I'm running a 60A alternator with an over-sized pulley. I do believe it is more reliable to have alternator especially if you get into situation where you don't have time to recharge between rounds. However, I do not agree that there is no "significant" power to be had.

I found out (accidentally) that I can pick up over a tenth when the field wire is unplugged (external regulator). I wired in a relay to cut out the field wire and consistently saw about a tenth faster ET. I have not done this for a while because this will cause big voltage spikes when you cut it back in and I had lost an ignition box in this time frame (maybe coincidence, maybe not).

Anyway, this works out to be about 10HP gain for my vehicle with alternator field wire disconnected. Mind you there will be more to be had taking alternator out altogether without the mechanical load on the belt. I know many who would go to great lengths to find 10HP but I will not ditch my alternator because it is hard to power a race car (ignition, fans, fuel pump, maybe water pump) from battery alone without considerable charging between rounds.

two cents,

-Chris