[ponyakr]

before we leave the subject of electric power, i'll mention this. it takes a lot of power 2 operate electric fans, water pump, ignition system, gauges, lights, starter & fuel pump. most racers don't run an alternator because it siphons off some of the engines power. & although it is true that it does take a small amount of horsepower 2 turn the alt, i think the benefits of running 1, more than overide the small power loss. it won't raise your et that much--so for bracket racing, won't really make a difference. now, especially if you run cooling fans & /or electric water pump between rounds, you have no choice--you must run an alternator & hook up 2 a good charger when you shut the engine off. if not, you will sooner or later(probably sooner) run into low batt power problems. here's 2 tips about the alt. use a 1 wire alt--it simplifies the wiring. they are avail cheap on ebay/amazon. also, i'd consider a deep groove racing pulley std equipment. they slow the alt so that they draw less engine power & more important, it helps keep the fan belt on. if you haven't experienced it yourself, you've probably heard of someone else having the problem of the belt coming off as the rpm increases. the deep groove pulley will stop this, even if the pulleys are not lined up exactly, precisely in line as they should be. the most popular deep pulley is probably the moroso brand. you can buy 1 & add 2 your alt or buy an alt/pulley combo from speedway motors for about $100. so, 2-rear mounted D34/78 optimas with both top & side posts connected, being charged by a 1-wire alt w/deep groove pulley & being hooked up 2 a good charger in the pits, should provide enuff power 2 get any bracket racer thru the final round of comp & back on the trailer. now don't forget 2 install external charging posts thru the tailite panel so you don't have 2 raise the trunk lid 2 hook up the charger. kits for this are avail at summit & elsewhere. also don't forget the external kill switch(required by some tracks)