Author Topic: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight  (Read 5277 times)

BULLITT65

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Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« on: October 18, 2020, 08:15:37 PM »
Just curious to the guys that currently track their cars, have any of you switched over to a lithium battery for weight savings?
(I have read about 35-40 pounds can be saved)
1969 garnet red Z/28 46k mile unrestored X77
-Looking for 3192477 (front) spiral shocks 3192851 (rear)
-Looking for an original LOF soft ray windshield
-Looking for original Delco side post negative battery cable part # 6297651AV

crossboss

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2020, 06:48:46 AM »
When I vintaged raced, I used a deep cycle Delco marine battery mounted behind the right rear in the trunk. This battery never refused to crank over my engine. That said, on my new car, I will have to research the lithium battery before purchasing. The only issue would be reliability on the lithium VS a good, known reliable battery like I previously mentioned.
Just another T/A fanatic. Current lifelong projects:
1968 Olds 442 W-30
1969 Mustang Fastback w a Can-Am 494 (Boss 429)

BULLITT65

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2020, 06:52:55 AM »
Well, reason I ask is in the motorcycle ATV world it is getting pretty common. But I am kind surprised I don't see more of it in the car world. I figure racers would be the first to utilize it because of the weight savings, and then it would trickle down to the general public. But I know the products are out there (antigravity battery for 1) but thought some racers may be able to shed some light on this.
1969 garnet red Z/28 46k mile unrestored X77
-Looking for 3192477 (front) spiral shocks 3192851 (rear)
-Looking for an original LOF soft ray windshield
-Looking for original Delco side post negative battery cable part # 6297651AV

crossboss

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2020, 03:53:10 PM »
All I can think of on the motorcycle its a lot simpler to crank/start than a large V-8 with high compression. Believe me IF these lithium batts were were the bomb, every racer would be all over them. OR, the cost is not worth it? Just a guess...
Just another T/A fanatic. Current lifelong projects:
1968 Olds 442 W-30
1969 Mustang Fastback w a Can-Am 494 (Boss 429)

BULLITT65

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2020, 04:00:53 PM »
I am not sure. When I look at the import racing pages I see many guys who have switched over. Antigravity makes lithium with an equivalent CCA of 1000, so I don't think that it is the reason. I also have seen a couple guys rig up there own in parallel for the street, and saw another guy purchase an antigravity for the street, but it was expensive. It took out 35lbs out of the nose of his car though.
I know this technology for cars is fairly recent, so perhaps the Trans am Tech, may not allow it yet?
1969 garnet red Z/28 46k mile unrestored X77
-Looking for 3192477 (front) spiral shocks 3192851 (rear)
-Looking for an original LOF soft ray windshield
-Looking for original Delco side post negative battery cable part # 6297651AV

MO

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2020, 06:04:03 PM »
This seems interesting, but I don't see anything stating it's approved by any racing organizations.

https://crateinsider.com/go-lithium-introduces-new-16-volt-lithium-battery-for-race-cars/


1109RWHP

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2020, 01:30:14 AM »
They are used a lot in drag racing. They are expensive though and I think you need a special charger.

BULLITT65

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2020, 02:45:34 AM »
I have seen the manufacturer recommend one, but have been told by guys that have them (for motorcycles) that a regular trickle charger works fine, at least them haven't had any issues.
1969 garnet red Z/28 46k mile unrestored X77
-Looking for 3192477 (front) spiral shocks 3192851 (rear)
-Looking for an original LOF soft ray windshield
-Looking for original Delco side post negative battery cable part # 6297651AV

1109RWHP

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2020, 01:42:53 AM »
The drag race guys are not running alternators so they charge them between rounds.

MO

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2020, 05:22:08 PM »
Yes, they are very expensive. Maybe special charger needed because they are 16v? As they say, speed costs money.

crossboss

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #10 on: October 21, 2020, 09:58:31 PM »
Yes, they are very expensive. Maybe special charger needed because they are 16v? As they say, speed costs money.
The drag race guys are not running alternators so they charge them between rounds.




Both of those comments are correct. Drag Racers don't use alts, therefore charge the batts between rounds. And yes, you will need an extra charger to work with 16 Volts.
JMHO, there are better, and cheaper ways to shed 20-30 pounds on your race car than buying an expensive battery.
Just another T/A fanatic. Current lifelong projects:
1968 Olds 442 W-30
1969 Mustang Fastback w a Can-Am 494 (Boss 429)

tomstiel

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2021, 12:34:26 AM »
we use one in our A/S CAMARO,,,nhra  NEEDS A SPECIAL CHARGER IS 16 VOLTS,,LIGHT AND EXPENSIVE

camaroboy68ss

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Re: Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight
« Reply #12 on: January 05, 2021, 02:58:05 AM »
If they would hold up to regular daily use I would look into it, I have to run an alternator on my drag car as I run is a stock style category.
Young gun with a Camaro or 2.
1968 Camaro RS L30/M20, 2017 Camaro SS
1968 Chevy C10 - Twin to the Camaro
1933 Ford Pickup - "Camaro in disguise"

 

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