anybody go 8v?

[Guest 50Plymouth]

In reading about and considering the whole 12v vs. 6v thing I stumbled upon the mention of the 8 volt alternative. Keep your stock fuel gauge, lights, ect., and yet enjoy a slightly beefier start.

Not sure what I'll do yet, but I was wondering where they even sell 8v batteries or how much surcharge goes along with them? How does one even charge an 8v, is common jump starting possible?

[Jerry Roberts]

There have been past messages where people have used the 8 volt batteries . They said that the voltage regulator must be tweaked . Find one of the stores that specializes in batteries or perhaps a tractor supply . I use a 6 volt Optima battery and it turns the engine over almost like a 12 volt system . Use the very thick battery cables and clean the grounds real well .

[randroid]

Jerry,

I've used 8V batteries on two occaisions and came away with a few opinions, which I shall modestly share now.

1. Don't tweak the VReg; it isn't necessary. 6V batteries get charged @ 7.2V and although I don't recall what the standing voltage in the battery was, it was more than 6V. The starter would spiin fast enough to almost whistle as it fired the engine in sub-zero Colorado winters (I use a block heater, but that doesn't do much for the initial spinning other than make the heater work. Once the cold oil hits the warm block things improve rapidly.).

2. Be prepared to buy a bunch of headlights, because they're burning brighter and hotter with less tensile strength. Expect to replace them twice a year, although none of the other lamps were affected. I didn't need to replace any fuses because the amps remained the same.

3. It's a toss-up which battery I'll use when I put mine back on the road, but I'll likely stick with 6V for no reason other than I drive a lot at night and love the extra brightness, but buying new bulbs that often is more expense than I want to make. I would not criticize anybody for running 8V because I did it for four or so years with great success, including not frying my points.

I'd say go with 8V and come to your own conclusions; I never damaged anything doing it other than the headlights (carry a spare) and they are priced about the same as 6V. Get an Interstate for around $40 and if you like the way it works, when it wears out next year (jk) replace it with a quality job for twice the price that will live for many years.

-Randy