correct battery for 1978

[Ralph A.]

Can someone tell me with the correct battery make and model for a 1978 corvette. Friend just purchased and we want him to get a real repo and not a off brand if he is going to change it anyway.
Thanks
RA

[Joe L.]

Re: correct battery for 1978

Ralph------

While I'm not completely sure about this, I believe that the battery originally installed in 78 Corvettes was a sealed-type Delco Freedom battery. There were 2 differently rated batteries used depending upon whether the car was equipped with the HD battery option.

As far as I know, the Delco Freedom battery is not currently reproduced. If I'm correct, it sort of makes moot the issue of obtaining a reproduction battery.

[Barry #41479]

Re: correct battery for 1978

I have a 78 and have researched this and there is no reproduction battery being produced. I even called a couple of the more noted reproduction companies and was told that it would cost them about $50,000 to produce the prototype and they felt there was not enough of a restoration market currently to support the product. The battery was a sealed Delco Freedom with I believe 460 CCA, (dont have reference with me), so have your friend get a Delco sealed with "green light" and they will get the least amount of deductions when they have it judged.

[Ken Liperi]

Re: correct battery for 1978

I'm going for an NCRS Top Flight this year and have looked for this Delco Freedom (green eye) battery with no luck. Delco says it's not around and a large repro company doesn't make it (past 1976 models). The NCRS Judging Gguide states that Model 87-5 (430 CCA) was the standard battery and model 89-5 (465 CCA) was the optional heavy-duty battery (RPO UA1 option). The top is blue plastic with 2 maintenance free square covers. The sides and bottom are white. "Delco Freedom Battery" is written at an angle across the right cover. A Delco "eye" is in the forward center of the right cover and should indicate "green" if battery is normal. I recall buying a new '77 Corvette and had problems because the factory mistakenly installed a standard battery instead of the heavy duty one, and the car had air and a rear defroster. So IF you find one, go heavy duty. And if anyone knows where any Delco battery is with one of these green "eyes" let me know!