12 volt VS 16 volt

[JCChildress]

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

[Jim Caughlin]

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

[Dragsinger]

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.

[Mark Callanan]

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

[Dragsinger]

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.

[Dragsinger]

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.

[Jim Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

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.

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.