Re: Let's discuss Packard 6V electrical systems and the change to 12V systems

Posted by PackardV8 On 2008/6/21 4:55:27

Did the 12v vehicles of Britain and france have TWO 6v batterys in series or one 12v battery???


Also: "I have not had a chance to chase up the SAE article on 6V versus 12V systems but I seem to recall that the main reason for changing to 12V was the ignition voltage required for higher compression engines."

I'd double check to make sure that was really an SAE article because the claim does not really make sense.

12v Points ignition systems nearly all run some kind of resistor between the coil and points to cut voltage to 6 to 8 volts. 6 and 8 v systems run no such resistor.
Most SHORT RUN racing vehicles prior to the 70's often ran no lites or very few electrical items other than ignition. They would drop the generator and often even the starter motor for weight control. Just run a small 6v motorcycle battery to power the ignition and maybe a gauge or two. Altho mags were often run too but not usually by the old seasoned pro's, well maybe they had a sticker on the side of their car that advertised some magneto brand.