speed
- Thread starter nortyhat
- Start date
buddyleee5
Well-Known LVC Member
the alternator has nothing to do with your engine power, thats your charging system. too add horsepower go with a CAI, an exhaust system, an sct flasher, or other things of the sort, but an alternator does nothing for performance
it will be added weight, correct.. But the alternator wont make the car run faster.
Alternators are used to charge the battery and to power all the car's electric systems when its engine is running.
So, unless you are going to add a system, no need to worry.
Alternators are used to charge the battery and to power all the car's electric systems when its engine is running.
So, unless you are going to add a system, no need to worry.
gt95coupe
Dedicated LVC Member
Your alternator in short keeps th battery charged. It does not "make" the car faster.
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Roadwarrior50
Active LVC Member
ok so its my system that i just put in thats making my car slower? also ill be adding some 20 inch rims so i guess im going to be crusing
The only reason that a stereo would make your car slower is because its a whole bunch of added weight. Voltage has nothing really do to with vehicle performance, unless your battery and alternator are dead and your car dies.
nickandersonLS01
Dedicated LVC Member
yeah you added at least 300 lbs with all that :q:q:q:q you put in there, 3 screens, a brain, 2 W7's 2 amps 2 batteries a battcap and all that wiring. Those subs alone are at LEAST 50lbs
Rodewaryer
Dedicated LVC Member
Well let's hope those 20's don't plan to be doing any corner carving or speed work......
You could argue against that statement: a higher out-put alternator requires more HP to drive. Also, if the system is drawing the voltage down low enough, his ignition system will loose efficiency.
Of course, the amount of power taken to drive a high out-put alternator isn't very significant (think in terms of power pulley's; changing pulley size/output amount on the water pump, alternator AND power-steering pump on most engines is only 10 HP). Then as far as voltage drawing down low enough to have a serious effect on the ignition system... That's something that would be rather apparent; not just a "slight" dimming of the lights.
If you've added 300lbs of equipment, that's where you're losing speed. The racing rule of thumb is that a weight difference of 100lbs is roughly equal to 10hp, so by adding 300lbs of equipment, you've effectively subtracted 30hp from your engine's output. In other words, your 1st Gen LS V8 (252hp) +300lbs is going to run more like a stock 1st Gen LS V6 (220hp).
Rodewaryer
Dedicated LVC Member
Well let's hope those 20's don't plan to be doing any corner carving or speed work......
It remains to be seen what an unusually serious load (from something else like lights or stereo etc) does to the coils, the injection, the timing etc. It's possible it could effect horspower (I've heard of the injection system being effected by resistance changes when the battery location is changed) but it would likely only be noticeable when you needed absolute maximum hp or on the dyno for example. I mean, if taking the oil level from max to min has been known to get 5hp on the dyno well.....you never know.
It remains to be seen what an unusually serious load (from something else like lights or stereo etc) does to the coils, the injection, the timing etc. It's possible it could effect horspower (I've heard of the injection system being effected by resistance changes when the battery location is changed) but it would likely only be noticeable when you needed absolute maximum hp or on the dyno for example. I mean, if taking the oil level from max to min has been known to get 5hp on the dyno well.....you never know.
so you guys are basically telling me putting all this equipment on be ready for some repairs in the future. ok why when i see like more stuff on ls's on car domain that has more equipment then i have and they dont complain about speed. maybe they dont try to speed huh
eastcoastLS
Dedicated LVC Member
is your sparetire in there as well? how much does that thing sag in the back, i mean 2-300 pounds in the very farthest back portion of the car i would expect to see some sort of sag
LSVIPDEMON
Well-Known LVC Member
If you are so concerned about the alternator here is a old trick my Grandfather taught me. Its simple, just hook up a toggle switch to it and shut it off when you need more power...some people would be amazed at how much HP it brings to the car....well at least old ones, correct me if I'm wrong for the LS.
Ignore the 20's comments my LS has 20's and its fine...I even keep up with alot of worked cars that are half the weight even take most of em off the line......go for something from TSW I can guarantee they will be the lightest 20's you'll find....JUST DON'T GET MY CARLTONS...LOL.
Ignore the 20's comments my LS has 20's and its fine...I even keep up with alot of worked cars that are half the weight even take most of em off the line......go for something from TSW I can guarantee they will be the lightest 20's you'll find....JUST DON'T GET MY CARLTONS...LOL.
Your 20" wheels will have some adverse effects on suspension and (probably) brake wear, but I don't know how much it will wear over the normal setup. The added weight of the a/v system should not be a maintenance factor.so you guys are basically telling me putting all this equipment on be ready for some repairs in the future. ok why when i see like more stuff on ls's on car domain that has more equipment then i have and they dont complain about speed. maybe they dont try to speed huh
As for others not complaining about speed, I think you're right that they just don't notice it. The added weight will really only show itself in cornering, acceleration, and a reduced top-end speed; when you're cruising (either in town or at reasonable highway speeds), you're not coming close to the engine's output potential, so you'd never notice the change.
As for the rear end sagging under 300 lbs, I doubt it. Two adults in the rear seat can easily exceed 300 lbs combined weight (heck, two big guys can easily exceed 400lbs combined weight), and you don't see LS rear ends sagging with passengers.
Also note that I am assuming that Nick's weight estimate is correct; I have no idea how much the equipment weighs.
LSVIPDEMON
Well-Known LVC Member
If you dont exceed the 4% OD margin the suspensions going to be fine from what Im told.....and as far as brakes all you need are good tires and pads.
eastcoastLS
Dedicated LVC Member
i just mentioned the sagging b/c when i had my 15 L7 hooked up with the spare tire and about 200 pounds of cargo and 1 passenger, i noticed it was sagging slightly but not enough for the average person to notice. I AM aware that my car is 2 years older with 85000 miles on it.
LSVIPDEMON
Well-Known LVC Member
Well then just get a real good air bag suspension...
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Should work just the same, but the electrical draw from the LS will drain the battery pretty quickly so you'd only be able to do it for rather short bursts. And if this were something you'd plan on doing, installing a deep cycle battery would be a VERY good idea as standard starting batteries don't particularly enjoy being discharged. Best case scenario would be to set up some sort of electronic over-ride which will automatically reconnect the alternator once you get below a predetermined voltage (say 11.5). And of course, this would all have to be set up using a relay because there is no switch manufactured that will handle 115 amps... at least not one that you'll want in your car. IMO, not really worth it... But that's just me.
LSVIPDEMON
Well-Known LVC Member
Well My grandfather used it in a Willys coupe but I saw a write up in a magazine about it, maybe 4 years ago, and I seen it on HP tv awhile ago as well ( or some show like that) for gaining cheap power from items that can absorb it.
My Grandfather told me it was a big thing for people that had daily drivers and concerned wifes that would notice any extensive mods and not want them raceing back in his 20 somethings.
My Grandfather told me it was a big thing for people that had daily drivers and concerned wifes that would notice any extensive mods and not want them raceing back in his 20 somethings.