Update: Since the "cold cranking current" = Cold cranking amps, then the min cold crank amp is in fact the 582 amps in the service manual. I have no idea where these Sears AutoCenter places are getting their information. At this point I am going with the DieHard Gold (North) 640 CCA. I don't drive it often (once every 2-3 weeks) which is another reason.
------------------------------
Hey everyone - I'm shopping for a new battery for my 2004 Z. Can anyone confirm what the minimum CCA should be for the battery (group 35)? The service manual states "cold cranking current (for reference only) as 582A" however, multiple Sears AutoCenters told me that the minimum cold cranking amps is 490. I'm guessing cold cranking current is different from cold cranking amps? (I have no idea about electricity). I'm leaning towards the DieHard Gold South (550 CCA) or the DieHard Gold North (640 CCA) depending on what the min CCA should be. I searched a bunch of threads but could only find the trend of the length of time people switched their batteries. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!

 

Just buy an Optima yellow top.

 

Nope! Amperage is the measure of current. Amps = current.

bill

 

Thanks for the clarification. I just confirmed with a third Sears AutoCenter and they reconfirmed the OEM min CCA is 490. I'm confused to why the service manual does not state the min CCA...maybe I'm not looking in the right place? If anyone can tell me which page the min CCA is in the service manual that would be great. I think i'm settling for the DieHard Gold (South)/550 CCA.

 

Never hurts to exceed the minimum anyway. And those Optima yellow tops are not worth the price. If you are trying save weight, skip dessert for a couple of nights, lol

 

Any AutoZone or Advance will tell you the recommended OEM CCA. Once they input your car in the computer it will give them the correct battery for the car.

 

3 weeks without cranking may exceed the battery capacity especially in cold weather.
Even with a parasitic drain of 60 mA [0.06 x 24 x 21 days] = ~ 31 ampere/hours.

Typically batteries are never fully charged in winter due to driving cycles and excessive draw before recharging.