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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The only requirement I have for my battery is that it have a completely flat top so that my battery topper fits. Any decent group 24 battery will work. Currently using a Bosch battery I bought at Pep Boys about 5 years ago.
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.
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.
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
Nice, looks good online. I will have to get a battery with a high cca like everyone else . Thanks for the reply