Well, I knew it was going to happen soon, but I just didn't get around to it. I didn't drive the car over the holidays, and the battery died.
So, I had to take the other car to work today. I didn't have time to take the old battery out, so I have a question for someone who has a 97 cavalier base model.
Can you look at your battery and tell me how many CCA's it has? I have the 2.2L base model.
I want to replace it with something similar. I bought the car in late summer/fall of 96, and it was the original battery.
600....or there abouts....but the more the merrier
you can get an optima for like 128(usd) on sale.
and thats like 800+ CCA.
I believe those batteries were 630 CCA. As stated above, try to get a battery with a little more CCA. It will pay off in the cold weather.
As far as brands are concerned, your choice. I know quite a few on here swear by the Optima yellow tops. Personnally, I just bought a premium battery for my Z with a CCA of 720. No problems with it and I have been able to jump start V8's without even having my car running. My first aftermarket lasted for 5 years, I just replaced it a few months ago and got a little better one with a longer warrenty.
98 Z24
RIP Specks
I got home last night and removed the stock battery. It was..
wait for it..
525 CCA!
Stock AC/Delco "FREEDOM" battery.
Since I have never had a problem starting the car in the 9 years I have had it, even in very very cold weather, I figured that 525 was fine. I don't have anything that uses a lot of current.
Since I was surprised that it was such a low number, I did a little research. Apparently, 525 CCA was "premium" when the car was made. Since then, battery manufacturers have gone nuts trying to sell more and more CCA.
Anyway, it was only $36. We'll see if I live to regret my decision in the future. :-) I'll be sure to let you know.
So, I finally got the old battery out last night. The bolt was corroded and the car was stuck in my driveway and it was cold and windy. I put the new battery in, reconnected the terminals and gave it a go.
Cranked and cranked and cranked. Nothing. I got out, frustrated, and could smell some exhaust. At least I knew it was combusting. Went to bed.
I got up this morning, and gave it another go. I held the gas down when I turned the key, thinking that perhaps the engine was flooded. It almost started. On the second try, it started, but was pretty rough. A white puff of smoke came out of the tailpipe. I let it run for a minute, and drove around the neighborhood, and put it back in the garage. After 20 minutes, I stopped the car. It seems fine now.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
