battery question....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 182
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From: bristol
battery question....
hello there, my battery isnt too good, and with running big system id like a big power battery. mine only has 265 crank amps. does anyone know if i can run this type in my vette:
Cranking amps - 2250
Capacity at 20 hour rate - 37Ah
Terminals M6 Stud
Dimensions - 250mm x 97mm x 204mm
Weight - 12.2kg
SBS40 dry cell racing battery
thanks
Cranking amps - 2250
Capacity at 20 hour rate - 37Ah
Terminals M6 Stud
Dimensions - 250mm x 97mm x 204mm
Weight - 12.2kg
SBS40 dry cell racing battery
thanks
Last edited by louisjames; Jul 12, 2008 at 04:12 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
I don't see anything wrong with that battery. I'm doubting the CCA rating though, it appears that the decimal is one place to the right.
With the proper size alternator, the battery shouldn't be supplying the cars electrical load. That is how car electrical systems work, the battery is there primarily for cranking the engine and short term supplier of 12v. Car batteries are not deep discharge batteries and even moderate discharge and recharge shortens their life. Deep discharge batteries, like boat trolling motor batteries aren't good for cranking service either and their lives are shortened by cranking service.
With the proper size alternator, the battery shouldn't be supplying the cars electrical load. That is how car electrical systems work, the battery is there primarily for cranking the engine and short term supplier of 12v. Car batteries are not deep discharge batteries and even moderate discharge and recharge shortens their life. Deep discharge batteries, like boat trolling motor batteries aren't good for cranking service either and their lives are shortened by cranking service.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
battery
batteries are in the system to start the car, act as an electrical system shock absorber, act as a reserve power source at idle, and other little functions like control pulsating DC from your alternator, and electrical spike control.
Installing huge batteries only adds weight to the car unnecessarily.
Now, if you want to install a bigger alternator, that's the path to follow.
the alternator you have should be putting out about half of it's rated amperage at idle if your idle is 600 RPMs or more. If yoiur idle is 500 or less, you need to increase your idle RPM.
THe best way is to put a 160 or 175 amp alternator on it so it will not be near it's rated amperage when you drive.
The biggest problem is heat. The underhood temp plus the heat of making electricity, plus being near the exhaust system plus age all takes their toll on these appliances.
Installing huge batteries only adds weight to the car unnecessarily.
Now, if you want to install a bigger alternator, that's the path to follow.
the alternator you have should be putting out about half of it's rated amperage at idle if your idle is 600 RPMs or more. If yoiur idle is 500 or less, you need to increase your idle RPM.
THe best way is to put a 160 or 175 amp alternator on it so it will not be near it's rated amperage when you drive.
The biggest problem is heat. The underhood temp plus the heat of making electricity, plus being near the exhaust system plus age all takes their toll on these appliances.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
I doubt a larger alternator is a solution. The voltage regulator in alternators cannot respond instantly to current pulses. The battery and the large capacitor will still be the source for the amplifier. Music program material has a very high peak to average ratio, that is, large short pulses of current. Also, even high current alternators cannot deliver even 1/2 their current rating at idle speeds, the battery will source this load current and the alternator will be recharging the battery over a longer time period. Large value capacitors are connected across batteries for high power audio systems to supply large current pulses for short durations so that the battery and/or the alternator isn't called on. I think a better use of money would be to add several large value capacitors across the battery, right at the connection point of the power wires for the amplifier which should be on the battery terminals. Also, you should expect a shorter life for your batteries, even if you install a large one. Maybe 90% of its normal life.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 182
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From: bristol
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