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Auto Racing/alt.effects on H.P.

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Expert: - 8/20/2006


Question
How much horsepower is lost by running an alternator for stock car racing, better to take alt. off and charge battery fully before running it in each racing stage?

Answer
Hi Jeff:

Only 2 or 3 horsepower, but every last one counts. I race in three classes, in one of them I have to have a working alternator on the car.  I've rigged a vacuum switch so that when I'm on the gas, the alternator is disconnected. The only time it charges is at idle or if I'm off the gas, downshifting and entering a corner.

The other two cars are not equipped with alternators for that reason. Besides, they're extra weight !!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida  

Auto Racing

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Dan Liddy

Expertise

Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.

Experience

I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !

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