Fwd: [M] Alterpower alternator charging control switch

[Jemison Richard]

As Clerance Snyder pointed out a bit ago - the losses are largely mechanical
- not electrical.  And true 5 hp isn't much but then again - the difference
on the dyno for most 60's muscle cars between a 2 bbl carb and a 4 was just
about 5 hp.   And how many people popped for the big carb!????  :-)
Everything is relative....

rick

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Jim Davies [SMTP:jimd at vcc.bc.ca]
> Sent:	Friday, March 12, 1999 9:49 AM
> To:	diy_efi at efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu
> Subject:	Re: Fwd: [M] Alterpower alternator charging control switch
> 
> 
> 
> On Fri, 12 Mar 1999, Frederic Breitwieser wrote:
> 
> > > Thought someone might find this interesting....  Good for 5 free hp at
> WOT.
> > 
> > Something to consider on the flip side - your alternator
> > puts out 13.x volts... where as a fresh battery puts out
> > 12V.  As you use the battery more and more without charging
> > it, the voltage simply goes down.  Until about 9V when the
> > car stalls and you go camping at that exact spot :)
> > 
> A 12 volt battery puts out 12.6 volts and most cars have a running
> operating voltage of 13.5 to maybe 15.5 volts [minor nit] The thing that I
> always question about these freebee cutout thingies is that if you
> understand how an alternator regulator works, you wouldn't expect much of
> a horsepower increase from them. Dont forget, if system voltage is okay
> and significant loads are not switched on [headlights, A/C, sound
> system...] the alternator will only be outputting a fraction of its rated
> amperage, thus no power loss,