Alternator Conversion

[bugedd]

So other than getting my horn working, I want to do the alternator conversion to the bugeye. I looked at the Moss kit, but I want to get rid of the mechanical regulator, so thats out. I read up on Steve Mass' conversion and have seen some stuff on the Saturn conversion. Is there a definitive write up on the Saturn conversion somewhere, something idiot proof that even I can figure out?

 

[racingenglishcars]

A good place to start is right here on the wiki
https://www.britishcarforum.com/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=Alternator+Conversions

 

[Gerard]

I have a write up on the Saturn (which I have done at least a half dozen times) and links to others too.

https://gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/alternatorTfisher.htm

 

[Coastalman]

Check the Hendrix Wire Wheel site. They have a very good conversion which I used on my big Healey.

 

[bugedd]

The Saturn write up looks like a PITA, considering mods to the alternator. Maybe the Fiesta one would be easier.

 

[George Zeck]

Duralast (Auto Zone) DL7-140M (264222)

Last year I went through a few different models of alternators in attempt o convert from generator to alt. The typical problem – voltage regulator went haywire and would invariably fry the battery.

My experience was expensive. I got all worked out with the above model and it works wonderfully. I seem to remember that it was for a 40’s vintage Willys Jeep. Could be mistaken as well. Looked up receipt to verify model # and part #.

Also – had to fabricate a bracket off of the motor mount to properly support it. Many on BCF have used a Mitsubishi style alt. The advantage is they are smaller. This one is rather large – went with this one because the clerk told me a friend had similar problem and resolved problem with this model.

The bolts used here are grade 5 (hardest & toughest we could obtain @ Home Depot). On a prior alt (that ended up frying) – snapped the bolts. Go with 5 or higher if you can obtain.

We did this late at night with some minor welding required. Use the picture in an attempt to make something similar or find a bone yard special. All works fine.

I've recently replaced this due to some other upgrades and needed some more room. I went to a alt rebuild shop and they provided me with a Kubota Tractor Alt and it is literally half the size. Either way -- both work fine. I did mine for size only.

 

[Gerard]

You don't use the voltage regulator with an alternator. It has an internal system for that.

As far as other installation issues, I buy mine from a shop here, ready to install with the correct pulley and orientation, etc., as well as have it converted to a 1 wire setup. All the original BMC hardware is retained, but I also buy the alternator bracket used on later A-series engines, originally supplied with alternators. The installation is pretty simple.

 

[dklawson]

On the Mini I have a Bosch/Motorola alternator conversion. My only negative comment about it is that the alternator is big.

As Gerard mentioned, you do not use the generator's control box when making the conversion... at least not a functional one. You CAN gut an old generator control box and solder bridges across its internal terminals (you join the three big terminals to each other, then you join all the small terminals together. You remove the ground wire from the control box... but leave the other wires attached as normal. On the engine you use the later A-series engine alternator bracket. The generator wires are then connected to the alternator... big generator wire to the alternator output, the small generator wire to the warning light terminal on the alternator. This installation is remarkably "clean" in that your engine bay retains the original wiring and the control box so it looks original. I took this one step further and made a coil mounting bracket to piggy-back on the alternator to further retain the original look.

Info on the conversion using various alternators is at the MiniMania web site. One article on the general re-wiring is in the link below.
https://www.minimania.com/web/displayID/28/ArticleV.cfm

Information on gutting/converting a generator control box is in the link below.
https://www.minimania.com/web/SCatagory/E...21/ArticleV.cfm

 

[bugedd]

Gerard, who is your shop that you buy the alternator through ready to bolt in? maybe that can ship one to me with the mods already done??

Edit: I just noticed minimania sells a conversion kit for $189. Not bad. Wonder how nice of a kit it is.

 

[nomad]

Frank C (Spritenut) liked to fit one from a early 90's B2000 Mazda pickup. They are tiny and will probably be my next alt.

Kurt.

 

[bugedd]

Question on amps, how much is really needed? The conversion from minimania is rated at 34amps. The Fiesta is about 50. Whats do you really need?

 

[Morris]

I have a 78amp Delco in mine. :wink: It's big and ugly, but it makes up for that with cheapness. The whole conversion cost me less than $70.

 

[BillW103]

I used the Delco and yes it is big and ugly but works great and you can get one for $40 any where. They arn't the easiest to mount.

 

[dklawson]

I have a Delco conversion on our GT6. As stated above, it isn't necessarily pretty but it has been reliable and it was inexpensive.

How many Amps you need really depends on what you plan on installing. The original generator only put out about 22 Amps and it was pretty much OK as long as you didn't add a whole bunch of accessories. The basic Lucas alternator started at about the 34 Amps you mentioned above. Most alternators today are significantly more powerful. The smallest Delco 10SI is probably 63 Amps.

The battery and charging system will only take advantage of the alternator output that they need. It's not like buying a huge alternator is going to significantly change your car or charge the battery better. Look over your power requirements and unless you have added significant items to your car any of the available alternators should be an improvement in reliability while meeting the car's power requirements.

 

[TexasSprite]

I followed the Steve Maas write up and found it to work perfectly in my 59 BE You can find the Bosch 13107 at rockauto.com. I got one a few months ago for $55.00 including core charge and shipping. I think it even had the pulley.

 

[bugedd]

Good advice. I plan on getting some head lights that actually light things up, I have an electric fuel pump, and may someday add a stereo.
Thanks for the rockauto tip. I couldn't find the Bosch anywhere in town with a pully or fan.

 

[bugedd]

Darn, I can't find that thing with a fan and pulley anywhere!