Gen 1 Battery

[VOI9]

Any recommendations as to the best battery for a Gen 1? Brand and type. I am considering an AGM rather than the wet cell because the last two batteries have spilled some of their acid on to the battery tray. Any experience with the AGMs in the Gen 1? This looks like a good project to start the new year. Thank you and Happy New Year to everyone!

[99RT10]

Walmart, Maxx.

[AZTVR]

I am considering an AGM rather than the wet cell because the last two batteries have spilled some of their acid on to the battery tray. Any experience with the AGMs in the Gen 1?

Most would say do not buy an Optima brand, because of past experiences. (I haven't had any issues with mine; but, many others have.)

[dave6666]

Any recommendations as to the best battery for a Gen 1? Brand and type. I am considering an AGM rather than the wet cell because the last two batteries have spilled some of their acid on to the battery tray. Any experience with the AGMs in the Gen 1? This looks like a good project to start the new year. Thank you and Happy New Year to everyone!

I haven't had a wet cell battery leak acid in over 30 years. Trucks, off road cars, sports cars, etc. What kind of junk are you buying?

Also, I do have to warn you about threads wanting to know what the best parts is. All you are going to hear is what everybody has in their car. Whether it's been in there for a day or 8 years. They will say they are happy. I mean, who wouldn't be? You took out a dead battery and now you have a good one right?

Oh. Almost forgot. AutoZone has the best batteries. I use them in my trucks and cars. They are the best.

[Steve-Indy]

Dave made some valid points. One has to work hard to keep up with changing technology...not the least of which are manufacturers' changing specs of battery, failure rates, cost, etc.

For 18 years I have been using Sears Die-Hard Gold batteries in our Gen I and II Vipers(total of 5 here now). Some of these have lasted 8-9 years using battery tenders. Unfortunately, in the last 5 years, the average lifespan on this model seems to be falling...with several making it less than 2 years. Of course, Sears kindly gives me a new one, but I do not enjoy changing them out on these 5 Vipers every couple of years!! Admittedly, our newer Vipers are much easier to remove/install batteries.

Another factor is the dwindling number of Sears stores around here.

In case you have not noticed it, there seem to be Auto Zones everywhere...making it very easy for the occasional return if necessary.

Finally, whatever you choose, read the date on the battery...accepting none more that a few months of age. Also, ask them to test the voltage in the store before you buy one...if below low 12's...get another one. I have turned down "new" batteries testing in the 11 volt range. Could these batteries be rehabilitated...maybe...but I am not willing to try since removing the wheel, etc. is the penalty for such folly.

Finally, I will not put a new battery into a Viper (especially Gen I and II) without charging it with the appropriate charger for at least a couple of days. Even after that, I will let it sit off of the charger for a day or two to test voltage before putting it into a Viper.

[Granger73]

^^^^^
Words of wisdom.

[Mad Max]

Steve always has valuable info. He's worth listening to. Glad to have him as a member!

[Matt M, Pa]

My local shop recommended the Deka Intimadator AGM for the Viper. I now have one of these in both my 96 RT and 2000 GTS. they fit well...and whileit hasn't been that long...so far so good.

[AZTVR]

My local shop recommended the Deka Intimadator AGM for the Viper. I now have one of these in both my 96 RT and 2000 GTS. they fit well...and while it hasn't been that long...so far so good.

Made by East Penn Mfg. in good old Pennsylvania, 10 miles from my grade school home.

[VOI9]

In response to dave6666, the battery is the Mopar battery installed by the dealer. It is six year old.

[Steve-Indy]

I will share a fact or two. Dealer installed a "Mopar 72 month" battery in a friend's Viper...and it lasted 2 years and 11 months. I made a "housecall" to install a new battery purchased from another source. When we visited installing dealer for possible prorating...we found out two things: First, this "72 month" battery had full exchange warranty for only 18 months (50% less than other similar bttreries costing much less)!! Second, battery MUST be in the car and read by instruments at the dealer before any warranty can be considered...NEVER MIND that we had full service records and bill of sale for said battery. Since the $$$ would by tiny, and we had no intention of reinstalling a completely dead battery into this Viper and then trying to get the car to the dealer for verification...we passed...and Fiat won again. SAD !!!

[VOI9]

Ok, so it seems there is no consensus so far. Votes for Deka intimidator AGM, Sears Die Hard Gold, AutoZone, Walmart Maxx. No to Optima and Mopar. Anyone else have any thoughts on the Gen 1 battery? Thanks