I got into GM diesels back in 1994. That's 5.7L and later 6.2. I have always bought 1000 CCA batteries for my diesels. It seems they're going away. Hell, Wal-Mart has even done away with them. What are the best choices nowadays?
I got into GM diesels back in 1994. That's 5.7L and later 6.2. I have always bought 1000 CCA batteries for my diesels. It seems they're going away. Hell, Wal-Mart has even done away with them. What are the best choices nowadays?
Safe Gas, Drive A Diesel
1990 GMC Sierra K1500 XC 6.2L
2003 Ford E350 Van 5.4L Triton
Howdy
I have two sets of Optima red top. They are expensive but I have had stellar results with them.
I have had good results with the carquest(not sure who makes these) brand AGM high output batteries. My son works there....
I also use a battery minder desulfier charger twice a year. Might be snake oil but it sure cant hurt....
1996 Chvy 3500 CCDWLB 6.5 Heathed, NO vac, marine injctrs, ARB bumper, BIG pipe, 3" lift, bright lights, bypass oil system.
1986 Chvy 6.2 M1009 blazer RAM AIR, Headers, Custom interior
2001 Chinook RV, V10 gas
1974 John Deere 1530 diesel tractor
1993 John Deere 455 Diesel lawn mower
1967 GTO, 1989 Honda Transalp
2009 VW Jetta TDI, flashed and piped, 6speed, fun car!
1998 6.5 suburban, stock, daughter's
1993 6.5 3500 CCSWLB GM8, Heathed, big exhaust, gauges, Son's
1984 6.2 ATS turbo 3500, SCDWLB - Son's
3 kids, 1 wife, 1 dog
Gunsmith, Tactics Instructor, Fabricator USMC 87-93 Semper Fi!
My '05 came to me (used about 6 years ago) with a pair of batteries from Batteries Plus and I have yet to have ANY issue with them. The last couple of weeks have been here with -20 degree F mornings and my truck started without hesitation. I also put their batteries in my '85 300D about 3 years ago, and last summer bought one for my '06 Ducati ST3S. Best prices I've found and they've proven to be very good batteries.
Thanks. Y'all gave me a couple more choices.
Safe Gas, Drive A Diesel
1990 GMC Sierra K1500 XC 6.2L
2003 Ford E350 Van 5.4L Triton
Just an FYI...you will be hard pressed to find an over the counter battery NOT(or owned) made by Johnson Controls. I think the only other makers are Exide and Delphi. There are some VERY small makers out there but they are drying up. With the lead issues in our country I would buy the best longest lasting batteries you can get.
1996 Chvy 3500 CCDWLB 6.5 Heathed, NO vac, marine injctrs, ARB bumper, BIG pipe, 3" lift, bright lights, bypass oil system.
1986 Chvy 6.2 M1009 blazer RAM AIR, Headers, Custom interior
2001 Chinook RV, V10 gas
1974 John Deere 1530 diesel tractor
1993 John Deere 455 Diesel lawn mower
1967 GTO, 1989 Honda Transalp
2009 VW Jetta TDI, flashed and piped, 6speed, fun car!
1998 6.5 suburban, stock, daughter's
1993 6.5 3500 CCSWLB GM8, Heathed, big exhaust, gauges, Son's
1984 6.2 ATS turbo 3500, SCDWLB - Son's
3 kids, 1 wife, 1 dog
Gunsmith, Tactics Instructor, Fabricator USMC 87-93 Semper Fi!
I picked up a pair of Duracell Procell batteries from Batteries Plus the other year. The specs on the ones I have are Group #78, SLI78M, 1020ca @ 32℉, and 850ca @ 0℉.
I rotate them each fall - driver’s side to passenger side and vice-versa - just to try to even out the wear on them due to the alternator charging the driver’s side and the starter pulling from the passenger side. I also put them on a battery charger every now and then to make sure they’re topped off - I don’t drive the truck more than a couple days a week.
Overall, I’m pleased with them.
'94 GMC 6.5TD K1500 4L80E 2-Door Yukon SLE 221K
'93 Chevrolet 6.5TD K2500HD NV4500 Std. Cab Longbed 187K
'85 Toyota 22R RN60 4x4 Std. Cab Shortbed 178K (Currently retired for rebuild)
Diesel Page Member #2423
I got some Odyssey AGM batteries and while very expensive (~$300 each) they perform very well in cold weather. Didn't plug in on a 20 degree night and it started up just fine in the morning on battery alone.
85' Sub K-20 4x4 6.5 w/ cooling mods
Phazer and Banks Turbo
33" BFG's w/ Bilsteins Rebuilt 700R4 w/ all the upgrades