We ran our car without a alternator for many years..in fact 20 years.Always charging the batteries,or swapping them out after time trials etc.I installed a 55 amp Denso style alternator and it was the best thing I did.No more battery charging and one less thing to do between rounds.I have upgraded to a 100 amp alt from Tuff Stuff.Did the upgrade as I'm planning on street duty in the future.