Most powerful battery for early bay with 1600 AS engine

[T2-Nate]

Hi,

I have a Mexican AS 1600 with alternator, what's the most powerful battery
that I can install?
I'd like to be able to charge my satnav or laptop or both while driving + some nice ICE install.
The label on the alternator has vanished zo I can't read any specs but it's a bit stock I guess

Thanx guys

 

[Araon]

Go for the biggest you can fella, and if your upto it a split charger with second battery...

 

[T2-Nate]

My local garage says you hafta stick to the standard size & amps because the alternator can't load the battery of it's too demanding.
I thought it sounded like he was right.

 

[Araon]

thats not strictly true.... what will happen is and remains the case for those with split chargeing etc... there will be a further demand on the alternator to work a little harder but only when the level of the battery drops right down....for what your wanting to run that will be negligeable.

The heavy draw on the alternator will be following a start as your starter motor draws a fecking lot of current, but the larger battery will help in that respect making starting easier, so to regain that the battery will demand what its lost from the alternator, now if you've been running a sound system and cooler and lights through the night then the draw will be very evident and the alternator will work its nads off and get rather warm... initially but once the battery is charged after a few miles (bulk charge phase) it stabilises and the current will be minimal just keeping the battery trickle charged. For what your wanting, chargeing **** on the go I wouldnt bother, the bigger battery is a luxury, starting and using stuff whilst stationary. the kit your wanting to charge is **** all mate....

 

[T2-Nate]

Thank you teacher :wink:

 

[Araon]

If you want to help your starting and alternator, try fitting a hotstart relay, as close to the starter motor, that way any current will be drawn over a short length of cable and not via the ignition switch, dont start the van with lights on or kit on charge, clean and grease the battery and starter terminals.

Its simple stuff that will all help relieve any undue strain on the alternator or dynamo.... a healthy maintained battery will always be a benifit, as when it starts to sulphate the current drawn across increases... pop in a couple of battery aid tablets every year and from new if you have a maintainable battery....

 

[Justin & Muttley]

...pop in a couple of battery aid tablets every year and from new if you have a maintainable battery...

Haven't heard of these before - tell me more dude!

 

[Araon]

get em in any motor factors, tube of tablets like alkaseltzas recommended to put em in from new then say every winter just corrects the ph balance of the water I believe, especially good for vehicles that tend to stand over the winter or prolonged times etc....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BAT-AID-Car-Battery-Revitaliser_W0QQitemZ190189366397QQcmdZViewItem

this isnt a bad price.... I think i paid about 7 notes last time from halfrauds...

 

[Justin & Muttley]

Cheers!

 

[speedwell68]

Personally I'd fit a stock battery for starting. I'd fit a split charge relay and a 85ah leisure battery. Then a seperate fuse box for all the extras.