these numbers and their applications?

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco Freedom Battery Series - 1978-80

Tom, Unsure if this will help but the 1978 AIM shows the GM part# for the batteries with UA1. Maybe you can use those to cross reference to the Delco numbers.

http://www.gmpartswiki.com/getpage?pageid=85712

[Tom R.]

Re: Delco Freedom Battery Series - 1978-80

It was the addition of the 63 amp alternator