16 volt setup?

[Justin braaapp]

Hey guys I was watching some videos and saw a lot of setups running a 16v system and got me thinking about it. My question is what would I need to convert my 12v system to a 16v system? Already planning on ordering a singer 350 amp alt coming up but what else would I nee and what are the benefits of running 16v? Thanks for the help

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[Justin braaapp]

I meant I have a 14v setup now, sorry about that

 

[Dub7sonoma Premium Member]

I meant I have a 14v setup now, sorry about that

It has to be a totally seperate system from your factory one. The higher voltage can damage your factory vehicle modules

 

[akillj 10+ year member]

You will need to isolate your systems. Usually I see people running 2 alts, one charges a 12v battery, and the other charges a bank of 16v batteries. Two completely separate systems. The audio side would mostly be on the 16v side. With the exception of some mids/highs amps that aren't rated at 16v or cannot handle it.

 

[Justin braaapp]

You will need to isolate your systems. Usually I see people running 2 alts, one charges a 12v battery, and the other charges a bank of 16v batteries. Two completely separate systems. The audio side would mostly be on the 16v side. With the exception of some mids/highs amps that aren't rated at 16v or cannot handle it.

Okay I figured I had to keep them seperate but what all woul I need to isolate the 16v side?

 

[akillj 10+ year member]

Okay I figured I had to keep them seperate but what all woul I need to isolate the 16v side?

You'll have to wait for someone more experienced to answer, what I stated is really all I know about running a 12v and 16v system in the same vehicle. IMO, if you need more power, just get a bigger alt, and better/more batteries. I'm not much of a fan of 14v/16v systems really, unless it's a competition-only vehicle i'd understand.

Another thing to remember, is that 16v batteries can only be used in 16v systems. Which means if you get a new vehicle and want to move your system over, you'll have to setup another 16v system, wich IMO, isn't cost-effective.

 

[Dub7sonoma Premium Member]

Okay I figured I had to keep them seperate but what all woul I need to isolate the 16v side?

You will need a whole electrical system (alt, batteries, seperate wiring). If you are going to run a 16v setup then you need 14v batteries and a 16v alt. If you are wanting to run 16v batteries then you will need to run a 18v alt which will technacally be a 18v setup. The high voltage and standard 12-14v system can share their ground sides. But everything on the positive side HAS to be kept seperate.

 

[akillj 10+ year member]

To run a 14v/16v system separate from the normal 12v system, are there really "18v" alternators? I always thought people running these systems just got a standard "12v" HO alt and regulated it to charge 18v?