Connecting battery cells in series increases total voltage, whereas doing this in parallel increases capacity. Hence a 6-Volt lead-acid battery has 3 cells, while 12-Volt ones have 6 each. Many drag and circle-track racers use 16-Volt batteries to give their machines an extra 33% surge of power. The hotter spark allows them to use larger spark plugs, burn more fuel, and release more energy per stroke
More Racing Benefits from 16V-Batteries
The higher voltage also lets sub components work harder. These may include electric water pumps, fuel pumps, and trans-brake solenoids. The latter allow the vehicle to be in first and reverse gear simultaneously, as if the brake were on.
This allows the torque converter time to ramp up hydraulic pressure, until the driver launches their pocket rocket spectacularly down the line.
An Insider Guide to Using 16-Volt Batteries
- We don’t recommend letting thoughts of extra power persuade you to fit 16-Volt batteries into family runabouts. You may blow more circuits than you imagine, especially inside on-board computers. If you go ahead, then have an auto-electrician install resistors to step down voltage to sensitive components.
- Alternatively, convert your family sedan to a mini pocket rocket with a specialist 3-post battery supplying both voltages. Create a separate circuit from the 16-Volt post for your ignition, electric starter etc. Continue feeding lights, horn, in-car entertainment, etc from the 12-Volt circuit with the third pin a common ground.
To Alternate or Not to Alternate in Drag Racing
If you install a specialist, deep cycle, 3-post battery, you may be able to omit the alternator to save power and weight.
However, you will have to exchange your 16-Volt batteries frequently, to avoid running them flat and damaging them. Finally, remember to take your 16-Volt charger with you to the competition.
Many gurus recommend retaining the alternator instead. They say 16-Volt batteries will last longer. Moreover, the saving should soon pay the cost of the step down capacitors you will still require.
Related
How to wire batteries in parallel
Making Deep Cycle Lead-Acid Batteries Last
Preview Image: Flame Car
