Tony Rhodes writes:
>Another issue this raises. Once I was in the market for the accura
integra.
>At that time, in an effort to wring the maximum HP, they put a clutch
>on the alternator (like the AC) and with the throttle wide open, the
engine
>stopped spinning the alternator and AC compressor! It seems to me that if
the
>alternator load is so minimal, it is not worth the complexity and expense
>of adding the clutch.
>
>What do you think?
>
> -Tony
Jog my memory a bit. Didn't Ford put a gear reduction and clutch on
the crank pulley on the Mustang with the intent to run all of the
belts and accessories at engine speed at idle and at a reduced speed
when the engine was turning faster? This sounds like the way to go.
Only put a clutch to drop out the accessories at WOT (wide open
throttle).
Of course on an LBC these are not al that significant. But on a car
with a BIG alternator, power steering pump and AC, this can help
enough to get you to the next stop light 0.5 seconds before the
next guy!
Dave
|