Current Trans am racers looking to shave weight

[BULLITT65]

Just curious to the guys that currently track their cars, have any of you switched over to a lithium battery for weight savings?
(I have read about 35-40 pounds can be saved)

[crossboss]

When I vintaged raced, I used a deep cycle Delco marine battery mounted behind the right rear in the trunk. This battery never refused to crank over my engine. That said, on my new car, I will have to research the lithium battery before purchasing. The only issue would be reliability on the lithium VS a good, known reliable battery like I previously mentioned.

[BULLITT65]

Well, reason I ask is in the motorcycle ATV world it is getting pretty common. But I am kind surprised I don't see more of it in the car world. I figure racers would be the first to utilize it because of the weight savings, and then it would trickle down to the general public. But I know the products are out there (antigravity battery for 1) but thought some racers may be able to shed some light on this.

[crossboss]

All I can think of on the motorcycle its a lot simpler to crank/start than a large V-8 with high compression. Believe me IF these lithium batts were were the bomb, every racer would be all over them. OR, the cost is not worth it? Just a guess...

[BULLITT65]

I am not sure. When I look at the import racing pages I see many guys who have switched over. Antigravity makes lithium with an equivalent CCA of 1000, so I don't think that it is the reason. I also have seen a couple guys rig up there own in parallel for the street, and saw another guy purchase an antigravity for the street, but it was expensive. It took out 35lbs out of the nose of his car though.
I know this technology for cars is fairly recent, so perhaps the Trans am Tech, may not allow it yet?

[MO]

This seems interesting, but I don't see anything stating it's approved by any racing organizations.

https://crateinsider.com/go-lithium-introduces-new-16-volt-lithium-battery-for-race-cars/

[1109RWHP]

They are used a lot in drag racing. They are expensive though and I think you need a special charger.

[BULLITT65]

I have seen the manufacturer recommend one, but have been told by guys that have them (for motorcycles) that a regular trickle charger works fine, at least them haven't had any issues.

[1109RWHP]

The drag race guys are not running alternators so they charge them between rounds.

[MO]

Yes, they are very expensive. Maybe special charger needed because they are 16v? As they say, speed costs money.

[crossboss]

Yes, they are very expensive. Maybe special charger needed because they are 16v? As they say, speed costs money.

The drag race guys are not running alternators so they charge them between rounds.

Both of those comments are correct. Drag Racers don't use alts, therefore charge the batts between rounds. And yes, you will need an extra charger to work with 16 Volts.
JMHO, there are better, and cheaper ways to shed 20-30 pounds on your race car than buying an expensive battery.

[tomstiel]

we use one in our A/S CAMARO,,,nhra  NEEDS A SPECIAL CHARGER IS 16 VOLTS,,LIGHT AND EXPENSIVE

[camaroboy68ss]

If they would hold up to regular daily use I would look into it, I have to run an alternator on my drag car as I run is a stock style category.