Can we talk batteries?

[2010SLVRBULIT]

Use Megatron Interstate batteries on my vehicles(will replace on G5 when needed). Cheaper and very good warranty.

[RubyCamaro]

Originally Posted by Jason@JacFab

Batteries have gotten so ridiculously expensive compared to what they used to be, it's almost sad. I don't have a problem being the guinea pig, this is a cheap experiment compared to what I usually do. Probably won't get to install it until some time after the 1st though, so hopefully you can wait :P

If you have a batteries plus (bulbs), or comparable battery store near you give them a call and ask how much a Deka ETX30L or ETX18L is. I would lean toward toward the 30L (Braille B3121? ) for something not going for all out track times. One of the Corvette guys reported 3 years and still going on his Deka 18L battery, but better safe than sorry which is why I went with the 30L since my car can sit up to two weeks without being driven. I figured 5lbs extra over the 18L wouldn't kill me. Price was within less than $10 of each other, so either way wouldn't break the bank.

Planning to make a kick ass fire retardant foam "case" the size of the original battery with a pocket the new smaller battery will slip into and I can utilize the OE battery mount for it. Should be rad.

Definitely keep us posted on progress with this. It would be cool to have a nice fire retardant case!

[Jason@JacFab]

Battery and foam materials showed up today. Probably gonna be a good week or two before I can make/finish the foam battery box mold, make one, and get it all installed though.

[Jason@JacFab]

Battery weighs 21 lbs according to my bathroom scale.

[giant_g2]

I just took an 8 or 9 year old walmart battery out of my caprice this winter. Only problem is that it isn't a sealed battery, so spillage could be possible.

[trashmanssd]

Interstate makes Optima, its a subsidiary company. I have local interstate distributor (not retailer) that rebuilds interstate's and optima's and they are cheap 35$-65$ and I have found they are better then the new ones every thing is manually checked and verified and tested. Its hard find the optima's rebuilt but I check over the winter I use them for my bass boat need 3 big blue top deepcycle saves a lot money.

[Jason@JacFab]

Originally Posted by giant_g2

I just took an 8 or 9 year old walmart battery out of my caprice this winter. Only problem is that it isn't a sealed battery, so spillage could be possible.

Batteries don't seem to be made like they used to. I had an el cheapo Napa battery in my old Chevelle for damn near 10 years and never had an issue with it. Replaced that with the Optima and I only got about 2, mayyybe 3 years out of.

I did a little test with the foam material last night, it's pretty neat stuff. Took a lighter to it, and it will not ignite just like they said. It's like an off white-ish color, but it's tintable so I can just about make it whatever color I want. Just need to sit down and make a cool looking aluminum mold box the original shape of the battery with a slot for the new battery.

[Camaro Dude]

Originally Posted by Jason@JacFab

I just ordered the Big Crank ETX30L and Odyssey posts for it. ($115.74 shipped for both.) It's supposedly basically the same as the 21lb braille. I usually only drive my Camaro once or twice a week now, sometimes 2 weeks in between driving... I guess we'll see how long/if it works out sitting for days at a time.

Ok, it's high time for an update no?

[B-Wild]

My first choice would be an Optima but since they don't make one for the Camaro, (and seemed to be more preoccupied with the European market) my next choice is a Odyssey.

[Camaro Dude]

I'm very curious what Jason@jacfab has to say about the ETX30L long term test results, as it's purportedly a renamed Braille battery but set at a much lower price point. It's also nice and light, and weight savings for many of us is

[Jason@JacFab]

Originally Posted by Camaro Dude

I'm very curious what Jason@jacfab has to say about the ETX30L long term test results, as it's purportedly a renamed Braille battery but set at a much lower price point. It's also nice and light, and weight savings for many of us is

I never got around to putting it in the car... I've got my old SS back, so maybe here in the near future I will dump it in and see how it fares.

[Firefighter]

So Jason, what? You sold the SS, bought an LT, then got a G8 GT. Now the SS is back? Do you still have the G8?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[BowlingSS]

My car is now over five years. I think a battery is in it's future. What is the best one to get. This thread is reborn.

Bill

[Stingr69]

NAPA is where I got mine. Fits exactly like original and has the vent like it should. Happy with it and would do it again.

-Mark.