What's Your Favorite 16v Battery?

[Bobby Fazio]

I have used XS Power 16v battery in super stocker since beginning of 2010 and is still in there but looks to be taking lots of charge. It looks like Turbo Start and XS both make a lighter 16v weighing in at roughly 30-32 lbs as opposed to the 46 lb version I currently have. Anyone using these? I see the CA is about 100 lower and the reserve capacity is 50 min as opposed to 84. My car is not EFI so mainly starting, moroso water pump motor, tach, and lights at night.

[Rich67stang]

I have 2 Turbo starts in my Superstocker with there charger. I am very happy with them and they charge up quickly.

[Dallas Kelly]

When I brought my car back out in 2012 it was equipped with two 16V "lightweight" XS Power batteries. When I returned to the trailer following each and every run my Racepak dash was flashing a warning for low voltage. The batteries were thoroughly charged prior to the first pass and on charge continually between each successive pass. After four passes over 3.5 hours the engine shut off before I got completely back to the trailer. I called XS Power the next business day to learn what they had to say about the situation. I was connected to an engineer who told me that the Lightweight batteries were designed primarily for cars that were towed back from the end of the track, i.e. ProStock. He suggested that I purchase the 47lb "heavy" batteries (white top/lt. gray case) for S/S type racing. I followed his suggestion and have experienced zero voltage issues, in fact my Racepak indicates less than 0.1V decline for an entire pass. I realize that, based solely on the published specs, none of this scenario seems rational but the results speak for themselves.

[Bobby Fazio]

Ah ok thanks for the input.. why the need to run two 16v batteries? Are these in series, parallel, or just hooked up to different things?

[buzzinhalfdozen]

Bobby, having 2 batteries in a S/S car is a very good idea....the constant starting and stopping in the lanes, at the scales, fuel check ect. you'll be glad you have the extra power. Of course if you really need a workout you can always push your car,me I'm too old and tired for that. Just a suggestion. Joe Forgot to add, some folks think that because they're 16 volt batteries that they have more reserve power, and can be run down to 12 volts (not true)... they merely give you more voltage.

[Dallas Kelly]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fazio

Ah ok thanks for the input.. why the need to run two 16v batteries? Are these in series, parallel, or just hooked up to different things?

My system is parallel and, as Buzzinhalfdozen" said, provides the necessary reserve capacity for all the electrical accessories. Incidentally, the killer draw item in my particular setup is the Spal 16" electric radiator fan. If a certain amount of ballast is required to make class then deriving a secondary benefit from that item is simply a bonus.

[fordteacherguy]

Didn't care for my Turbostarts. Had 2 wired in parallel in my SS'er both went bad in 1 season using their charger and maintainer. These were a pair of the standard weights.

I did like having the 16V system. Fast starts and clean power to my computer.

[countrypuppy4865]

I've only had experience with XS power and I was not very pleased with the life span. In 2011 I purchased my first and it was done in 2012. I bought a new one figuring maybe I got a bad one. It also went out in 2013. So, both batteries each lasted a year. This is on LS1 fuel injected cars, which are more demanding. I have heard good things about Rock batteries, but I have no first hand experience yet. I am interested to hear about some of the more demanding fuel injection combinations using 16v and their thoughts on the best brand battery and any advice on charging etc.

[jmarkaudio]

I've had all three, Turbo Start, XS, and currently the Rock. The Rock works well, but be aware the charger you get is most important at keeping the battery in good condition. The Rock charger (also the same as the Moroso charger just relabeled) I believe is the best charger. It will not overcharge and is a battery maintainer as well. I had a DS charger that destroyed two batteries before I was able to figure it out.

[Ed Carpenter]

Bobby I use 1 lightweight turbostart battery. It works fine but as mentioned here if you have to start it 4 or 5 times in the staging lanes it may run down some. That's why I'm always up front at least in qualifying.