Correct Battery for a '91

[Glen C.]

I need to replace the battery that came in my 1991 when I purchased it. The owners manual only tells me that the car came with a Delco Freedom battery and to replace it with the same battery as the number on the label - needless to say what's in there is not the original. Can anyone steer me the right direction to get the correct replacement for the orignal?

Any help is greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

Glen

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

The 'Freedom' trademarked version of Delco's battery hasn't been made in a LONG time... You 'might' find an old stock unit squirreled away in some mom/pop auto parts house inventory, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Like other high maintenance, short lived parts (e.g. tires), I think you're stuck with doing the best you can and buy a current service replacement version of the part.

[Glen C.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

The 'Freedom' trademarked version of Delco's battery hasn't been made in a LONG time... You 'might' find an old stock unit squirreled away in some mom/pop auto parts house inventory, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Like other high maintenance, short lived parts (e.g. tires), I think you're stuck with doing the best you can and buy a current service replacement version of the part.

Jack,

Thanks for the help. I'll put in the current service replacement. I didn't realize the Freedom version was no longer available. I'm learning a lot with this car.

Thanks again,

Glen

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Jack,

Thanks for the help. I'll put in the current service replacement. I didn't realize the Freedom version was no longer available. I'm learning a lot with this car.

Thanks again,

Glen

Glen-----


The original battery was a group 75B. This battery had VERY limited SERVICE availability and has been discontinued for years.

The closest you can come in a replacement battery is a Delco 7YR-75. This battery will be configured considerably different than the original, but it will be Delco and it will SERVICE your application perfectly.

In any event, you do not want a "dual terminal" style group 75 battery.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Also, I think it is almost impossible to replace a C4's battery with one that is configured correctly. The factory installed batteries had the condition "eye" on the negative terminal side (i.e. outboard when installed in a Corvette) of the battery. All Delco service replacements I have seen have the eye on the positive side of the battery so that ends up inboard.

[Pat M.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

In the near future I'm gonna try to "make" one for my 96.

My current battery is from the generation shortly after my original 75B. Comparing it with pictures of the correct negative eye batteries shows they are actually similar. The main difference is the entire top of the newer battery has been flipped around, which puts the eye on the positive side.

When this battery dies I'm gonna (carefully) take out the guts, cut the top off, and then flip it around to put the top and eye in the correct position. I'm then going to install a small but powerful 12v battery inside like I've seen others have done to make older original Delcos functional. Adding my original sticker to the top should result in a functional battery as close to original as possible.

And if it doesn't work, so what?

Compare the pictures of a correctly configured battery and my current battery:

[Keith B.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Also, I think it is almost impossible to replace a C4's battery with one that is configured correctly. The factory installed batteries had the condition "eye" on the negative terminal side (i.e. outboard when installed in a Corvette) of the battery. All Delco service replacements I have seen have the eye on the positive side of the battery so that ends up inboard.

I have a delco replacement in my 94 that the eye is on the out board side. it was in the car when I bought 2 years ago and knock on wood it will be in there for a couple of more years

[Floyd B.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Pat,
Thanx for the pictures. Very cool.

Keith,
Would you mind posting a picture of your replacement battery and few details like its model number and date of manufacture? Thanx.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

I have a delco replacement in my 94 that the eye is on the out board side. it was in the car when I bought 2 years ago and knock on wood it will be in there for a couple of more years

Keith------


Is it a 75B (or 75Z). Those are the only 2 group 75 batteries that had the "Delco-Eye" on the outboard side as installed in a C4 Corvette. In fact, as far as I know, the only difference between these batteries and the far more common 75A is the location of the "Delco-Eye".

The 75B and 75Z have been discontinued for quite some time. Even when they were available, it was near impossible to get one as no dealer wanted to special order it. I always felt that their "availability" was, at best, "theoretical".

[Keith B.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Joe, and Floyd
sorry I was wrong and my battery does not have a eye. I am not sure why I thought it did

[Everett P.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Could one of these batteries be re-manufactured?
Need one for the 95ZR-1
Thanks!

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

Could one of these batteries be re-manufactured?
Need one for the 95ZR-1
Thanks!

Everett------


I know of no reproductions for these batteries at this time. In fact, I don't think that ANY 75 series battery is reproduced.

[John D.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

I no longer own a C4 but when I did I was contemplating making a fake battery for my 84. So I started collecting old Delcos with white cases and black tops. Well that was a complete waste of time.
The C4 battery is on it's own.
I can't imagine someone reproducing it as they wouldn't break even.
Refer to the Judging reference manual. Use a Delco (if you can find one) and take a 50% hit. You can't even buy a Delco battery in my town.
Now if you have an old original you might be able to have it rebuilt by Jim Kane providing the case doesn't self destruct when he tries to take it apart.

Jim Kane of Cameron Battery in Emporium, PA 814-486-0921. JD

[Jim T.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

If a C4 owner takes a 50% point hit for having a current Delco battery, how many actual points would be lost?

[Fenwick B.]

Re: Correct Battery for a '91

I lost 10 points for a correct service replacement battery on my 90 ZR1. I Also lost 2 points for a PF970C Duraguard service replacement oil filter.