I tried to find info on this through the search function but didn't have any luck.

I need a new battery for my Belvedere. Battery is trunk mounted and kept on a float charger. The ancient Optima has gone south. I'm trying to decide what to replace it with.

Are the new Optimas good? I know the old ones were awesome, but the quality took a dip a few years ago.

Is AGM technology the way to go? If so, what brand?

Standard "wet" lead/acid? Does the fact that the battery is installed in the trunk make a difference?

Thanks.

You can use this information to help you pick. Batteries are very subjective item based on where you live, how you maintain it, application, etc. Odyssey's are very good from what I hear. Stick with AGM in my opinion.

http://www.tenbestreview.com/automotive/top-10-best-car-batteries/

http://bestreviews.com/best-car-batteries

I had an AGM reproduction style battery in my Duster which was driven on a regular basis. People told me NOT to buy it as it will fail right out of warranty.

Damned if they were right and it made it to 13 months and started falling off rapidly. $250 tossed down the toilet.

I have a Mopar reproduction AGM battery going on 6 years, no issues whatsoever.
Lead acid ones lasted me 2 years and I don't drive it regularly.
I do keep a Battery Tender on it too.

Odyssey Dry Cell...best bet....Sears sells them under the Die Hard Platinum Label at a savings.......You will love it !!!!!

Rickster

My AGM factory battery in my Magnum is OE from 2005. My 73 Challenger has a spiral wound AGM, from 2004. Both Optima's in my Belvedere race car are 3 1/2 years old. All still going. The trick is not to overcharge, 14.5 volts max. Also the time to full charge is very slow. over night or more at a low rate is best. They will take a quick charge but it won't be a full charge.
Doug

Earth X lithium, weights about 4lbs and will start a 540 lycoming
http://earthxmotorsports.com/shop/etx36e

I really like AGM for a trunk mounted battery. Much more resistant to leaks. It seems like a regular battery eventually leaks and I don't want to have to weld up the trunk floor for that reason.

I have run Optima's. First one many years ago did great. They had quality problems then seemed to recover. I got another a few years ago and it has been fine. The Odessy AGM is supposed to be good also but more spendy.

Interstate mega tron plus 24 or 27, for the money hands down the best battery you can buy...

I have used them in everything from heavy equipment to my wifes hybrid, there is no reason to spend more on less, never had an issue, I havent used them in many daily drivers since I buy new cars and only keep them 3-4 years max, but I have used them in other things and had them sitting on shelves for years then installed them with out problems.
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/b/vintage-car/1970/dodge/coronet/N-zihwpmZzihwp2Z1z0twgiZ1z0ttxgZzihwsq?dsNav=A~Part+Number&1=1