Anyone ever thought of running a switch to shut the voltage regulator off in the alternator to keep the drag down during a race, just while you run the 1/4 and then turn it back on? Anyone think this would be worth it? or would the decrease in voltage actually cost you power from the less voltage going to your coil? Just thinking excessively outside the box here...
shut off alternator while racing?
- Thread starter rjleiker
- Start date
i'm no expert on the subject, but i would think unless you were taking the belt off to have one less thing running off the crank, it wouldn't gain you much if anything at all.
I am of the opinion that the hp lost driving the alternater is easily eclipsed by the value of higher voltage as you described in your original question. Plus you don't have to charge the battery between rounds.
art said:
X2. It's been proven MANY times. Total loss electrical systems are stone age technology.
Tommy
i always thought that the only way to really "save" power was to not have a belt. i really dont think you would gain much plus (said before) wont have to charge the battery as much. just my two cents worth.
the other thing is get a larger dia. pulley which will cause the alternator to work up top more than the bottom end where it is causing more drag.
If you're really interested in gaining a few HP, why not keep the alt and install an electric water pump and electric fan? I'm not an expert, but I would tend to think that would make more sense.
