i have a 1970 olds cutlass, w/455 motor. in need of battery, I,m looking to purchase an original delco battery. do I need the R59 or R71S option? thanks in advance

 

Not sure why you need a original battery for a Cutlass unless its a SX or wagon. Just go to a NAPA store and buy one if that's what you want.

 

If your Cutlass came with a 455 from the factory, it would have come with the R71S, which is 12 inches long and therefore has the long tray. Finding that particular battery is only available as a repro and even that is getting difficult from what I understand. Next best alternative is to buy an AC Delco battery from a GM or Delco dealer. See the part number and style from the attached picture. These numbers often change up to another, so it may not be still in use. They can obtain one from year and model hopefully. This way you can "keep your GM car all GM."

 

 

Or you can measure the tray, go to Walmart, get a 5 year battery in the dimensions and amp rating of your choice. Then tear off the stickers. The batteries are quality made in the US of A and a lot cheaper than going to a dealer.

 

Optima for me.

Does not look anything like the original.

However, with one of the Optima battery chargers, they last a long time....like 8-10 years.

 

Back in 2015 my Walmart Everstart 2 year battery finally gave out after 9 solid years of service. My car is a year round daily driver. I can't believe how much batteries are now a days, $111.00 walk out. There was not much price difference for a 5 year vs 2. Bought a group 24F 750cca to replace my group 34 that was 660cca. Both were basically the same physical size. Hopefully it lasts as long as the old one. The Eversart batteries are made by Johnson Controls.

 

I have stuck with Interstate, green top batteries. However have heard that Interstate has cut back on batteries they make, black tops are made in Mexico I heard. Heard Exide is making some now for interstate..
How many manufacturers are there these days that design and produce their own batteries...