alternator/waterpump

frank beuker · 12th June 2006, 01:04 PM

does anyone know this combi and what are the thoughts about it?
it's from racemate

Frank

Ron Earp · 12th June 2006, 02:05 PM

I really like it and it was discussed in the RCR section, someone has one on their car. But, then I was thinking about alternator failure, which I've seen happen, and I'd hate to ruin a $XXX track day for want of a $50 alternator I can get anywhere.

The Baron · 12th June 2006, 02:21 PM

Does everyone mostly run alternators on race days? I gave up using them and inevitably took them off before an event as they proved quite unreliable when highly stressed (like 8,000 rpm). I used high power lightweight gel batteries which were plenty for a 25 mile race, even running with diff cooling pumps, and I always fired up using a trolley battery to save the on-board. I do like the look of that combi though...

Ron Earp · 12th June 2006, 02:30 PM

Our races are too long for that. One course we run is 4.2 miles around and for over 30 minutes. Plus, we run a lot of mini enduros at 1.5 hours and plan to run the Lola in the 13 hour enduro. Have to have a lot of batteries for that!!!!!!

Sandy · 12th June 2006, 02:53 PM

I have several of these on my cars. They are bullet proof. No Brushes, really simple regulator configuration (might just be a rectifier) and an excellent waterpump, with pulley ratios of your choice. They are essentially custom made for your application. John Barrett is the fellow that does them and he will make them with your choice of racing waterpump and in a variety of pulley configurations. I have on on my SBF in the mustang with 2 Vbelts, and on the RCR-40 with a serpentine and 60amp, and on a Big Block Chevy. They are generally 30 amp units, but you can get the double wide that is 60amp. Have run the mustang for several years on one without a problem.

Downside, cost. It ends up being a more then a race alternator, waterpump and pulley but you get rid of all the bracketing and makes for a nice package.

I can't say enough good things about it, but give John a call he is an old time racer and will chat your ear off!

Sandy

Ron Earp · 12th June 2006, 03:04 PM

I really was tempted to get one, but then Brian's alternator came up for cheap and I got that. I would love to have one on the car though because I like the packaging so much. I have no doubt they work well, but I'm trying to hold down the costs on the build thus it makes sense for me to go tried and true.

How do you tension it? Do you need a tensioner? The crank pulley is obviously fixed, as is the pulley/water pump.

Ron

Russ Noble · 12th June 2006, 03:16 PM

They were originally developed for a racer wanting a smaller more reliable alternator, reliability is 100% according to their sales blurb.

"0 Failure rate, 1000's in use"

http://www.racemate.com/

Regards

frank beuker · 12th June 2006, 03:48 PM

I was planning to use it mainly on road and trackdays so it should be ok
does anyone know if you can get them in europe?

i think there's a tensioner on the side

then i've got more room for the ac unit

Frank

The Baron · 12th June 2006, 04:00 PM

I should imagine there is an idler pulley of sorts that goes with it.

Sandy · 12th June 2006, 04:42 PM

They have no tensioners. The belts and pulleys are the correct length and size so you have to unbolt bolt one of the pulleys to put the belts on. Nothing else needed. Belts don't come off, I run my mustang at 7500+ RPM and never had an issue. Call John up, I'm sure he can get you one to most anywhere as long as you have a credit card

HTH

Sandy

The Baron · 12th June 2006, 04:48 PM

Gotta be worth the extra - cash. Cool piece of kit...

frank beuker · 12th June 2006, 06:25 PM

ok i'll give him a ring tomorrow

sandy my engine's top will be about 8200 rpm but i will ask tomorrow

mayby he's got a setup for a ac aswell

Frank

Sandy · 12th June 2006, 08:17 PM

Frank -

8200RPM is not a problem, he will set up your pulley ratios so your systems works fine. The motor in my RCR is of that range and not a problem. For pulleys he will make anything you need (he does all his own pulley from billet as needed) as long as you can describe it to him :-). Don't expect overnite turnaround, but he will get it done. He races a 65 Fastback mustang and has good stories as well, a good guy for sure.

Sandy

Ron Earp · 12th June 2006, 08:28 PM

Maybe I could do one of these....pulleys included, so, that would save some money and time getting everything done.....

Sandy · 12th June 2006, 08:47 PM

Ron -

That is why I got it. I hate the crappy brackets and pulley problems that you have to sort out. Maybe you can work out an advertising deal with John to help out with pricing

I posted a pic of the RCR-40 engine in the Gallery with the serpentine belt and dry sump.

Sandy

Ian Anderson · 13th June 2006, 02:12 AM

Ron

No the Lola took a drive off the left rear driveshaft to drive the alternator.

2 reasons
1) More space
2) You do not need to wind up the alternaor eash time the engine revs - the drag factor accelerating the altermator with each gear change can be eliminated.

I'll look up some photos from LM Classic 2004 and post up

Ian

Ron Earp · 13th June 2006, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanAnderson

Ron

No the Lola took a drive off the left rear driveshaft to drive the alternator.

2 reasons

On all motor configurations? There were so many motors used in T70s (even a 3.5L Buick in one for a stint) I would imagine that somewhere someone used a standard configuration. No jackshafts and rear drive for me,

, but I'd like to see the pictures. I put in a request to my wife for the Lola book that Amazon has for Father's day, we'll see how that turns out.

frank beuker · 14th June 2006, 06:12 PM

I called John and he wil give me an estimate for the alternator and also a bracket for an ac pump on the same serpentine
Frank

Ian Anderson · 11th July 2006, 04:59 PM

Ron

From this year's event - trying to get the Dax on he road took too much time

Ian