Alternator or no alternator

Dedicated puller: Alternator or No Alternator

  • I run an alternator

    Votes: 34 65.4%

  • I need all the HP I can get so I don't run an alternator

    Votes: 18 34.6%
  • Total voters
    52
  • Poll closed .
97crewcab

97crewcab

Wrong.
Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
2,804
Dedicated puller.

My application electric fuel pump and electric fan, factory water pump.

Do you run an alternator or not...? Why?
 
I don't believe that you would see any gain on a dyno just by losing the alternator, plus you gonna be worried about charging it between runs etc. I would be more inclined to put an electric water pump drive and delete the power steering if you think you can turn it.
 
You don't think it is any draw on HP?

I am going to run an alternator in my truck, but I see a lot of trucks that don't and are all electric. Some have 2 batteries and I have seen as many as 5 in a truck.
Looking for reasons why or why not, and maybe some general discussion.
 
I have heard that even switching off the alternator can gain you 10hp... I believe TurboMatt said you could gain a tenth by switching it off as well. Not sure if that is the right ratio so please no flaming!

Oh, and I do run an alternator.
 
ive seen people not run them and just have 2 batterys but i think it you would just get a small one just for something to kinda charge the batterys wouldnt hurt
 
I haven't ran one for three years now and so far so good the main reason at the time was just to clean up the front of the motor and one less thing to worry about. That is with an electric fuel pump, water pump, and fan. Run 2 to 3 hooks a night then throw it on the charger when I get back to the shop and never had a problem......knock on wood.
 
I am using an John Deere excavator battery mounted in the box of the truck. Electric water pump,fuel,and fans. If it's a dedicated puller I don't see a reason for it. Just make sure you have a good reliable battery.
 
I have seen too many problems with charging not running one. If the system is charged before you pull, the alternator isn't charging that much, so it isn't eating that much HP. I run one.
 
I run one. Keep it simple, run an alternator. Less BULL $HIT to deal with. Then its always charged.
 
I would keep it if it is in a street class, if not, just run two batteries.
 
We run just one Group 31 Excavator battery on my dads 2wd gasser puller. We have made as many as 8 runs with out a charge and had no problems out of it. Thats with running 2 Be Cool Electric Fans, Meizer Electric Water pump, Aeromotive Fuel Pump, MSD 7AL-2 ignition system, plus 2 electric guages and all the lighting.

As for belt driven accesory's goes, just the fan pully with the fan removed (or just a dummy pully if you will) can rob as much as 5hp by its self. Add the resistance of the internals from the alt, and including the water pump and power steering (CR applications), eventually it can all add up. In the day we are in now in this sport, just about every class is beginning to be as close as NASCAR if you will. The difference in winning and loosing could only be the difference or having an extrra 5-10hp.
 
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