Best battery for slightly modified 455

Hello,

Would like to know which battery people prefer for their big block engine. Unsure if I need to go the route of a yellow top Optima as I drive my Buick 1-2 times a week. Thank you in advance.

 

I will never buy another parts store battery again, I've had 3 of them fail very soon after the warranty going up and since have started using either Braille or XS Power sealed AGM batteries. I use an XS Power on my 350 powered Skylark and had my girlfriend get one for her Wrangler TJ, never had any problems with either after 3 years!

 

I use a parts store Group 24. No one warrants one very long anymore (and no prorates) so…
Patrick

 

I've used Interstate & Diehard.
I've found the Diehard to be very good on my 455 which does have some power adders on it.
Just in case, I bought a 6000 amp Power Charger because my Honda Odyssey battery died on me and jump starting it wouldn't bring it back to life but a Power Charger did. Vet

 

NAPA. Made in USA...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BAT...PstFx0aArlREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

 

I use Walmart batteries, even in our Tahoes which have far more electrical demands than our old Buicks, never any issues.

 

I only get Rural King batteries. My dually has (2) 1000cca batteries in it.I had Interstate batteries and they only lasted 3 years. You would think paying $140 per battery that they would last or have a better replacement policy. I have had 1 RK battery give out after 2 1/2 years.Took it back and they looked at the receipt and swapped a new battery no questions. I believe they are Exide batteries and priced really good.

 

I like the AGM from Oriellys

 

Interstate is still working great for me. I have them in 8 vehicles and they all live past their life expectancy.

 

I was using group 75 WalMart cheapo batteries but with 12.5-1 comp I went with the larger 78 cheapo...got 7 years out of last one.
I've paid way more for batteries which lasted less long......

 

Two group 31’s in the trunk. Exciide brand that I sell at my store. Extremely good luck with them for our customers I don’t sell nor stock the overpriced NAPA brand.

 

That's what I use. Our weather isn't as harsh here as some and all my vehicles are garaged. That may contribute to my battery longevity.

Usually, I wind up buying a battery for one of my fleet of 5 every 3-5 years. Last year I had to buy 2 Buick batteries about 2 months apart. The 350 car's battery died from sitting on a tender while the engine was down for a 2-year rebuild. It had a cell fail. It was the battery that was in the car when I bought it in 2014 so I got 8 years out of it. I don't know how old it was but at least 8 years old.

The Stage 1's battery died, also with a dead cell, after 10 years of service. Both cars have mini starters and LED lights everywhere I can stuff them. The Stage 1 even has LED headlights. I also don't drive them much during the winter. November to February they usually don't move. This year I didn't even put a tender on the batteries and they both started just fine after sitting for 3 months.

My wife's 2016 Honda HR-V is still on the original battery, knock on wood.

 

Prorate’s were a gimmick. The brand I sell have 2 and 3 year free replacement depending on what level purchased.

 

Prorate…after a year and a half into the prorate program you would pay more for the battery through that program than if you would just outright pay for a new battery. The government got involved and banded the program. Deemed it illegal, false advertising.

 

I've had good luck through the years with Interstate brand batteries, too. I just get the highest level one that fits and they last well beyond their ratings. I have one in the GS400 now that's about 3 1/2 years old, and I have not had any issues with it.

Recently picked up a Diehard brand from Sam's Club for the 91 C1500. That was purely out of convenience, as there was a Sam's Club about 1/2 mile away from where I bought it. The battery in it was toast. We'll see how that one does, though I have high expectations from what people have told me about them. I have one in my lawn tractor that is about 2-years old and it has been very reliable.

 

Costco sells their version of the Interstate - much cheaper.

 

They might have been a gimmick (I know they were a pain in the ass for people who couldn’t do math), but I had a dead Motorcraft (Max I think; 100 month prorated warranty) in my MIL’s car, and it was a $150+ battery. I got the selling dealer to send me proof of purchase and my dealer prorated it; sold me a replacement for about $75. I didn’t know anything about government involvement and I believe Motorcraft still prorates. I think they went away because (1) parts store counter help at the chains can’t do math nor explain how it works to a customer and (2) distributors can’t count on good products (for what they’re willing to pay) so they substituted a regular, shorter, ‘after 18 months you’re **** outta luck’ version.
Patrick

 

If that’s the case, they’re doing the math wrong.

For example: At one time, Motorcraft batteries were $99.95 for a 100 month prorated warranty. First period (12? 24?) were free replacement, after that, it was $10 a month from date of purchase. If it died in the 99th month, the customer still got $10 off the replacement. Dead at 50 months? $50 off the replacement. If it came out costing more, someone was bad at math or starting at the wrong date.
Patrick

 

They are pretty much all made by one or two companies these days.

I agree with Hugger on the AGM, worth the $ to minimize the vented caustic gas and increase the power and lifespan.