Voltage stabalizer performance.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5
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2005 C230 Sport
Voltage stabalizer performance.
I have a hard time believing that 'voltage stabalizers' ( http://www.performancechiptuning.com...Chip+Module/7/ ) can actually claim what advertised as far as performance gain.
Just looking at the device, it appears to be a simple capacitor bank. Even in the description (sorry, gunna break out some electronics jabber) it shows how there is a negative voltage created on the chassis, which is expected if you connect _any_ decent sized capacitor across the terminals. (Actually, in this case, they appear to be smaller capacitors which could provide a 'faster' response than audio-grade (1Farad+) capacitors.)
While capacitors _can_ act as a power filtering/power stabilizer devices, I have a hard time believing that the advertised gains are possible.
So... with all that said, has any one seen modest gains in performance/fuel economy with one of these devices on their benz? If so, I will work out the math with some auto-grade components to let you know how to build one for much cheaper.
Just looking at the device, it appears to be a simple capacitor bank. Even in the description (sorry, gunna break out some electronics jabber) it shows how there is a negative voltage created on the chassis, which is expected if you connect _any_ decent sized capacitor across the terminals. (Actually, in this case, they appear to be smaller capacitors which could provide a 'faster' response than audio-grade (1Farad+) capacitors.)
While capacitors _can_ act as a power filtering/power stabilizer devices, I have a hard time believing that the advertised gains are possible.
So... with all that said, has any one seen modest gains in performance/fuel economy with one of these devices on their benz? If so, I will work out the math with some auto-grade components to let you know how to build one for much cheaper.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
I think the Benz if the first car I've owned where this type of product actually might be of use.
Most cars have very elaborate electrical systems where the voltage is always stabilized. I know on my mazda it was able to hold an exact 13.8 volts no matter what was going on. The Benz however has voltage fluctuating from 12.4-14.4 at any given time.
Now with a cheap device like that don't expect any noticable diffrence. There are $300+ voltage stabilizers that actually work (Ie with voltage regulators). That little plastic box is not one of them.
Most cars have very elaborate electrical systems where the voltage is always stabilized. I know on my mazda it was able to hold an exact 13.8 volts no matter what was going on. The Benz however has voltage fluctuating from 12.4-14.4 at any given time.
Now with a cheap device like that don't expect any noticable diffrence. There are $300+ voltage stabilizers that actually work (Ie with voltage regulators). That little plastic box is not one of them.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
My company actually manufacturers a good number of these and we've seen pretty interesting gains with the stabilizer used. While it's true that it basically is a series of capacitors set to turn on at certain intervals, this is quite advantageous for vehicles w/ poor grounding and electrical interference. These are also greatly recommended for cars that have had motorswaps because grounding is often an issue after the swap.
We ran a 89$ stabilizer on a 04 Porche 911 Turbo and saw a gain of 16.9 hp. We also saw a gain of 14hp on a Honda Civic (92-95) Hatchback that had a K20 turbo swap. In other cases we saw little gains in the 4-10hp range on cars with better electrical systems (Subaru WRX STi).
One thing we also noticed was that newer cars have these built into the factory system so adding an additional one may not help very much.
--- On a side note, I wrote this because of my experience with them. I'm not trying to sell them. We have a network of distributors for that lol.
We ran a 89$ stabilizer on a 04 Porche 911 Turbo and saw a gain of 16.9 hp. We also saw a gain of 14hp on a Honda Civic (92-95) Hatchback that had a K20 turbo swap. In other cases we saw little gains in the 4-10hp range on cars with better electrical systems (Subaru WRX STi).
One thing we also noticed was that newer cars have these built into the factory system so adding an additional one may not help very much.
--- On a side note, I wrote this because of my experience with them. I'm not trying to sell them. We have a network of distributors for that lol.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5
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2005 C230 Sport
Awesome! Thanks Mike.
Just as a side note, I would avoid using this with a bad ground-loop situation, or you would just have an $89 firecracker...
(I have blown up a few capacitors in my time.)
Just as a side note, I would avoid using this with a bad ground-loop situation, or you would just have an $89 firecracker...
(I have blown up a few capacitors in my time.)
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
My company actually manufacturers a good number of these and we've seen pretty interesting gains with the stabilizer used. While it's true that it basically is a series of capacitors set to turn on at certain intervals, this is quite advantageous for vehicles w/ poor grounding and electrical interference. These are also greatly recommended for cars that have had motorswaps because grounding is often an issue after the swap.
We ran a 89$ stabilizer on a 04 Porche 911 Turbo and saw a gain of 16.9 hp. We also saw a gain of 14hp on a Honda Civic (92-95) Hatchback that had a K20 turbo swap. In other cases we saw little gains in the 4-10hp range on cars with better electrical systems (Subaru WRX STi).
One thing we also noticed was that newer cars have these built into the factory system so adding an additional one may not help very much.
We ran a 89$ stabilizer on a 04 Porche 911 Turbo and saw a gain of 16.9 hp. We also saw a gain of 14hp on a Honda Civic (92-95) Hatchback that had a K20 turbo swap. In other cases we saw little gains in the 4-10hp range on cars with better electrical systems (Subaru WRX STi).
One thing we also noticed was that newer cars have these built into the factory system so adding an additional one may not help very much.
If the alternator is removed from a car and its allowed to run only on battery power. The most I've seen is an 8 hp gain ( that would remove all extra drag on the system)
Adding in capacitors like this could only help to reduce the inefficiencies in the power transfer from alternator to spark plugs. Better grounding = stronger spark and a more stable voltage means a stronger spark. But if the car wasn't misfiring in the first place there should be minimal to no gains. (if it was I can see huge gains). One of these + a hyperground would lead to a much better electrical system, and I might do it just because the electrics on the Benz suck. (Now that I think of it the Porsche has the battery on the other side of the car so I can see gains there.)
I ask because I'm hoping you might know, until now I haven't seen significant gains from such a thing.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 732
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
I'm going to need some help understanding whats going on here.
If the alternator is removed from a car and its allowed to run only on battery power. The most I've seen is an 8 hp gain ( that would remove all extra drag on the system)
Adding in capacitors like this could only help to reduce the inefficiencies in the power transfer from alternator to spark plugs. Better grounding = stronger spark and a more stable voltage means a stronger spark. But if the car wasn't misfiring in the first place there should be minimal to no gains. (if it was I can see huge gains). One of these + a hyperground would lead to a much better electrical system, and I might do it just because the electrics on the Benz suck. (Now that I think of it the Porsche has the battery on the other side of the car so I can see gains there.)
I ask because I'm hoping you might know, until now I haven't seen significant gains from such a thing.
If the alternator is removed from a car and its allowed to run only on battery power. The most I've seen is an 8 hp gain ( that would remove all extra drag on the system)
Adding in capacitors like this could only help to reduce the inefficiencies in the power transfer from alternator to spark plugs. Better grounding = stronger spark and a more stable voltage means a stronger spark. But if the car wasn't misfiring in the first place there should be minimal to no gains. (if it was I can see huge gains). One of these + a hyperground would lead to a much better electrical system, and I might do it just because the electrics on the Benz suck. (Now that I think of it the Porsche has the battery on the other side of the car so I can see gains there.)
I ask because I'm hoping you might know, until now I haven't seen significant gains from such a thing.
Thats pretty much the most that I know on about it aside from the dyno sheets I've seen. I have seen similar "stabilizers" used on other electric motors to improve performance of the motor but that's probably a different reference.
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
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From: San Fransisco, CA
Mercedes W124 E320
Found one on eBay..
Is this stabilizer simmilar to yours? http://www.ebay.com/itm/170525681631...ht_3449wt_1037
My company actually manufacturers a good number of these and we've seen pretty interesting gains with the stabilizer used. While it's true that it basically is a series of capacitors set to turn on at certain intervals, this is quite advantageous for vehicles w/ poor grounding and electrical interference. These are also greatly recommended for cars that have had motorswaps because grounding is often an issue after the swap.
We ran a 89$ stabilizer on a 04 Porche 911 Turbo and saw a gain of 16.9 hp. We also saw a gain of 14hp on a Honda Civic (92-95) Hatchback that had a K20 turbo swap. In other cases we saw little gains in the 4-10hp range on cars with better electrical systems (Subaru WRX STi).
One thing we also noticed was that newer cars have these built into the factory system so adding an additional one may not help very much.
--- On a side note, I wrote this because of my experience with them. I'm not trying to sell them. We have a network of distributors for that lol.
We ran a 89$ stabilizer on a 04 Porche 911 Turbo and saw a gain of 16.9 hp. We also saw a gain of 14hp on a Honda Civic (92-95) Hatchback that had a K20 turbo swap. In other cases we saw little gains in the 4-10hp range on cars with better electrical systems (Subaru WRX STi).
One thing we also noticed was that newer cars have these built into the factory system so adding an additional one may not help very much.
--- On a side note, I wrote this because of my experience with them. I'm not trying to sell them. We have a network of distributors for that lol.
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