Converting to a 16 Volt System
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Converting to a 16 Volt System Has anyone converted their car from a 12 volt to a 16 volt electric system? What exactly is involved in this conversion? I'm looking to do this so any input is appreciated. 
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depends on what items you have running at 16volts.. BUT as far as i have heard, most items are built to take 16+ volts so you should be safe on the conversion. I went from 12 to 16 and had no problems and everything worked/started better. If you have a componant that you are worried about you can always run a 12/16 battery set up
I run the dry cell 16 volt setup. I also run a step down box for my computer(laptop)
The only thing that might be a problem is if you have a stock PCM. I know all the aftermarket computers can handle 16v. You will also have to reset fuel pressure.
I think Bug Stuff 3 pretty much requires a 16-volt setup to operate efficiently. Mike?Steve's turbo car was having issues running the 12V setup and had to switch to 16V. The aftermarket ECUs seem to require a little more juice. Can't help with the conversion though, never done one yet.
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http://www.turbostart.com/16vinst.htm May want to look at that..
If I was running an alternator/12v battery I wouldnt bother but thats just me
If I was running an alternator/12v battery I wouldnt bother but thats just me
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Verdad Gallardo I had tons of problems with my car when it was 12v with an alternator. I switched over to 16v and solved alot of the problems.. The only problem was if I got hot lapped I couldnt charge the battery quick enough. I had a 19 volt alternator built and all the problems went away. I wont have another race car without a 16 volt system.
You need to see how fast the power windows go up now.
You need to see how fast the power windows go up now.
I have used 16v batteries since they came out and have had good/bad luck with them. They are nice without an alternator since the voltage drop isnt bad if you charge it at the track. If my ignition didnt work down to 11.5 volts I wouldnt be real happy with it.
A lot of people try to put a 16v battery in with the stock alternator and the end up with a 14.5 battery - tried it. I suppose if someone did a 16-19v alternator it would be OK, I never liked the 'booster box' arrangement for using the stock alternator, just one more thing to screw up Might be a little hard on light bulbs though but I dont think even the stock PCM would be bothered by 16v.
A lot of people try to put a 16v battery in with the stock alternator and the end up with a 14.5 battery - tried it. I suppose if someone did a 16-19v alternator it would be OK, I never liked the 'booster box' arrangement for using the stock alternator, just one more thing to screw up
Might be a little hard on light bulbs though but I dont think even the stock PCM would be bothered by 16v.
Originally Posted by MADMAN
I had tons of problems with my car when it was 12v with an alternator. I switched over to 16v and solved alot of the problems.. The only problem was if I got hot lapped I couldnt charge the battery quick enough. I had a 19 volt alternator built and all the problems went away. I wont have another race car without a 16 volt system.
You need to see how fast the power windows go up now.
You need to see how fast the power windows go up now.
I have a guy in houston that does them. I will ask him if we can use the LS1 unit. I know we couldnt use the LT1 so I got a smaller Hitachi and had him convert it with a 6rib and 19 volts.
ttt Good thread.
I may be interested in doing this mod. What would I need to do with the electronics I have?
Accel Gen7+
After market electronic gauges
electric fuel pump
trans brake
line lock
head lights and running lights
Thats pretty much all I have.
I may be interested in doing this mod. What would I need to do with the electronics I have?
Accel Gen7+
After market electronic gauges
electric fuel pump
trans brake
line lock
head lights and running lights
Thats pretty much all I have.
