12 volt VS 16 volt
 

I'm sure its been discussed a million times, but has anyone ever actually done a back to back test at the dragstrip comparing a 12 volt battery to a 16 volt battery ? Its nothing fancy...like a 327 Chevy Super Stocker. Just curious if its any performance advantage at all. Thanks

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

I did something very close to back to back and I really think there is nothing there from a performance standpoint, my car has no charging system so the worst case scenario. That being said, I love the 16 volt batteries and would never go back. It spins the starter over like a rocket and there seems to be more reserve, there is no down side except for price. Also, there is nothing to do but bolt them in, the fuel pressure was the same, no other changes.

Jim Caghlin
SS6019

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

My experience is like what Jim posted in ref to performance. And as he said, the 16 V is simply a good choice with no downside that I have experienced.

I also run without an alternator and charge between rounds as time allows. In the later rounds just top of fuel and go back to staging.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

So nothing needs to be changed just install the battery and all set ?

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

Mark, you are correct, a simple swap out and enjoy.

In my experience of equipping a number of builds with 16 V, the XS brand batteries and chargers are giving excellent service.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

Mark,

to be clear, I was speaking of no changes needed when running without an alternator. If equipped with an alternator, it must be a 16V unit.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

I doubt 16 volts would effect the performance of a carbureted engine.

My EFI LT1 did need leaned down when changing to 16 volts.
All I could figure was the injectors going fully open faster? More of their duty cycle is spent wide open?

I still have my 12 volt tunes. Just in case.

It does start up quicker, spins over faster, and likely has a hotter spark while the starter is also drawing current. Seems to cool back down faster on the return road, I'm assuming from the electric fans & electric water pump running faster? Those fans really spin now. :-)

I like 16 volts. Does it run quicker/faster on 16 volts than 12 if tuned correctly both ways? Nope.
And, I'm with Larry on the XM batteries & chargers.

And, I talked to the mfgrs of my electric water pump, and fuel pump. Both told me they were designed to run on 16 volts, since that is so common. MSD told me the same thing about their products, as did FAST. I have found no down side, except maybe battery weight.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

Just remember to get the 16 volt charger On my FI engine I needed to adjust the fuel pressure

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

We have found no difference in performance between 12v and 16V. I personally like the 12V because they will usually let you know when they are getting and also are easier to find a quick replacement. I have seen and experienced many 16V just quitting. My cars starts fine with 12V with 14.5 CR. We have been using Optimas with no problems.

-Aaron

SS/STK #395

www.racetoolsdirect.com

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

Which model XS battery are you using? The S1600 or the XP1000?
15 pounds weight difference with the S1600, lighter but less reserve.
Thinking about removing two 12 volt batteries and alternator for one 16volt and no alternator for weight reduction.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

The only down side that we experienced when first starting out using 16v is that there isn't much warning when they get low. Turned over great leaving the trailer and wouldn't do anything once in the lanes. Was our fault for not keeping an eye on voltage and we weren't running an alternator.



For those that state being able to find a replacement easier if you have 12v batteries it's the same for 16v if you aren't running an alternator. Just pull the 16v and stick a 12v in and go to the lanes. Now if you have a 16v alternator obviously it isn't that easy. I would just unhook the alternator and slap a 12v battery in to finish a race.



I did see a delay box and digital 6 box burned up from leaving a 16v battery charger on too long and it putting out too much voltage. This was an older charger that wasn't regulated well enough. Was putting out 20v.



Curtis

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

You should ALWAYS turn your battery cut off to Off, while charging your batteries. If you checked your charger for AC output, you may be surprised. In-car race car ignition electronics hate AC voltage. Also the 16 volt chargers I have owned put out over 20 volts DC while charging. As many as 5 or 6 AC. MSD stuff hates that.

No more problems since I pulled my head out, and started shutting my 16 volt batteries off while charging.

Nothing in the car "On" (or connected to the batteries) while charging.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

Yep, it was an expensive lesson learned. LOL

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

I would not change to a 16 unless it is a weight thing.

Re: 12 volt VS 16 volt
 

I have used the Turbo Start batteries for 9 years. The 1st pair lasted 7 years and I sold them to another racer who is still using them. Do not buy the light weight version of them, not enough reserve. Always shut the switch off when charging the batteries.