i too have an 06 ss/sc.

optimas can put out higher voltage for longer so when having a system, rather than pulling from the alternator it will dray from the battery (similar to a cap).

i put mine in last nite and it starts quicker and runs smoother (car seemed to bog down on hard shifts into second with OE battery)

 

I dont think a battery change would effect a "bogging" transmission

 

I had a redtop in my Z24 with an aftermarket sytem, underglow kit (only piece of rice), and it definately made a difference there. I was just waiting until mine took a crap, then it would be another red or yellow top for me.

By the way for the robot ordeal, we use two yellow tops wired together for a 24v system in our Remotec Robots which are far more capable and advanced than battlebots, and they do a superb job!

 

In our battlebots we used Lead Acid originally, it eventually was outdated by Lithium Polymer. If I could find a way to implement a Li-Poly charger in to my car, that would be my router

Lithium FTW!!

 

Optima's aroudn here cost about 160-200 the orbit's are going foe 135. Though if you have an orscheln farm and home store where you live, they are going on sale soon. Like the 3rd of october I think. *Is in the loop*