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Topic: Which battery for 76 350/L48?

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Which battery for 76 350/L48?

Posted: 6/6/05 10:27am Message 1 of 6
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Canada
Joined: 9/3/2003
Posts: 431
Vette(s): 1976, custom paint, chrome headers/side pipes, front/rear spoilers, dual side sport mirrors, bubble tail light conversion

I need to purchase a replacement battery for my '76 and want to make sure I get the correct one (power, terminal location, etc.).  The one in there now has terminals on the side but not sure if that's correct or just what was installed.

Secondly, what is the correct size in terms of power/cold cranking?  Any brands that anyone is particularly partial to?

Finally, for a car that is mostly parked & garaged (not driven), what's the best method to keeping the battery alive longer in between occasional cruises?  There's no electrical outlet available so a powered trickle-charger won't work.  I saw a solar powered trickle-charger, but being in a garage, that probably won't work either. Is my best best just to install a disconnect switch so it's not connected while parked?

TIA

 




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Which battery for 76 350/L48?

Posted: 6/6/05 12:03pm Message 2 of 6
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Rockland, MA - USA
Joined: 1/30/2003
Posts: 584
Vette(s): 76, L48, 4spd & 09, LS3, 6spd

I believe the side terminal is correct for the 76. I'm not sure what battery is actually the correct one, other than delco, but many are replacing with one from Optima.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/c onfig/home.html 

I don't have any first hand experience with them, but will most likely switch to one these myself in a year or so. They have different batteries depending on the use, and may have one that holds a longer / deeper charge for for cars / boats not used that frequently.

Good Luck -

 

 

 




 

 

Which battery for 76 350/L48?

Posted: 6/6/05 1:12pm Message 3 of 6
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
An Optima battery is the way to go, especially if you intend to keep the car long-term. The store's application guide will give you the proper battery number to buy. The original is a side terminal, size 74, but I don't know what that number corresponds to today.

I have an Optima in my '78. It is both side terminal and top post equipped. Besides its cranking amp and reserve capacity being excellent, its construction makes it gas far less than a standard construction battery. I felt that's important since the battery is located in the car's interior, even if it is in a compartment. I bought my Optima at Costco, which was a good bit less expensive than retail stores.

For maintaining the battery's charge when driven little, you can buy a "Battery Tender". They're very good for that purpose and not expensive. Most any auto parts store carries them.Gunslinger38509.5510185185


Which battery for 76 350/L48?

Posted: 6/6/05 6:19pm Message 4 of 6
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans

maybe im just a freak...  but i always go for the largest CA/CCA battery that will physically fit..

there have been plenty of times that i thanked myself for getting a monster battery..




Which battery for 76 350/L48?

Posted: 6/6/05 7:27pm Message 5 of 6
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
I tend to do the same thing as Ben.  Lots of CCA.  Not always necessary, but it does get past a marginal situation, for whatever the reason.


Which battery for 76 350/L48?

Posted: 6/6/05 10:03pm Message 6 of 6
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II

I have a 76 and just replaced my old battery with an Optima this spring. It's a great battery and yes side post batteries are what the Vette came with.

 

Glen




in Forum: C3 Electrical


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