ok so my car battery died this past weekend. I heavily considered the optima yellow top, but with some advice from members here, i realized i really didnt need it

my option now is the Duralast gold. I made a search and not many people seem to have this. I saw that it was rated high in consumer reports but i want reviews from Z owners specifically. How does it fare against a battery such as optima?

I live in NY so i get hot weather, i get cold weather. I dont have an audio system. I do however listen to music when the car is off from time to time. For $100, Duralast Gold is very tempting. im so confused. Please enlighten me!

 

I have no experience with this battery. You're correct though, in not needing a Yellow Top, if you're not planning on running a high powered system. I know Die-Hard Gold batteries are decent. I've used them in all my daily drivers with excellent results.

I'd say if the warranty is good and so are the cold cranking amps, go for it...

 

the duralast gold has 640 cold cranking, and 800 cranking amps

do you know the spec of the oem battery? googled it with no success. how does this compare to it?

 

I've been using a Duralast battery for the last year or so. That's not really much of a test though. I bought it based on the Consumer Reports rankings as I've had good luck following their ratings over the last 15-20 years.

 

Interesting technical data: The electrical system--& specifically,
the battery--is the weakest area in any vehicle (i.e. the most trouble-prone). Following closely is the A.C. system, then the brakes.
Strong spots? Engine, cooling system, transmission, suspension.
(Source, CR mag'). THAT'S why electrical parts have NO guarantee,
once you abandon the Auto Parts Store.
To scmtkings4: There seems to be a kinda plateau in battery quality, with a few exceptions; so go with a good battery that's NOT way too
expensive, 'cause ANY of them could turn out "excellent" OR last a very
short life. Good luck, old buddy!

 

I have a duralast battery (not gold). It sucks, a year later if I dont start it up every 3 days I have to jump start it. On my other Z, I have a interstate battery and I have had Zero issues with it.

 

I've heard nothing but good things about Interstate batteries...

 

i went ahead and got the duralast gold battery. Fitment was pretty much perfect. shims fit well. Im gonna update this thread in 2 years and let you guys know how everything is lol. thanks for the help guys

 

Year and a half into my Duralast Gold and it's still running great. Excellent cranking power. Car wasn't used for week and a half when I went on vacation. Started on first try.

 

just put one of these in my car recently also. Seems to work fine so far lol.

 

I have been running one for about 3 years. The Z's original battery was dead when I purchased the car, got the dealer to buy me this one for free. No complaints, I have gone 3-4 weeks without starting the car and she will start right up every time. Highly recommend!

 

holy thread awakening . . . .

+1 for duralast gold . . . i had it in my 91 chevy lumina . . and cranking power was never an issue . . . this battery can take it . . about to get one for my Z tomorrow

 

That's why Consumer Reports have ranked the Duralast highest for several years now.

 

while your at it.. Get a battery made for a 98 civic hatchback. They are about 10-15 lbs lighter and bolt directly in. I've been running one for two years.. no difference in life or starting

 

nice find . . .

ok soo i did a comparison of the two batteries at the autozone page (not sure if civic ex = available as hatch, assuming batt to be same with hatch)

first up is Z battery

Part Number: 35-DLG
Weight: 38.25 lbs
Warranty: 8 YR
Notes: *** 640 cold cranking Amps (800 cranking Amps) *** 100 reserve minutes. -> 3 year free replacement <- Battery is vented to outside of vehicle. Labor intensive installation, 30 minute installation. Located underhood by firewall.
Application: Automobile
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 640
Core Charge Applicable: Yes
DIN Designation: BCI or EN Only
EN Designation: DIN or BCI Only
Height (In): 8.875
Height (mm): 225
Length (In): 9.0625
Length (mm): 230
Width (In): 6.9375
Width (mm): 175
Weight (Lbs): 38
Post Location: Top Post
Reserve Capacity (Min): 100
Right Or Left Hand Positive: Right
Voltage: 12



and now the civic battery


Part Number: 51R-DLG
Weight: 28.3 lbs
Warranty: 8 YR
Notes: *** 500 cold cranking Amps (625 cranking Amps) *** 85 reserve minutes. -> 3 year free replacement <-
Application: Automobile
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 500
Core Charge Applicable: Yes
DIN Designation: BCI or EN Only
EN Designation: DIN or BCI Only
Height (In): 8.75
Height (mm): 223
Length (In): 9.375
Length (mm): 238
Width (In): 5.0625
Width (mm): 129
Weight (Lbs): 27.7
Post Location: Top Post
Reserve Capacity (Min): 85
Right Or Left Hand Positive: Right
Voltage: 12

sooo, the dimensions arent exactly same (width is kinda small) . . . ill do a more visual comparison tomorrow and see if i can get away with 10 lb shave . . .

 

I've got the top-end WalMart batteries in my 3 Alfa Spiders. I sometimes don't drive them for a few months at a time, and they always start on the first crank. One of the batteries is over 7 years old, and it's starting to get weak, but I've used them in other cars, too, and they've always worked great for me. IIRC, the last one I bought, maybe 2 years ago, had a 7-year warranty. Not sure if they sell one to fit the 350, though. There are only a few companies that make lead-acid car batteries, and these are made by Johnson Controls.

 

i compared both of the batteries and youre right . . the 51R (civic battery) would just drop in fine . . but the positioning post that goes on the top of the battery needs to be modified for the 51R . . cause if its left like that, tightening the top post will only lead it to bend and the battery would still not be secured. . . . sooo i chickened out and got the type 35 Duralast Gold

 

Bosch batteries are good too, they come with a 3yr free replacement, and a 96month pro-rated warranty.

 

Duralast Gold is fantastic. Dropped one in 2 months back, heard nothing but the highest praise.

 

Most batteries are made by another major company, just branded differently. Top-end models, the Gold for example, are usually high quality, regardless of where you find them.

If you are gonna go Optima, the Red top is the one you want for a normal application.