About
RaceMate, produced by Barrett Engineering Inc., is a premier manufacturer of high-performance racing components with roots going back to 1989. The company is best known for its brushless, permanent-magnet racing alternators — SEMA new products award winners — engineered without brushes to maximize product life and reliability under the extreme demands of competitive racing. RaceMate's product line centers on three core categories: alternators, water pumps, and pulleys. The racing alternators are complete systems, each packaged with a purpose-built water pump for specific engine applications. The water pumps are designed, cast, machined, and assembled entirely in-house — not remade stock pumps — making them among the lightest and most reliable in the racing industry. They deliver high flow and high pressure while distributing equal coolant flow to both cylinder heads. RaceMate's flanges are precision machined with zero run-out, and all water pumps are fully rebuildable for long service life. The company also offers a variety of pulley setups, belts, and reduction parts designed to improve performance and power delivery. With a reported 0-failure rate across thousands of units in active use, RaceMate products are trusted by serious racers and motorsport professionals. The company serves racing teams and enthusiasts working with Chevy, Ford, and Dodge platforms.
Key Features
- Brushless Permanent-Magnet Alternators: Racing alternators engineered with permanent magnets and no brushes, ensuring maximum product life and reliability under race conditions.
- In-House Manufactured Water Pumps: Water pumps designed, cast, machined, and assembled entirely in-house for Chevy, Ford, and Dodge applications — not remade stock pumps.
- Equal-Flow Cooling Technology: Proprietary pump design delivers equal coolant flow to both left and right cylinder heads for balanced engine temperatures.
- Performance Pulley Systems: Variety of pulley setups, belts, and reduction parts available to optimize power delivery and accessory performance.
- Fully Rebuildable Components: All RaceMate water pumps are fully rebuildable, reducing long-term costs and downtime for racing teams.
Use Cases
- Outfitting a competitive drag racing or oval track vehicle with a reliable, lightweight alternator and water pump system.
- Upgrading cooling and charging systems on Chevy, Ford, or Dodge race engines for improved performance and thermal management.
- Replacing factory-style components on dedicated race cars that need purpose-built, rebuildable hardware with zero tolerance for failure.
- Building a complete power and cooling package for a race team that requires equal coolant distribution across both cylinder banks.
- Sourcing precision-machined pulley and belt reduction setups to optimize accessory drive performance on a racing engine.
Pros
- Proven Reliability: RaceMate reports a 0-failure rate across thousands of water pump units in active racing use, reflecting exceptional build quality.
- SEMA Award-Winning Products: Recognized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association for innovative new products in the racing performance space.
- Complete System Packages: Alternators ship as complete systems with a matched water pump, simplifying installation and ensuring component compatibility.
Cons
- Limited Platform Coverage: Products are currently focused on Chevy, Ford, and Dodge platforms, limiting availability for other engine families.
- Niche Market Focus: Designed specifically for competitive racing, making these products potentially over-engineered and costly for street or casual use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes RaceMate alternators different from standard alternators?
RaceMate alternators use permanent magnets with no brushes, which eliminates a common failure point and maximizes long-term reliability under the high-stress conditions of competitive racing.
Are RaceMate water pumps compatible with my engine?
RaceMate water pumps are built for Chevy, Ford, and Dodge applications. Each alternator system comes with a water pump matched to your specific engine application.
Can RaceMate water pumps be serviced or rebuilt?
Yes. All RaceMate water pumps are fully rebuildable, allowing racing teams to service them in-house and extend their usable life significantly.
Who founded RaceMate and what is the company's background?
RaceMate was founded by John Barrett, who has been involved in racing cars and boats for over 60 years. Barrett Engineering Inc. has been manufacturing the RaceMate alternator since 1989.
Has RaceMate won any industry awards?
Yes. RaceMate is a SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) new products award winner, recognizing the innovation behind their racing alternator and cooling systems.
