September 20, 2026, 10:16 AM
Slick VicBEST 12v Battery?
This thread has derailed a little. Lets get back to it....
Mickey or Hoosier??????
September 20, 2026, 04:31 PM
183Nquote:
Originally posted by Slick Vic:
If you car won't crank on 12v then you have a wiring problem or a starter problem. 16volt dropping to 12 volts due to wiring issues vs 12 volt dropping to 8 volts. The 16 volt is masking your problem. Only motor that I knew needed more than 12 volts was a blown motor with a Magneto, and it wasn't a cranking issue, the mag has to spin fast enough to ignite. We hit it with 36 volts.
Yellowtop Optima is designed for starting and high electrical loads. Charge it correctly and it will last 7 plus years. I only say 7 because I change them at 7.
This. We run red tops and change them at 7 years. I see no need for 16v. Yes it sounds cool cranking fast but my neighbor's at the track is always dead and I've seen others go dead too. And they do it with less warning than a 12v as well. Not something I want to worry about in late rounds.
September 20, 2026, 05:19 PM
B KINGJan., I hit 5 years with my red tops my normal change out time. I might extend them out another year because they're still going strong.
The yellow tops would add an additional 10 lbs. of weight on the rear over the red tops. I guess it will have to wait another year.
2BKING
September 20, 2026, 05:43 PM
markemarkLast raced two weeks ago. Had the ignition on several times doing digital dash additions/ change. Unless voltage drops below 12.65v at home I don’t charge.
mem…i never charge car battery at track…never!
September 21, 2026, 09:41 AM
SpeierRacingHeadsSaturday night while doing a podcast, I let the fans, lights, pump, etc. run a little over an hour. Started at 12.89volts and it was at 12.33 after and hour. Put the 3 step charger on it and charged to 13.8v.. Let the same things run for 10 minutes and settled at 12.8v..
September 21, 2026, 10:18 AM
markemarkquote:
Originally posted by SpeierRacingHeads:Saturday night while doing a podcast, I let the fans, lights, pump, etc. run a little over an hour. Started at 12.89volts and it was at 12.33 after and hour. Put the 3 step charger on it and charged to 13.8v.. Let the same things run for 10 minutes and settled at 12.8v..
Nice, but after turning off all the accessories and prior to charging you should have considered doing a last part of the test. That would be pushing and holding the start PB for 5 seconds simulating trying to start with a low battery. Would have been interesting to hear your results opinion. Or, if having an alternator on the engine, start and let idle for 5 minutes and then check battery resting condition afterwards. Either way, very impressive battery imho.
September 21, 2026, 11:27 AM
markemarkLooking at the Lifeline batteries and found
THIS 16/12v model. Use 16v for cranking with 16v alternator and 12v for the system.
September 21, 2026, 11:34 AM
SpeierRacingHeadsquote:
Originally posted by markemark:
Looking at the Lifeline batteries and found
THIS 16/12v model. Use 16v for cranking with 16v alternator and 12v for the system.
They make these for them as well.
https://rockracingbattery.comp...TERY-1685-p249609036October 02, 2026, 08:14 PM
inferno camaroI'm running titan 8 12V battery and std alternator. 2 years so far and haven't had a charger on it. Resting voltage is 13.2
quote:
Originally posted by markemark:
Are there racers here using the 12v lithium batteries? If yes, are they able to use a standard 12v alternator that outputs 14.4v to charge.