batter died need an alternative
09-14-2009, 04:12 PM
#1
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batter died need an alternative My battery needs to be replaced so i went to autozone and was quoted $250. I then went to Strauss and was quoted $230, i asked if there were any alternatives and was told no. So my question is.... are there any other batteries that fit because 230 for a battery i think is a little ridiculous.
09-14-2009, 04:42 PM
#2
On The Tree
From what I've read in other forums, the original is a group 101 where a group 78 battery is a little taller but will fit in our application. Make sure that it is a true group 78 and doesn't have the top posts on it which will probably go through the hood foam and hit the hood.
I am on my 3rd battery and plan to go with the group 78 from Costco when the time comes ... later than sooner hopefully.
Maybe Wal-Mart sells a group 101??? I know that Costco doesn't.
I am on my 3rd battery and plan to go with the group 78 from Costco when the time comes ... later than sooner hopefully.
Maybe Wal-Mart sells a group 101??? I know that Costco doesn't.
09-14-2009, 04:49 PM
#3
On The Tree
Here is some more information from another Caddy forum ... I hope this helps.
The battery is a 690 cca ACDelco in a fairly new group size: 101. Not many places carry a group 101 battery, and those I found were pretty pricey. Now, it turns out that a group 101 is almost exactly the same width and length as a group 78 battery, and about a half-inch shorter. In the cts, incidentally, it sits on a battery tray that's at least that thick.
Solution: Wal-Mart MAXX group 78N. 900 cca. Warranted free replacement for 3 years, prorated replacement for years 4-9. Top of the group 78 ratings at Consumer Reports, and a best buy. Paid all of $68 + tax.
It's a tighter fit than the original, but not so tight as to require bending, cutting or hammering. I though I might have to 'adjust' the thickness of the battery tray, but doing so was not required.
Yesterday I was at a Walmart and got measurements for three of their batteries.
Model/Group CCA L inchs W H
MAAX 34/78S 700 10 15/16 6 7/8 7 1/4 Side + Top Posts
MAXX 34S 660 10 15/16 6 7/8 7 13/16 Top Posts
MAAX 78S 650 10 15/16 7 1/4 7 1/4 Side Terminals
Price for 34S was $68.48 and 78S was 62.28
I saw no mention for "78N." And of course, our local WalMart store being essentially self-service, there was no one whom I could ask. All MAAX products were clearly labeled as "distributed by Johnson Controls." Dimensional info above was from a booklet entitled "Everstart Application Guide.
CCA ratings on these batteries were lower than for the 78N mentioned by Heavymetal. Note "N" vs "S" in the model designation. Not sure reason. Perhaps Johnson has made some redesign or the rating method has changed in the interim. Perhaps the battery of two years ago was to capable vs the competition so Johnson pulled some plate surface out of the design.
The battery is a 690 cca ACDelco in a fairly new group size: 101. Not many places carry a group 101 battery, and those I found were pretty pricey. Now, it turns out that a group 101 is almost exactly the same width and length as a group 78 battery, and about a half-inch shorter. In the cts, incidentally, it sits on a battery tray that's at least that thick.
Solution: Wal-Mart MAXX group 78N. 900 cca. Warranted free replacement for 3 years, prorated replacement for years 4-9. Top of the group 78 ratings at Consumer Reports, and a best buy. Paid all of $68 + tax.
It's a tighter fit than the original, but not so tight as to require bending, cutting or hammering. I though I might have to 'adjust' the thickness of the battery tray, but doing so was not required.
Yesterday I was at a Walmart and got measurements for three of their batteries.
Model/Group CCA L inchs W H
MAAX 34/78S 700 10 15/16 6 7/8 7 1/4 Side + Top Posts
MAXX 34S 660 10 15/16 6 7/8 7 13/16 Top Posts
MAAX 78S 650 10 15/16 7 1/4 7 1/4 Side Terminals
Price for 34S was $68.48 and 78S was 62.28
I saw no mention for "78N." And of course, our local WalMart store being essentially self-service, there was no one whom I could ask. All MAAX products were clearly labeled as "distributed by Johnson Controls." Dimensional info above was from a booklet entitled "Everstart Application Guide.
CCA ratings on these batteries were lower than for the 78N mentioned by Heavymetal. Note "N" vs "S" in the model designation. Not sure reason. Perhaps Johnson has made some redesign or the rating method has changed in the interim. Perhaps the battery of two years ago was to capable vs the competition so Johnson pulled some plate surface out of the design.
09-14-2009, 06:59 PM
#7
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I used an Optima group 78 red top battery and it fits perfect.
See This thread for pics installed on Justin311's car.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-...med-blown.html
See This thread for pics installed on Justin311's car.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-...med-blown.html
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09-15-2009, 01:03 AM
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The guy at wally mart explained that the 78N/S is the same model battery one for the North with more CCAs for the cold, while the S is for the warmer Southern states. I just picked up a 78S and it works and fits great...sans having to push up the lip on the washer trim a tiny bit.
09-15-2009, 12:13 PM
#13
I looked all over for the 78N, only to find out that N stands for NORTH lol. I ended up getting the 78S (has a bit less CCA, warmer down here lol). The 78S is the same dimensions as the 78N. It's a snug fit but it's in there. Yank those nasty yellow stickers off and it looks great too. 
As for Optimas, I'm on my 3rd one in the Camaro (in 2 years). If I wasn't getting replacements for free, I would have gone back with something else.
As for Optimas, I'm on my 3rd one in the Camaro (in 2 years). If I wasn't getting replacements for free, I would have gone back with something else.
11-10-2009, 04:49 PM
#17
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I finally replaced my dying stock battery with a Costco Kirkland Signature (Johnson Controls?) group 87 battery, 800cca. $65 with a 3 year free replacement warranty / 100 month prorated. It's about 0.25" taller than the stock battery and fits with the stock hardware - no issues.
11-11-2009, 10:01 AM
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My original battery lasted about two years---almost as shiatty as the rear-end. I went with a Optima Yellow but the top posts would not clear the hood, so my C6 got an early BDay gift. Went to WalMart, bought their best, not sure of the model number, but it has been in the car for over three years, many times the V goes two-three weeks without being used, never a problem. Not a big fan of anything WalMart, but their batteries, which I am sure are made by someone else, are worth every penny. A word of caution, take accurate measurements of your battery tray, as I did not do so when I replaced the C6's battery recently (Yep, the $80.00 WalMart in the V outlasted the $200+ Optima in the Vette), and the battery guide in the store was not accurate.
11-11-2009, 10:34 AM
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BTW, if you are set on getting an Optima battery, Amazon.com usually has great prices, the only probably being if you need it immediately you have to go to the local Parts Store and bend over.
11-16-2009, 08:42 PM
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The Napa where I work (Pottstown Auto Parts) we sell Deka batteries a company out of Reading, PA. We sold Napa batteries (Made by Exide like Autozone, Advance or even AC Delco) but we were not having good luck with them so we switched and have better reliability now. Our 6101MF sells for $117 (We stock it) and a 870CCA group 78 goes for 80-something. In my cars I only run an Interstate, Deka, or Optima for Off-roading. Remember there is more to a battery than CCA, plate material only effects the CCA slightly but can reduce sulfering and give more consistant performance. BTW Johnson Controls makes Optima batteries also.