Optima Battery In 2008 Silverado Install

sams819 · October 3, 2010

I do not know if this has been covered before, but if it has I could not find it. I have installed an Optima Battery in my 2008 silverado. The Optima 34R has reversed terminals and is the right size to fit into the truck with NO modifications. Just remove the stock battery and install the Optima 34R in its place. The 34R has CA 1000 CCA800 RC 100, a nice increase over the stock battery. Delco CCA 615 RC 70. I have added some photos.

ChevyUNC14 · October 3, 2010

Here soon I planned on replacing mine to an Optima Red Top and was wondering how I would do this with those style terminals. Thanks for posting, we run Optimas nin our race cars and have always swore by them, never any issues with them what so ever and we have had at least 8 Red Tops in the family and no issues what so ever

sams819 · October 3, 2010

Here soon I planned on replacing mine to an Optima Red Top and was wondering how I would do this with those style terminals. Thanks for posting, we run Optimas nin our race cars and have always swore by them, never any issues with them what so ever and we have had at least 8 Red Tops in the family and no issues what so ever

Yea, I also wanted a red top and this is a drop in. Looks good too.

gmowner4life · October 3, 2010

Dang! I just bought a battery too. I kept looking and the rep at Optima told me that they didn't have anything that would fit..

sams819 · October 3, 2010

Dang! I just bought a battery too. I kept looking and the rep at Optima told me that they didn't have anything that would fit..
Yea they told me that too. But a little digging and some measuring told me this would work just fine.

GasHog369 · October 3, 2010

looks nice. My dad had one in his old monte carlo.. It was great, but ive been hearing some bad stuff about optima's quality lately.. I just ordered myself a odyssey .. Cant wait for it to come in

mhenshaw · October 3, 2010

I was about to order a battery today and everyone wants over $100 dollars for group 48. I know Optima is made in Mexico now, but I still believe they are really good batteries.

Im going to order this tomorrow, thanks for the review.

gleno97 · October 4, 2010

I've got a red top in my 68 Camaro and it has worked flawless for years. It's mounted in the trunk and the best thing is that they don't give off any gasses when charging. My truck is brand new so I'll probably wait a few years before I replace it.....but It will definitely get a red top.

zozmanGMC · October 4, 2010

I have used the Optima red top four times. I have one in my Corvette. The last thing you would want is for the OEM battery to leak acid right above the computer control modules which are--below the battery. My second Red Top was put into my Z28 Camaro. It stayed healthy until two weeks later it failed to start my Camaro and showed a whopping 5 volts on test. It was replaced no problem with another and three years later still working strong. The wife's 2005 Jeep battery crapped out last month. I replaced it with the Red Top. The battery showed no issues and starts the Jeep well. Tip: If you buy a Red Top, go to a store that sells lots of them. Look for the freshness sticker on the side. zoz

ColoradoSkiCountry · October 4, 2010

Batteries are like oil, everyone thinks the brand they use is the best, and will bash any other brand.

ken1mod · October 4, 2010

very true.

BadBowtie1 · October 4, 2010

I put in two yellow top's in my truck's the same day I did the stereo system's.Optima is in all my vehicles never had any problems with them for 15 years now,each to there own but this is what I have always ran the yellow or the red top's.

Wires · October 4, 2010

Tip: If you buy a Red Top, go to a store that sells lots of them. Look for the freshness sticker on the side. zoz

Super important for ALL batteries. They stamp the top with the month/year of build (or have a sticker on it). If the battery sits too long, and goes dead, the plates sulphate, and it won't accept charge very well, and dies quick. Stores are supposed to charge batteries that have sat for 6 months, but I'd rather have one that was delivered in the same/last month instead.

Makes me wonder if that's the case with the NBS and the Delco batteries being "crap". They did have a BCM update to stop draining the battery. My truck was exempt from the update, but I wonder if it hadn't killed the battery before delivery, ruined it, and the BCM was updated before I bought it.

I did the red top as well, and it's been working great since winter when I swapped it out. The Delco I pulled out at 19,000km would go dead in 2 weeks if the truck wasn't driven or charged.

mhenshaw · October 4, 2010

Well I just got a red top from Autozone and it has a 3 year free replacement warrenty, so I can just run it up the strret if it goes bad.

ken1mod · October 4, 2010

There are different types of battery construction with different advantages and dis advantages. Any battery with a three year replacement warranty obviously has the manufacturers confidence.

I guess I have never had a problem with the traditional wet cell technology but if I did a bunch of rock climbing or other violent maneuvering, I would go the Optima route despite a small number of negative reports.

Personally, I have had best experience with Interstate although the NAPA I bought the truck with is a good performer.

I suppose, pick the battery that is best for your particular use. Battery in trunk, Optima because of less gassing but in normal use, the wet type has always served me well. I like being able to add water when needed. Makes me feel good.

Ken