What Battery are you using?

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by BuickLove, Jun 28, 2018.

  1. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Hello v8,

    I want to know what battery you guys are using to start your big bad buicks up.

    Also what should I be looking for when finding the proper battery for my car.
    - how high should I go for cold cranking amps? I live in NY.
    - specific voltage needed?
    - high performance batteries worth it?

    I have a 69 skylark 350 4bbl. I am asking this because in a recent situation where the engine needed a few extra cycles before it was going to turn over, I could here my battery getting weaker and weaker. Now my car wasn’t going to start either way because my battery didn’t have the proper power To help my turn my engine fast enough . I have a crap battery in there now and want it replaced with the best .

    Thanks guys.
     
  2. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    I’m using an Exide 24S with 700 CCA (with a mild 455). You shouldn’t need anything super ‘hot’ for a stockish 350. If your car won’t turn over adequately with a stock size and CCA battery, you need to check your cables and connections along with your timing.
    Patrick
     
    BuickLove likes this.
  3. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the reply Patrick!

    It’s a completely rebuilt 350 making about 375 hp. Not much of the motor is left stock at this point. And the motor never has a problem starting , it’s under 1000 miles on a fresh rebuild. Cables connections are good and usually the car starts right up. In rare cases tho I have messed up the “correct starting procedures” and due to this excessive attempts to start my car , the battery dies super fast . Im talking less than 10- 15 seconds of total cranking time. That’s why I want a bigger better one, if it even works like that.
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2018
  4. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Buy the battery from Costco with a full replacement warranty of 42 months. If all your components like your starter and cables are good, any battery will do the job. Spend any extra money on a new mini starter.
     
    ilikebmx999 likes this.
  5. riv2x4

    riv2x4 Well-Known Member

    Just got one from Costco for my Riv. Best part is it is an exact fit for my wife's MDX.
     
    BuickLove likes this.
  6. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Okay thanks a bunch . Which battery do you have from costco? Like the Specs of it
     
  7. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Whatever was available for the size needed for our cars. They are now made by Interstate for Costco. There are only a few actual manufacturers but they are sold under many names. The big ones are Johnson Controls, Kirkland, Exide Technologies, etc.
     
  8. ilikebmx999

    ilikebmx999 Well-Known Member

    I’ve got a red top optima in my Buick but only because it came with a parts truck. I’ve got exide brand batteries in everything else because of costco’s prices and warranties. Put two new ones in my blazer and it starts so quick now.

    I had thoughts of going with some AGM batteries from batteries+ but the cost was hard to swallow.
     
  9. deluxe68

    deluxe68 Well-Known Member

    I'm using the Interstate, Megatron Plus MP-24
     
  10. Philip66

    Philip66 Well-Known Member

    Optima Red Top for me.
    I think they’re 900-950 CCA...
     
  11. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Test your battery. There is a good chance that the whole issue is that it has expended its useful life. All those appropriate for your vehicle are called 12 volt batteries even though though they test a little more than that when fully charged. I suspect that a 69 model uses group 24 size battery. Confirm this. Just pick up one in stock that has the highest rated CCA. Look at the date codes and buy the one most recently manufactured.
     
  12. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest


    Optima is made by Johnson Controls.
     
  13. 2001ws6

    2001ws6 last of the v8 interceptors

    InterState MT7-34

    CCA 800
    CA 1000
     
    BuickLove likes this.
  14. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The only requirement I have for my battery is that it have a completely flat top so that my battery topper fits.:D Any decent group 24 battery will work. Currently using a Bosch battery I bought at Pep Boys about 5 years ago.
     
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  15. PCUB

    PCUB PCUB

    In my 71 skylark I used a Costco Interstate Battery with 700CCA and 130reserve capacity (item number 850231 , 24-700series). As stated above warranty is 42 mos.
    When I priced in May of this year, it was very competitive (under $100). Not sure how much you drive your car but I usually keep a float charger on it when not in use.
    Battery case size for your car is pretty specific especially if you have AC or other options as the lines are very close to the battery.
     
  16. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Thank you all for the replies so far. I can see that so far most if not all of you have a battery with 700 cca or more . Mine is less then that. I am going to buy a brand new one and test @flynbuick idea.
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2018
  17. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    My Buick has been my daily driver for over 10 years since 11th grade of high school . Blowing doors of my classmates Hyundai haha;). I will take a look at your battery with the part number given! Thanks for the reply
     
  18. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Larry is group 24 battery stand for the size of it or something ?
     
  19. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Will do, thank you a bunch for the knowledge . I’m going to get a new one with a high cca. :)
     
  20. BuickLove

    BuickLove Well-Known Member

    Nice, looks good online. I will have to get a battery with a high cca like everyone else . Thanks for the reply
     

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