Charging system for drag racing

[jim_ss409]

I'm wondering if I can get by without a charging system on a drag car. It'll have an electric water pump and cooling fan.

 

[MRHP]

Alternator

Get a one wire g.m. self energizing alternator. I have read tests that the amount of drag an alternator is on the motor is less than the amount of h.p. lost due to decreased voltage available for the ignition system.

 

[Ronnie Russell]

Jim, I agree with MRHP . The gain is not worth the loss. We use 2 batteries in the Chevy II, but still use an alternator. Fan, water pump, fuel pump , etc. ..Too many electric stuff to take the chance of running low on ignition voltage.

 

[Fathead Racing]

Jim, If you are concerned with HP loss due to the drag of the charging system see if you can locate underdrive pullys for the 09. Do small block pullies fit our waterpump and damper bolt pattern, I think they do.

 

[jim_ss409]

I'm not concerned about the horsepower loss. I was just thinking, (always dangerous) of ways to keep the costs down. I was also thinking that the engine would look cool with no pullies but at least I can low mount the alternator. I guess that the alternator might also contribute to more consistant times because of the more consistant voltage.

 

[models916]

think of Smokey

Smokey mounted an alternator in front of the radiator with propeller blade on it and let the air spin it. I guess it freeked out the NASCAR tech guys.

 

[Fathead Racing]

You can drive the altenator off the drivshaft under the car and use an electric drive for the water pump!

 

[dq409]

The drag cars I see that don`t have a charging system just charge the battery between rounds.

 

[Ronnie Russell]

Well there you have it , Jim... Different people doing the same thing (racing) and getting the job done with opposite techniques. No wonder new guys get confused after watching us debate about stuff.

 

[thepurelife]

Get a one wire g.m. self energizing alternator. I have read tests that the amount of drag an alternator is on the motor is less than the amount of h.p. lost due to decreased voltage available for the ignition system.

Sometimes your first thoughts are the best.:

 

[tmracing62]

A yellow top Optima and charging between rounds works well.

 

[jim_ss409]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll go with an Optima battery and If I don't run out of time and money I'll low mount a mini alternator.