Ed
I have run at Bonneville both with and without an alternator. I'm
assuming that you don't want to run the alternator for drag reasons. My
experience is that on at least a V8 it doesen't hurt at all. And on a
positive note probably helps more than it hurts. As an example the ignition
really comes alive when you have an extra two volts to work with.
And don't even bother trying to run electronic fuel injection without
the alternator, 12 volts just won't cut it.
Don't think you need 16 volts, 14 volts should do fine, and your
batteries will probably last longer too.
John Beckett
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Van Scoy <edvs@idt.net>
To: land-speed@autox.team.net <land-speed@autox.team.net>
Date: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 5:00 PM
Subject: 16 Volt?
>One of my problems at Speed Week was a weak battery. I don't run an
>alternator, just a fresh-charged 12V Optima battery. Some of the 1/4
>milers use 16 volt batteries & I was wondering if this was a good choice
>for my Vette and would welcome opinions. The electrical components I
>run off the battery are fuel pump, MSD and electric fan. As a side, I
>have gone through 3 "gel" batteries in the last 7 years, coincidence?
>Ed
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