Battery: What are you using and why.

[6PKRTSE]

My new batteries I just buy whatever is on sale and convert them to look like a factory batteries.
For my used batteries once my old repro batteries give up i gut them and hide the lightweight racing batteries inside of them.

 

[heminut]

Another Wal Mart battery user here, like Xcudame, I live in the desert and I get the most inexpensive battery I can. I used to drag race my Cuda so I mounted the battery in the trunk in a vented stainless steel battery box in accordance with NHRA rules. I no longer race the car, but theres an electrical relay box mounted in the engine compartment where the battery originally was so the battery stays where it's at in the trunk.

 

[Dodgeboy]

I use the Optima red top, recently moved it into the truck to cleanup/make room in the engine compartment.
I would go thru a regular car battery every 3 years (Canadian Tire) and each time I start the car I only had 4 tries to start it (I.e. hot engine/cold engine- pump the pedal not enough or too much and no-go). Batteries would all be drained too much after the 4th starting attempt if I messed up. And every 3 years the Batteries would just be junk.

 

[340sport]

Walmart batteries in my A-bodies as suggested by many. Converted to appear as a factory battery with the cap/decal dress up kit. Will do the same with the 'cuda

 

[Katfish]

You guys in cold weather have it rougher. The CCA number is taken at 0 F and is roughly only 60% of the warm number.
Since I'm in FL the cheapest 24F battery with 585 CCA is actually 900 for me, because my temps never go below 40F.

 

[toolmanmike]

Wal Mart battery here. Inexpensive and it has pry off caps and a black case. I dressed it up with one of these kits from Weskcar.

Mopar battery dress up kits and cap color chart

Here's some slick kits to make your Parts store battery look like a original Mopar one. I bought a Everstart from Wal Mart that had smooth sides and top. The kits are shipped from Belgium so they will take a while to get there. Items for sale by weskcar | eBay UPDATE 1/22. they also have...

www.forabodiesonly.com

 

[Challenger RTA]

best for the price. No way was going to spend 600 for a battery that was period correct.

I could not agree more! I have bought work cars for less. Then drove them for years with a good battery and tires. Then sold it for about the same.

So would the $150 premium last 10yrs or the $300 lithium last 20yrs?
Of course not.

If only!

I get from the late model wrecking yards. $35

Got tired of buy new batteries for cars that I didn't drive much. Musical cars as I worked on them. They would only last a few years. Went to the wrecking yard and bought 5 at $30 and lasted 5-6 years. They were Panasonic.

Must be your local store?

I think there was a change of management policy. It's just not my first choice now.

had 3 that rotted the positive post off inside the battery after 3 years

That's what I heard before. It's disappointing.

AGM battery to ensure no leaks onto my painted engine compartment.

That's the way I'm leaning now. price point is an issue.
Also a clean.

Does anyone know who's batteries will last 10 plus years now?

Got a battery out of my sister's car. Someone put an oversized battery in. At times would short out against the body. Was not bolted down. Put in a car for a time a year or 2? Went dead put it aside and tripped over it 10 years latter. Charged it up and worked for a number of years, 5?
AutoZone Duralast.

battery is remove and placed on a 2x4 piece of wood

I have always heard and practiced that. Keeping it of a concrete floor. Probably the manufactures claiming that.

Had a US made red top lasted over 10 years and wasn't even well looked after.

That would be worth it! That would be the Cat's meow!

Forget their lower priced 1yr, 2yr and 3 yr batteries that have prorated warranties. Their platinum battery costs more, but it has a 4 yr warranty with no prorating. The guy in the service department told me to bring it back in 3.5 yrs and get a new one. Even exchange.

A few times bought Autozone Silver. They only lasted a month or two past the warranty.

Autozone Duralast Gold Group

You get what you pay for? Is that what it comes down to?

My new batteries I just buy whatever is on sale and convert them to look like a factory batteries.

I like that Idea. Looks correct. Also self contained for a mishap.

 

[Katfish]

I bought a Walmart Everstart Platinum series battery. Forget their lower priced 1yr, 2yr and 3 yr batteries that have prorated warranties. Their platinum battery costs more, but it has a 4 yr warranty with no prorating. The guy in the service department told me to bring it back in 3.5 yrs and get a new one. Even exchange. He said everyone does it

Hope you understand the 4yr warranty doesn't start over with the exchanged battery?
You get 4yrs on the first, and that's it.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Hope you understand the 4yr warranty doesn't start over with the exchanged battery?
You get 4yrs on the first, and that's it.

So one might get eight years on one dime.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I had 2000 car that the battery went bad after 4 years. My thoughts where: OK it has pw windows, pw door locks, dual pw sunroofs. heated seats, pw seats, heated pw mirrors, Wiper de-icer , Keyless Entry, alarm, remote start, Fog Lights, radio with pw woofer Upgraded Speakers, A/C cruise, trip computer compass.

Ok I get that it's a lot of draw on the system.

2004 I bought the best battery Walmart had to offer. About 4 years later it was done. just out of warranty.

Disappointed! I guess I thought I would get ten years like I did before with other batteries.

Different battery in a different world and time.
Has gone down hill since.

 

[Katfish]

Put mine in the trunk under the package tray when I did the Gen 3 swap.
Best place to maximize space for my golf clubs.

https://postimg.cc/VSN3fP44][/url]

 

[1973]

I only use my cars a few months a year, batteries suck! I have tried the junk yard ones, exide, napa, ( those 2 were very disappointing) i hear alot of people say they hate Walmart batteries but noticed my oldest batteries were Walmarts, ( get them used from friends, come in cars i buy) so i started using them, the only mistake was i tried to order the walmarts on line and had a hell of a time getting the core money back although i brought it in when i picked up the new one , the clerk had no idea how to give me the core credit back since i bought it online, had to call and email many times. I also have had good luck with the Delco batteries (used) my friend just replaced it after 5 years, i think i got another 5 out of it. During the winter i have some cheap float chargers that sit on them, i also go around and put a 2 amp trickle charger on each one for a day or 2, i go around every couple of months with my "VAT 40" load tester, as i think its good to discharge them once in awhile while sitting (?) i used to work at a mopar dealer and bought a new mopar battery in like 1992, that thing just failed a couple of years ago! ( Its in this picture top right)

 

[Katfish]

Glad I took a closer look at my photo, positive terminal wasn't seated.
Sometimes good fortune goes our way......

 

[MoparCarGuy]

I use the Walmart EverStart MAXX Group 27 battery. Was $149.84 in 2023 and they did credit the $12 core charge. Removed the large rectangular caps and decals, installed the Weskcar cap kit/3D-printed Mopar plates on top and the side.
Looks stock for way less $.

I have had an EverStart charger for over 15 years with no issues but bought a CTEK Multi US 7002, 12V Battery Charger to give it a try. Somewhat expensive and only lasted about 3 years before dying so I went back to the EverStart charger. I always put the car on the EverStart trickle charger between outings or shows. Regular lead-acid batteries last the typical 4-5 years. The latest model EverStart MAXX is up to 4 amps which is improved and under $50.

 

[i_taz]

My pickup's OEM is 6 yrs old AGM, no problems. My only experience with Optima is second hand. Someone either left the key on or accessory over night and it started a fire....

 

[Challenger RTA]

lightweight racing batteries inside of them.

If I was going for the period correct look. I like that idea. Here's the specs. 5 seconds of cranking time 900 CA. If it doesn't start in 5 seconds there might be an other problem.

BM Part #:	PC925
Voltage:	12 Volt
Capacity:	28 Ah
Type:	AGM
Warranty:	2 Year
Shipping Weight:	26.00 Pounds
Length:	6.44"
Width:	6.75"
Height:	4.88"
Additional Specs: 330 CCA, 480 MCA, 610 HCA 900 Cranking Amps for 5 Seconds 53 Minute Reserve Capacity Cycle life @ 77° F 400 at 100% DOD -40° F to 140° F Temperature Range More Specs: Made in the USA

I only check EBAY. $279.99.

 

[Challenger RTA]

order the walmarts on line and had a hell of a time getting the core money back although i brought it in when i picked up the new one

Been there done that. Not worth the hassle! I bypass Walmart for batteries by all means anymore. Walmart is less then a mile from my house. I actually dove an hour to get to 3 batteries I ordered online. Took the cores in and had them in five minutes. I do have to say I did buy a battery from Walmart in1997-1998? It did last about 20 years. The last year or two it did struggle at times in cold weather, teens and 20's. Then it died 2017? I think I just took it in as a core. I have to give credit were credit is due.
But on the other hand. I had Walmart batteries go bad just after the warranty expired.

I like ordering on line and picking up. It's not like I can't look at it when I pick it up if it's not going to work.

 

[Challenger RTA]

During the winter i have some cheap float chargers that sit on them

I have to say. Your bank of batteries. Remind me of the bank of batteries for the emergence generators abord ship. Loose them and your dead in the water. Always had to preform PMS. Periodic Maintenance system. If they didn't fall with in the strict parameter. They were replaced.

 

[6PKRTSE]

If I was going for the period correct look. I like that idea. Here's the specs. 5 seconds of cranking time 900 CA. If it doesn't start in 5 seconds there might be an other problem.

BM Part #:	PC925
Voltage:	12 Volt
Capacity:	28 Ah
Type:	AGM
Warranty:	2 Year
Shipping Weight:	26.00 Pounds
Length:	6.44"
Width:	6.75"
Height:	4.88"
Additional Specs: 330 CCA, 480 MCA, 610 HCA 900 Cranking Amps for 5 Seconds 53 Minute Reserve Capacity Cycle life @ 77° F 400 at 100% DOD -40° F to 140° F Temperature Range More Specs: Made in the USA

I only check EBAY. $279.99.

Never any issue. In fact, it turns any of my big blocks over faster than any of the repro style batteries do.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Battey with low CCA.
An other Walmart battery.
A little more than a month ago I bought 3 batteries. One was for my truck. I had it check a while back and it showed low CCA. It would crank slow. If it sat for a few days it wouldn't start. Wouldn't you no it, it starts every time now! I didn't change the battery.