Running an alternator

Mike Pearson · 09-19-2017, 03:21 PM

I have never run an alternator. I also have a 16 v battery. I have a lithium battery. They are more stable with the voltage over the charging state. The race car does not run enough to charge the battery with the alternator so I don't see any reason to run one. You still have to charge the batteries between rounds so there is no advantage

buzzinhalfdozen · 09-19-2017, 03:42 PM

My kid runs 12 volt stuff, bracket car, lights, dial boards, ect. He runs an alternator and very rarely charges his battery, lots of times double entering the car. So from my perspective I'd say they do a fair job of keeping up with the demand. Car prints tickets so I'd say an alternator does not cause inconsistent E.T.'s. Merely my observations.

terry1 · 09-19-2017, 03:42 PM

Don't you have to run an alternator in Stk?

Rsmith38 · 09-19-2017, 03:48 PM

By NHRA Rules - you need an alternator in Stock -

Mark Yacavone · 09-19-2017, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry1

Don't you have to run an alternator in Stk?

Yes, it has to be in place, and turning with the engine ;-)

Mark Yacavone · 09-19-2017, 05:55 PM

I've used Ed's idea with the micro switch. I also use it to un-ground the fan relay on the run. Not so much as a speed secret, but to keep the voltage consistent during the run.
Does it help? Can't say, but it can't hurt, as long as you charge between rounds.
We are talking about carb'ed combos here.

Coleydog · 09-19-2017, 07:52 PM

Back in the day we ran a alternator, under driven, charged up for Friday nite then ran Sat and Sunday, had no battery charger at track, 12 volt system. Never a problem starting or running. Let the fan motor run awhile, spray it down, set around waiting with no hassles for the next round, everyone else like ants on candy. Same procedure I'll use on the new car.
Might add, main purpose was to keep 13 volts to run the components not to keep battery charged, alt ran everything, not the bat. Bat just for starting.

MR DERBY CITY · 10-02-2017, 04:29 PM

Ed, my experience is limited to STOCK Eliminator with ONE 12 volt battery....I will HOT LAP with the best of them because......my charging system is top notch ....Remember , when you are hot lapping there is no time to visit the trailer and charge the battery....

Ed Wright · 10-02-2017, 08:51 PM

I know what hot lapping is. Been doing this for about 50 years now. Mine is faster on 16 volts. I also test.

MR DERBY CITY · 10-02-2017, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

I know what hot lapping is. Been doing this for about 50 years now. Mine is faster on 16 volts. I also test.

So....this should be your GOLDEN anniversary season,....Damn ...your old....LOL.......

09-19-2017, 03:21 PM	#1
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,466 Likes: 623 Liked 1,958 Times in 593 Posts	Re: Running an alternator I have never run an alternator. I also have a 16 v battery. I have a lithium battery. They are more stable with the voltage over the charging state. The race car does not run enough to charge the battery with the alternator so I don't see any reason to run one. You still have to charge the batteries between rounds so there is no advantage __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS

09-19-2017, 03:42 PM	#2
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Running an alternator My kid runs 12 volt stuff, bracket car, lights, dial boards, ect. He runs an alternator and very rarely charges his battery, lots of times double entering the car. So from my perspective I'd say they do a fair job of keeping up with the demand. Car prints tickets so I'd say an alternator does not cause inconsistent E.T.'s. Merely my observations. __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

09-19-2017, 03:42 PM	#3
terry1 Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Moncton, N.B. Posts: 276 Likes: 24 Liked 24 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Running an alternator Don't you have to run an alternator in Stk?

09-19-2017, 03:48 PM	#4
Rsmith38 Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 186 Likes: 0 Liked 28 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Running an alternator By NHRA Rules - you need an alternator in Stock -

09-19-2017, 05:55 PM	#6
Mark Yacavone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miles From Nowhere Posts: 7,833 Likes: 2,928 Liked 5,147 Times in 1,964 Posts	Re: Running an alternator I've used Ed's idea with the micro switch. I also use it to un-ground the fan relay on the run. Not so much as a speed secret, but to keep the voltage consistent during the run. Does it help? Can't say, but it can't hurt, as long as you charge between rounds. We are talking about carb'ed combos here. __________________ "We are lucky we don't get as much Government as we pay for." Will Rogers

09-19-2017, 07:52 PM	#7
Coleydog Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 572 Likes: 39 Liked 53 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Running an alternator Back in the day we ran a alternator, under driven, charged up for Friday nite then ran Sat and Sunday, had no battery charger at track, 12 volt system. Never a problem starting or running. Let the fan motor run awhile, spray it down, set around waiting with no hassles for the next round, everyone else like ants on candy. Same procedure I'll use on the new car. Might add, main purpose was to keep 13 volts to run the components not to keep battery charged, alt ran everything, not the bat. Bat just for starting. Last edited by Coleydog; 09-19-2017 at 07:58 PM.

10-02-2017, 04:29 PM	#8
MR DERBY CITY VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Derby City, USA Posts: 3,660 Likes: 1,094 Liked 8,206 Times in 1,536 Posts	Re: Running an alternator Ed, my experience is limited to STOCK Eliminator with ONE 12 volt battery....I will HOT LAP with the best of them because......my charging system is top notch ....Remember , when you are hot lapping there is no time to visit the trailer and charge the battery....

10-02-2017, 08:51 PM	#9
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: Running an alternator I know what hot lapping is. Been doing this for about 50 years now. Mine is faster on 16 volts. I also test. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

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