The 8 Best 16-Volt Batteries for Drag Racing

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For drag racers, a normal 12-volt battery – like those found in your average vehicle – does not provide them with enough power during a race. Due to this, many drag racers look for an alternative battery option. Luckily, 16-volt batteries provide a solution to this problem and are actually favored today by many drag racers across the world.

To provide drag racers with sufficient power for their racing vehicle’s ignition and electrical components, many racers prefer to use 16-volt batteries. There are two main types of 16V batteries available, namely lead-acid and lithium batteries. While both types will increase racing performance, they each have unique benefits.

If you’re looking to improve your drag racing performance by investing in a 16-volt battery that can fully power your racing system, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll look at why 16-volt batteries are the best option for drag racers, considerations to keep in mind regarding these batteries and, of course, the best 16-volt batteries available today.

What is the Best Type of Battery for Drag Racing?

Most drivers would be well acquainted with 12-volt batteries, but perhaps less so with 16-volt batteries. Your standard vehicle today would have a 12-volt automotive battery. When it comes down to the best battery for drag racing, however, there’s a good chance that you’re looking for a 16-volt battery.

Today, many drag racers prefer to use 16-volt batteries in their racing cars, also commonly known as diggers. While some racers still utilize 12-volt batteries – like those found in most cars – many drag racers find this an outdated practice. There’s a good reason for this!

By utilizing a 16-volt battery in their racing vehicle, drag racers are able to boost the performance of their ignition system and other components. From water pumps to fuel pumps, switching to a 16-volt battery can truly enhance the functioning of the crucial components of your vehicle.

The reason 16-volt batteries are able to provide this enhanced performance is due to the hotter spark it produces when compared to 12-volt batteries. This hotter spark is due to the increased voltage that is provided by the battery, optimizing your digger to win the race.

Your typical 12-volt battery operates with six cells, each providing 2.1 volts per cell, creating a total of 12.6 volts. However, a 12-volt battery’s voltage can drop to below 12 volts at times. Many racers do not consider this to be sufficient power for operating your ignition and electrical components during a drag race. A 16-volt battery, on the other hand, provides a solution to this common issue experienced by drag racers.

When it comes down to 16-volt batteries, these batteries are comprised of eight cells. Like the 12-volt battery, each of these cells provides 2.1 volts. However, due to the two additional cells in the 16-volt battery, the total voltage is now 16.8 volts.

If you had a completely discharged 12-volt battery and a completely discharged 16-volt battery, the 16-volt would still produce 14 volts. The 12-volt battery, on the other hand, would only produce 10.5 volts in those same conditions. When you’re in a race, this is the element that could help you win!

Basically, with a 16-volt battery, your digger’s ignition and electronic components will perform better at full power. Now, which racer doesn’t want that?

Editorial credit: Art Konovalov / Shutterstock.com

Things to Keep in Mind Regarding 16-Volt Batteries

Before we outline the best 16-volt batteries that can improve your racing, we want to address some factors you should keep in mind with these batteries. While there are many fantastic benefits that 16-volt batteries provide drag racers with, it’s important to ensure you get a battery that is compatible with your vehicle and its components.

When considering different 16-volt battery options from various manufacturers, it is crucial that you keep the physical specifications of the battery in mind when making your decision. These specifications can vary from battery to battery, so it’s important to select an option that will actually fit into your vehicle.

Luckily, we’ve listed the physical specifications of the best 16-volt batteries for you in this article. This will make finding the right battery for your drag racing needs easier – but we’ll get to that in a moment. In our list, you’ll also find two different types of 16-volt batteries, each with certain features unique to that type of battery.

The most common type of battery you’ll see on the list are lead-acid batteries. These batteries often feature AGM technology, which stands for Absorbent Glass Mat. This type of battery contains a special fiberglass mat separator to protect you from unwanted and potentially hazardous battery spills and leaks. While these batteries are maintenance-free, they weigh more than 16-volt lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries designed for drag racing are lighter than their lead acid counterparts, which is a bonus for drag racers trying to keep their vehicles lightweight. Despite their lightweight nature, these batteries pack a punch. In fact, they deliver twice the performance of other batteries produced in the last decade – and many of those are still in use in drag racing communities.

At the end of the day, you need to find the best battery for your needs and specifications, regardless of whether it is a lead-acid or lithium battery. However, depending on which of these you decide to purchase, you’ll need to ensure it is compatible with your racing vehicle and its components.

To ensure this, you will likely need to use a 16-volt to 12-volt step-down box. There are many of these available, such as this option from XS Power. This will ensure that all of your vehicle’s 12-volt electrical components are compatible with your new battery and that you do not burn them out.

In addition to this, you’ll need to ensure that you use the correct charger for the type of battery you purchase, whether that is a lead-acid battery or a lithium one. Luckily, most 16-volt batteries come with relevant accessories, such as storing cases and chargers.

Of course, to use a step-down box or battery charger, you’ll actually need that 16-volt battery. So, without further ado, let’s look at the best 16-volt battery options available on the market today!

The 8 Best 16-Volt Batteries for Drag Racing

When it comes to the best 16-volt batteries to optimize your digger, these are the options you need to know about. For each option, we’ll break down everything you need to know about to make an informed decision about the best battery for your drag racing. This includes the physical specifications of the battery, where available, to help you make the right choice.

It is important to note that some of the batteries looked at in this list are lead-acid batteries, while others are lithium batteries. It is important that you use the appropriate battery charger with the 16-volt battery you decide to get. Using the wrong charger could damage your new racing battery.

#1 Turbo Start S16V AGM Racing Battery

This battery is designed to give your racing ignition more voltage for optimal performance when you’re racing. Not only that, but this battery will improve the performance of other 12-volt parts in your drag racing car, such as the fuel and water pumps and even your starter motor.

Furthermore, this AGM battery series is maintenance-free due to their usage of Absorbent Glass Mat – which is where they get part of their name from. This provides many benefits to drag racers, who don’t have to worry about battery spills and leaks – even if the battery’s container breaks.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	24	Width	7.9”
Weight	42lbs	Height	9.8”
Length	11.7”

#2 Turbo Start S16VL Lightweight 16-Volt AGM Racing Battery

This is a great, hassle-free battery from Turbo Start. Like the previous Turbo Start battery we looked at, this battery also utilizes AGM technology to give you a maintenance-free battery. This means you can focus on the things that matter!

This battery is sure to provide your ignition with the extra boost needed in a racing system. Essentially, this battery is the lightweight version of the Turbo Start S16V battery discussed above. If you’re concerned about weight in terms of your racing, this could be the right option for you.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	34	Width	8.2”
Weight	35.4lbs	Height	8.5”
Length	12”

#3 XS Power S1600 Lightweight AGM Racing Battery

This lightweight 16-volt battery is a great option to improve your drag racing! In fact, it is one of the lighter batteries available on the market. However, that doesn’t mean this battery lacks when it comes down to performance while racing.

Not only is this battery compact, meaning it can be fit into areas with limited space availability, but it can be mounted in any position. To top it all off, this is an AGM battery, which means that you’re protected against battery leaks and spills. Sometimes the smallest batteries pack the biggest punches – and this XS Power battery proves it.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	N/A	Width	6.75”
Weight	34lbs	Height	7.20”
Length	10.24”

#4 XS Power S1600 AGM Starting Battery

Here’s an even more lightweight 16-volt battery from XS Power Batteries – and one that still provides excess power for your drag racing. This battery, like the one from XS Power discussed above, has many similar benefits. This starting battery comes in weighing only 31 pounds!

Both are, of course, AGM batteries, which means they are maintenance-free. Furthermore, these batteries boast the ability to be installed or mounted in almost any position. This offering from XS Power is also shock and vibration resistance, giving you more confidence when you’re racing.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	N/A	Width	6.75”
Weight	30.5lbs	Height	7.20”
Length	10.24”

#5 XS Power D1600 16-Volt Deep Cycle Battery

This battery from XS Power is designed to help you keep your drag racing vehicle light, while still providing you with the features that are going to get you over the winning line. Complete with a rugged ABS case, this deep cycle battery is vibration resistant, has superior cranking, and fast charging capabilities.

Like the other XS Power batteries discussed on this list, this battery is also an AGM battery, protecting you from battery leaks and spills. Like those XS Power models, this battery is also an inch shorter than a majority of other 16-volt batteries, allowing it to fit into more spaces.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	N/A	Width	6.65”
Weight	46.5lbs	Height	7.20”
Length	10.24”

#6 XS Power XP1000 16-Volt AGM Deep Cycle Battery

If a 12-volt battery isn’t enough to cut it for your racing needs, then this 16-volt battery from XS Power could be the answer to your problems. This battery is easy to install, being slightly smaller than your other batteries, which allows it to be installed in many different racing systems.

This is the perfect battery for the racer who needs one that they can truly rely on. With high cranking amps, fantastic vibration resistance, M10 terminal hardware, and AGM technology, you can’t go wrong with this option.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	N/A	Width	6.75”
Weight	46.5lbs	Height	7.20”
Length	10.24”

#7 Braille B168L Super 16-volt Lithium Battery

This ‘drag race spec’ 16-volt battery from Braille is a race-grade battery in the truest sense of the phrase. In fact, this battery has been used by many drag racing champions for more than a decade, from Pro Mod to Top Sportsman drag cars. Therefore, you ensure that you’re getting a quality product that you can rely on when you invest in this 16-volt battery for your drag racing.

A lithium charger is included with this battery from Braille, which has a general recharge time of 10-15 minutes. Furthermore, this battery is fully compatible with 16-volt charging systems and alternators. This battery has double the cranking power of batteries made years ago, many of which are still in use today.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	½ Group 34	Width	3.15”
Weight	8.8lbs	Height	6.15”
Length	10”

8. T1600 16v 20AH Lithium-Ion Racing Battery

When you compare the weight of this battery to many others featured on this list, it weighs remarkably little. However, it provides enough power to boot. This 16-volt lithium-ion battery is a popular choice for many drag racing classes, including Top Dragster, Pro Mod, and Top Sportsman – and it could be the right choice for you, too.

This battery, despite it being rather lightweight, is designed to optimize your drag racing vehicle for the highest power output. Due to the lithium-ion phosphate technology this battery utilizes, your voltage will be higher towards the end of your race. This gives you an edge to your racing, with consistent voltage throughout the race. This is a battery that is designed to help you win!

In terms of weight and price, this battery is a clear winner. This battery will provide you with the power you need to win. Not only that, but it will keep your racing system lightweight without breaking the bank. This is a fantastic 16-volt battery option for any drag racer.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BCI Group	Group 34	Width	6.93”
Weight	10.5lbs	Height	7.2”
Length	10.24”

Conclusion

In this article, we looked at the many advantages that 16-volt batteries can provide drag racers with. These batteries can provide more power to the racer’s ignition and the other components in their vehicle, such as fuel pumps, water pumps, and cooling fans. This, in turn, increases the performance of drag racing vehicles, equipping them with the power needed to win the race.

When it comes down to these batteries, there are two main types. The most common 16-volt batteries are lead-acid based, which often have AGM technology, making them maintenance-free and spill and leakproof. There are also 16-volt lithium batteries available, which weigh less than their lead acid counterparts.

At the end of the day, regardless of which type of 16-volt battery you purchase, you’re guaranteed to improve your racing performance. With a 16-volt battery, you can unlock your full drag racing potential.