Weight and drivetrain losses

10th Feb 2016

Weight and drivetrain losses

Project Panda - Over 7 kg saved by ditching the standard T-Tjet Aux set up and running just the original 70 amp alternator. The Denso alternator on the TJet engine was 120. Today at work I was asked for a Dynamo for an old Beetle. It was rated at 30amps. Just shows how much more electrical load (and therefore energy) newer models put their starting and charging system under.

I now need a larger pulley for the alternator and a longer belt. Underdriving the alternator (which is running at about 2x crank speed judging by this picture) can again reduce energy losses.

During this process it was discovered just how restrictive the inlet manifold and throttle body are. Now to find a throttle body with TPS around 60-70mm I think.