Page 1 of 1

16v system change-up

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:46 pm
by sverbus
Thinking of going to a 16v system instead of 2 12v batteries, but was curious to what all has to be changed? I do run an alternator because I run the car on the street, so what has to be changed?

I also run a MSD 6al and electric fan and such.

Thanks guys..

Scott

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:25 am
by John_Heard
Don't know about that alternator - anyone know what a 16 volt alternator's output voltage is? I know some people run them on race cars but not sure if they are stepping down sensitive parts or not? I'm not sure that would be a good setup on something you're going to drive around much.

16v

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:10 am
by kyleracer
You can always use a step down resistor between the 16v and anything that can not handle that much ! :-) I have been told by guys that have 16v batt systems that almost everything can run on the extra voltage !

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:22 am
by John_Heard
The problem is when charging with a 16v setup and the voltage gets up around 19+. Many sensitive electronic compenents don't like that, like data loggers, EFI, MSD?, etc. I've been told to have that stuff disconnected when charging, that's why I'm not too sure about the deal with an alternator and how much it puts out. Think it would be wise to do the step down thing in that case. You'll have the brightest headlights in town! lol

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:35 am
by sverbus
Am I barking up a tree that I don't need to with doing it? The one main reason I was thinking that i need more power through-out the car is how many electrical devices I've got with fan/MSD/Gauges/headlights/COIL and that a dual 12v battery setup was in order but yet that can be very heavy.

The 16v system is 1 battery and a light battery at that and puts out more power.

But if I'm going to have alot of money wrapped up in it with step downs and new everything than maybe I'll just put another red top Optima in and just run a dual setup.

When running a dual setup with an alternator how do I run the wiring for the charging? just charge one battery and they will charge each other? inquiring minds want to know! :)

thanks fellas,

Scott

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:15 am
by John_Heard
In my opinion for a car you're gonna run on the street I'd rather run a 140 amp alternator w/12 volt battery setup. Perhaps a 16 with alternator would work too but I don't know much about those setups to tell ya one way or the other.

To run a dual battery setup all you have to do it us run the batteries in parallel - run the positive to positive and negative to negative

16V

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:19 pm
by Tom Rix
I have run 16v batteries in my 3 race cars for several years. On one I run an East Coast 16v alternator. I have my Meziere water pumps and Magnafuel fuel pumps set up to run on 16v. All other components including 7531 Msd, Autometer play back gauges, O2 sensors, factory lights and equipment run fine. Starter spins faster. I don't have a full data acquisition system. The only issue I ever had was when I ran the Moroso 12v electric water pumps they seemed to burn up quicker.
I would agree with John that on a full street car I would probably stick with 12v and just run a larger output alternator.

Tom

Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:42 pm
by sverbus
yeah, I think that since I already own 1 red top Optima battery and mount and a PowerMaster 100amp alt I'm just going to mount another battery over the drivers side rear tire and put a nice mount in there and take John's advice and run them parallel and call it a day.

The one thing that I did was at the beginning of this summer when I put the vacuum pump on I went to a 5" bottom pulley, which slowed down the alternator and affected charging. I'm going to go back to a 7" pulley and that should be alot better.

thanks for the advice guys.

Scott

Re: 16v system change-up

Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 8:32 am
by vphtony
Looking through this site, thought I'd comment. It's true that alternators charge to 19V+ when using a 16V alternator.

Isn't the purpose of a 16V battery to go alternator-less, though? :)

Maybe what is needed is a "14V lead-acid" battery. That would require an alternator tuned for 16.8V or so, you'd get a little more voltage than if you ran a 16V battery without an alternator. Would have better cranking with the battery being 14V nominal instead of 12V nominal. Anyways I've never seen a 14V lead battery (though it is possible).

Re: 16v system change-up

Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 11:25 am
by Dykes&Strippers
IMO the only reason to run a 16V system is in cases where an alternator is not an option! I run 12V with an alternator in my door car and 16V with no alternator in my dragster. I believe one problem with most 12V systems and alternators is the dual battery set-ups...most people do not run a big enough alterantor to keep up with dual batteries. If the car is wired properly, has a good battery, and a properly size alternator and pulley cofiguaration, a single battery will out perform a dual setup!

With that said, I love my 16V set-up!! I have a 6AL, digital programmable timing computer, water pump, fan, electric vac pump, and Magna Fuel 500...15.9 Volts going down the track!!! My old 12V system (no alternator) was 11.2V.

If you do decide to go 16V, the only thing you will see is a decrease in light bulb life...your MSD will love it as well as your water pump, fan, and fuel pump. I believe 19V is about the most MSD wants you to stick to it...not sure how much of your factory wiring is left...a stock fuse block and wiring might not be too happy with 16V though.

Re: 16v system change-up

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:06 pm
by solidgnova
Hey guys,

thoughts about a powermaster 12v battery with 100amp alternator setup for the street? I'm running an all motor bb setup.