Alternator choice?

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Robin Lawrence

You didn't clarify your estimated amp draw on your car. I had a conversation with Larry Hill about this very subject late last year.

If you're running a carburetor with a stock type coil you can get away with a lot less.

I run an EFI system that uses wide band 02 sensors in each primary for data and 2 more in the collectors for the EFI system. Add a EFI High Pressure fuel pump, Large Cooling Fan, electric water pump, 2 Digital Dashes and a Race Pak the little items add way up.

Last car we logged years ago didn't have the Race Pak, 02's on primaries or digital dashes. I was drawing 60 to 65 amps during a chassis dyno run.

Since I was at Holley when I built this car I opted for the MSD 5361 160 amp alternator.

Fuel injection loves Voltage. I also have 2 Optima Red Tops that have worked well. Most times after a run the batteries state of charge is at 95% unless I run the fan and water pump in the pits to cool down.

I think that you cannot go wrong by having too much capacity.

Good luck!

Robin

Race engines run on gasoline, most of the time. Race CARS run on electricity.