Questions on a new 16v system

[bobs63wagon]

I installed a 16v alternator and 16v battery, located in the back. Wondering if I should put some things on 12v. I have an MSD 7AL-2, electric fuel pump, water pump (Mexiere), and fan. Some say water pump on 16v actually pumps too hard. MSD should be fine from what I heard. Starters seem to be ok on 16v. Just interested in what people have experienced with their 16v systems. The battery is a Rock 3 post, which I did so hooking up the electric window in back is easy. Thanks for any advice.

 

[dvw]

Been running 16 volt for 4 years. The fuel pump will speed up. Mine ran the pressure up. Normally it was 30 psi to the front regulator, then cut down to 5 1/2 psi. With 16 volt it went up to 40 psi. The front regulator wouldn't adjust down that far. The rear return regulator wouldn't either. Had to take it apart and cut the relief spring shorter. Everything else runs fine. It did fail a Meziere pump. Two of the wires going to the brushes broke at the brushes themselves. Put new brushes in and it's been fine. Factory late model Charger fans work very well. Cranks great on one battery. Engine is 580", 15-1, 34 degrees fixed timing, hot or cold. A theoretical properly set alternator will charge as high as 19.4 volts. MSD claims that is to high. They say to limit it to 18 volts. Until recently mine hasn't had a high enough output alternator. In fact ran all last year without one. I talked to the tech at XS battery. He said they have plenty of customers and he himself runs over 18 volts with no issue. The new alternator on mine runs right around 19 volts with accesories turned on.
Doug

 

[bobs63wagon]

Been running 16 volt for 4 years. The fuel pump will speed up. Mine ran the pressure up. Normally it was 30 psi to the front regulator, then cut down to 5 1/2 psi. With 16 volt it went up to 40 psi. The front regulator wouldn't adjust down that far. The rear return regulator wouldn't either. Had to take it apart and cut the relief spring shorter. Everything else runs fine. It did fail a Meziere pump. Two of the wires going to the brushes broke at the brushes themselves. Put new brushes in and it's been fine. Factory late model Charger fans work very well. Cranks great on one battery. Engine is 580", 15-1, 34 degrees fixed timing, hot or cold. A theoretical properly set alternator will charge as high as 19.4 volts. MSD claims that is to high. They say to limit it to 18 volts. Until recently mine hasn't had a high enough output alternator. In fact ran all last year without one. I talked to the tech at XS battery. He said they have plenty of customers and he himself runs over 18 volts with no issue. The new alternator on mine runs right around 19 volts with accesories turned on.
Doug

Thanks for the info. A little work but I think I will put the water pump on 12v just to be safe. Interested to hear you have a regulator on the fuel return as well, if I am reading that right. I will watch the fuel pressure for sure. Don't want to flood this thing.

 

[dvw]

It has a Production Engineering pump. You can see the return line going into the top of the tank. That way the pump is never dead headed at the front regultaor. Fuel is always flowing.
Doug

 

[bcOH67]

just because I saw the thread and am curious-what is the point of 16v vs 12v? Never heard of it so I’m just intrigued. If you don’t feel like giving a lesson it’s ok haha.

 

[bobs63wagon]

just because I saw the thread and am curious-what is the point of 16v vs 12v? Never heard of it so I’m just intrigued. If you don’t feel like giving a lesson it’s ok haha.

I did it to have easier starting. My 12v system was an issue, so instead of changing the 12 alternator with something stronger I went with 16v system. More power for the fuel pump (although will change my fuel regulator now), and supposedly more for the MSD. People say I best check the timing after going 16v as timing may increase. If I am lucky to go a few rounds the 16v alternator will help if I am not able to charge the battery between rounds. Strictly a racing decision.

 

[Photon440]

It's the same principle as used by hot rodders with pre 1960s cars that used 6 Volts, and they put in a 8 Volt battery instead.

 

[dvw]

just because I saw the thread and am curious-what is the point of 16v vs 12v? Never heard of it so I’m just intrigued. If you don’t feel like giving a lesson it’s ok haha.

Much better cranking big inch high compression engines. One 16 volt is way better than the two 800 amp 12 volt batteries. Fans and water pump run faster. So quicker cool down in between rounds.
Doug

 

[bcOH67]

Oh ok, so it’s a racing thing. Cool to learn. Thanks guys!