Finally gave in... bought an automatic

[MetroMPG]

Valid question. When I ran alternatorless in my Firefly, it worked fine on reduced voltage. Though I didn't do it at night (dim headlights).

[teoman]

He has batteries of different chemistries and voltages. 7V drone batteries or 48v scooter batteries maybe.

I think he also wants to keep the car as stock as possibble. So he is running alternatorless BUT from the perspective of the car, the function of the alternator is performed by the auxiliary batts.

He will not experience any voltage sag either.


If my car proves to automatically switch off the alternator if the batterie has 15-16v, then i may do the same with supercaps instead of the cars batterie.

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

I understand the measurements. (Impressive ad hoc set up, too, McGyver.) Thanks for the demonstration snaps. But I don't understand your need for stepped voltage in order to run without an alternator. What's that about? I am not criticizing... I actually do not understand the need you describe! Lol.

Stable voltage, portable battery pack, use a(different voltage) battery I already have rather than something purpose built (Read:$$), not buy a heavy deep-cycle battery, efficiency/reliability over using a resistor, able to carry more than one battery, and all to avoid draining the main battery and getting stranded. Take your pick?

[19bonestock88]

Systems like the fuel pump and ignition coils are happier with closer to 14V than with only 12 (or whatever the voltage is on the battery)... car runs better and gives better FE than otherwise

[Stubby79]

Tried it out, finally, now that I'm back to being the sole driver. Disconnected the alt, plugged in the pack and went on my merry way.

The good:
Engine noticeably peppier, especially at light loads. Made her feel a lot lighter. Got to work and back with no issue.

The bad:
The main battery ran out of juice on the way to work the second day, the pack overloaded the 15A accessory fuse, and she died on me. Didn't have what I needed to get her started again, had to call for a jump-start. D'oh!!

I'll revisit this, either when I get the rest of my LEDs, or when I have back-ups installed.

The couple of drives I got out of it were very encouraging.

[MetroMPG]

Any updates? Overall happiness with the car / fuel economy after coming up to one year of ownership?


(I ask because this thread was one of the top 25 most popular of 2018. Compiling the list now...)

[sneakerhead04]

After years of driving a stick shift, buying A/T is the best decision I have ever made.

[Frank Lee]

Care to flesh that out at all?

[MetroMPG]

New Prius owner...


Newbie from Virginia

[Xist]

I am going to go work on my Civic. Autotragics are lame.

Years ago a friend said that with cellphones, eating, and I forget what else, there just was not any reason to drive a stick shift.

Am I the only one that prioritizes driving while driving?

--sent from my iPhone.