Idea for a DIY 'Voltage Stabilizer' [Archive] - SR20 Forum

: Idea for a DIY 'Voltage Stabilizer'


BObby12many
09-06-2006, 06:13 PM
SO, recently I have been seeing a bunch of aftermarket companies coming out with 'VOltage Regulators / Stabilizers' for a vehicles electric system which are meant to smooth out the supply of current and keep it as stable and similar as possible, throuought the rev range.


Here is an example of such a product....http://addictiveracing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1884&osCsid=e0aa96dc9d6ac8dac666cef4ff21892b



They also tested one in the new Super Street and they found a 5whp gain on a Cobalt SS, all the way through the rev range..... The way it was written sure makes it seem like it made extra power no matter WHAT conditions changed. And that was on a 100% stock car/ elec system

Now my question is, What makes a product like this, any different than a normal 12v Capacitor? (as used for Car AUdio)

Hooking up a capacitor in between the battery and all other electric components (i.e. between the battery and actual Positive leads) Would serve the EXACT same purpose as these overpriced Stabilizers, as they are engineered to smooth out the voltage flow to a constant and steady voltage above 13v usually.

In theory it should work, and also in theory, it should make a bit of extra power, especially down low.

So, I plan on trying this regardless... but Id like to hear what you guys think about this.

BObby12many
09-06-2006, 06:15 PM
Also, due to the nature that voltage across a capacitor can NOT change instantaneously, then yes technically it will keep the voltage that each component in the circuit sees ''stable'' since v1=v2=...=v for components in parallel.


another matter i have thought about is electrical noise (RF interference). i don't really know too much about this, but capacitors can be used in a circuit to actually reduce electrical noise. it mentions it briefly here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_noise

Setzer
09-06-2006, 06:18 PM
I have 10 bucks on it not doing a damn thing.

BObby12many
09-06-2006, 06:19 PM
I have 10 bucks on it not doing a damn thing.



Well, the fact that it could give your car a constant 14v at idle would at least smooth it out a bit I'd think....

:tongue: