wrong size battery, big deal?

**chicagochuck** · 07-11-2015

I bought a battery a month ago on sale. Its just been sitting. I just noticed its 550 cold cranking amps. i thought this was low and I checked online and a few auto stores and don't really see any that low for a 2001 grand prix gtp. Most are at-least 680 and up CCA for these motors.

I do live in Chicago pretty cold winters. I'm Just trying to figure out if I should try to sell the new one and get a higher CCA battery... The store will not take it back. They keep saying its the right battery. I looked up Pontiac grand am 2.2 engine that's what it probably is mostly used for....

**Scottydoggs** · 07-11-2015

it should be ok for the most part. higher cca's are nice tho. i ran dual 1000's on my 03 plow truck. nice jump from the old single 700 it came with iirc.

**chicagochuck** · 07-11-2015

Cool Thanks. I'm going to try to swap it one more time.

**J57ltr** · 07-11-2015

I would take it back and get the proper sized battery and tell them that's their problem because they looked up the wrong car, talk to the manager and then ask for the district managers number if that doesn't work. Then get the largest battery that will fit in the tray. A bigger battery will usually at least give you that one dragging start before you have to replace it. I just had that happen to my battery. It gave me that one more start to get to work and was dead at lunch. We have the same issue with batteries down here but it's because of heat not cold. The funny thing was I had checked the CCA on the battery about a week before and it tested at 850cca then when it went dead it was only 37 CCA just a week later. I like to have something in the 1000 range.

Jeff

**chicagochuck** · 07-12-2015

Yeah my thoughts as well. Getting the biggest battery that can fit is the best. It can get pretty hot here too in the summer.

**CrazyGuy03** · 07-12-2015

Optima® 8004-003 RedTop® Starting AGM Battery 34/78

Battery User Guide



Part Number:	8004-003
Manufacturer:	Optima
Description:	OPTIMA® REDTOP® 34/78 Ultra high-performance SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery with reliable cranking power for your auto, car or truck and twice the life. The OPTIMA® REDTOP® will outperform and outlast traditional batteries in demanding cranking/starting applications. The ultimate high-CCA starting battery for vehicles that have alternators capable of keeping up with all electrical loads. If you have demanding electrical accessory loads such as winches, audio systems, and other devices, take a look at the YELLOWTOP® product line. The OPTIMA® model number for this battery is 34/78. If you are replacing an OPTIMA® battery you already have, this model is the same as batteries marked 8004-003, 9004-003, 27990, 34-78, 34/78-980, RED34/78, SC34U, or N9934/78RED. Includes applicable installation and/or height adapters for this battery.
Features:	Strongest five-second starting burst Up to two times longer life More than 15 times the vibration resistance Completely spillproof, mountable in virtually any position Maintenance-free Faster recharging Optimal starting power Cold Cranking Amps: 800 Cranking Amps: 1000 Nominal Voltage: 12 volts Weight: 38.8 lbs Length: 10.06" Width: 6.94" Height: 7.88"

**Impala131** · 07-12-2015

I remember reading that the quality of Optima batteries have dropped significantly in recent years. Might want to consider carefully.

**CrazyGuy03** · 07-12-2015

Hmm.... Any links / proof? I'd check it out when I get time. Every one of my vehicles has a red top in it... Be interested to see what's up

my link was to show you don't need to spend $260 a parts store when it's cheaper online

**tc300** · 07-13-2015

i read that optima doesnt use virgin lead any more.....

**tc300** · 07-13-2015

sams club has group 78 agm for $120ish

**Drive XR7** · 07-13-2015

Originally Posted by Impala131

I remember reading that the quality of Optima batteries have dropped significantly in recent years. Might want to consider carefully.

I have heard this also. The guys on my Mustang forums used to swear by Optima but don't any longer due to low quality.

**CrazyGuy03** · 07-13-2015

Oh well - works for me

**bobc455** · 07-15-2015

You probably need 200-250 amps to start your car.

**ExLimey** · 07-15-2015

I just checked on the Optima website and they state that that battery is 800 CCA and 1000 cranking amps.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us...rting-battery/

**CrazyGuy03** · 07-15-2015

Yeah. That's what I posted ^^^

**J57ltr** · 07-15-2015

I had a bad starter on my park ave with an L36 and it was drawing 275 amps and it always seemed like I had a bad battery when I had it tested at AZ the tester asked if we were trying to start a diesel. after I changed the starter it drew 118 amps.

Jeff

**chicagochuck** · 07-16-2015

An optima red top is what I had in my car before now. I bought it in 07 and it's still not fully dead. It wrked great for 8 yrs. I have used it in multiple cars. I'm not sure of the quality of them now. My red top died during the winter, so I Replaced it out and it sat until march. I decided to charge it in march and it charged. I put it back in a car but the battery wouldn't charge over 12.1 volts . It did start the car for a few months . Then it died 2 weeks ago so I took it out charged it a few hours and now it is in another car . Lol. I know it's prob straining the alt but I just use it for emergencies now . Point is red tops are or were really good.... Also you need a special charger for optima battery's or use a second battery to trick the charger .....

**NotEnoughGPs** · 07-20-2015

I own multiple GP's. I have run Sears Diehard Gold AMG, Energizer (Wal-Mart), AC Delco and Optima RedTop over the past 16 years.
The one brand I have owned more than any other is Optima (currently running 2, have owned 5 total)
I have concluded 1 thing based on my best efforts to buy the most reliable battery and take care of it: When a battery reaches a certain age and you get so many thousands of startups, the battery is going to fail and you go buy a new one. That is about it.
I have read many posts on this site and other car clubs about what a battery is expected to do in a modern automobile, and it is amazing that a battery lasts as long as it does.
If I get 6-7 years on one in a car driven everyday, I figure that is good.
I have not found that Optima's are made cheaper nowadays compared to 10 or more years ago. They typically last 6-7 years.

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