16 volt battery?

[Black93GT]

considering everything is designed for 12vdc it wouldn't be practical. You'd get stuck swapping out all the bulbs, electric motors, sensors etc etc etc.

[dcrider69]

Not accurate info there, many drag racers use 16v with factory lighting.

[Black93GT]

Apparently I was under the misinformation they use 16v systems to run an engine without an alternator.

[dcrider69]

Some do and some don't. Thats where my concern is. I dont believe the 16v itself is a problem but the alternating current could possibly spike to a harmful level. I have read that the main concern is bulbs not lasting long and "cheaper" components. I dont know if flex a lite fans would fall into the "cheaper" category or not. I was hoping to find some folks with real world experience and report back. I imagine I will be doing very little night driving, so the bulbs shouldnt be a big concern.

[214Chevy]

I don't know much, but logically thinking, I would assume drag racers aren't driving there cars for long periods of times like we would. Nor, do they have radios, A/C, etc. All of the things that a driver would have, which, as someone already stated, is designed to run of 14v. Unless you have a killer sound system with lots of amps and other power robbing amenities, I would assume 16v would be overkill. Instead of a 16v battery, just bump up the amps on your alternator. Like, maybe say a 250-275 amp. That's what I'm gonna do.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by 214Chevelle

I don't know much, but logically thinking, I would assume drag racers aren't driving there cars for long periods of times like we would. Nor, do they have radios, A/C, etc. All of the things that a driver would have, which, as someone already stated, is designed to run of 14v. Unless you have a killer sound system with lots of amps and other power robbing amenities, I would assume 16v would be overkill. Instead of a 16v battery, just bump up the amps on your alternator. Like, maybe say a 250-275 amp. That's what I'm gonna do.

Correct, a properly functioning and designed 12V system is more than enough to run a standard and high demand car.

[roysbb]

I see a distinct advantage to having more than 12V for starting. Aside from cranking, many ignition boxes need a full 12V to output anything.

When cranking, it is not uncommon for a battery's voltage to drop below 12V.
In this case you will have hard starting when using many popular ignition boxes. Newer computer controlled vehicles are even more sensitive to voltages below 12V.

What if you could run the starter/alternator, ignition, headlamps, fans and fuel pumps on the higher voltage and then regulate that down to 12V for the rest of the vehicle?

This should be easy, as most these devices should use relays because of their current demands. The relays could just source +16 rather than +12.

With a system like this the 12V should be rock steady at +12.6V or whatever you set it to, as there would be very little draw on the +12V side.

Am I missing something? Roy