Lucas Alternator Upgrade / Replacement ????

[NardisCNC]

Hi I have a 66 Midget in which the previous owner installed the Moss Alternator Conversion kit. It appears the Lucas Alternator has already died. I have heard that these alternators and especially the rebuilt ones are known for going bad frequently. Is this true??

Whats the best Alternator available for my car? I saw online somewhere that you can use a Small Block GM/Delco Alternator? I also saw High Performance Direct Replacements?

Any input? Who's is the best and easiest to install?? Thanks in advance!

If it makes any difference too, I like the idea of being able to find a replacement that can be had at about any auto parts store if I happen to be a long way from home.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

If you want a common alternator, then the big Delco unit is the one you you want. There is one with the tension ear at 3:00 position, but I can not remember the application ... 80's camaro I think.

 

[George Zeck]

1974 Chevy Camaro.

Advance Auto

You'll have to fab a pretty heavy duty bracket. Use Grade 8 bolts -- I snapped a few before realizing this.

Geo

 

[JPSmit]

here's the article

https://www.teglerizer.com/alternator/index.html

also, here is a list of model numbers with different ears - depending on what you want.

https://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/delcoremy.shtml

 

[JPSmit]

oops and here is another article

https://home.pacbell.net/davriker/Midget%20Web/Alternator%20Web/Conversion.htm

 

[lesingepsycho]

Oooh. This is GREAT! :laugh: What perfect timing for this discussion. I was just talking to a co-worker today about upgrading my Lucas alternator. I just purchased this Lucas one new from the major supplier a few years ago. I figured I would go with stock to take out any guess work. I didn't realize what low output they gave or that they had such a short lifespan to go with their incredibly inflated price. Now there's not so many miles on it so you can understand my frustration now that I'm seeing a faint glow from the "Idiot-light" on these darker and darker mornings. Certainly it won't be able to keep up with running an EFI system so I may as well make the swap now.

I've said it before and I'll say it again; The only way to make these cars truly reliable is to get rid of EVERYTHING British/OEM.

JACK

 

[starauto]

Hi to everyone, I hate to see that everyone has had bad results with remanufactured alternators, however not all alternators are serviced the same way. I happen to be in the business of refurbishing alternators and can absolutly say that a good quality refurbish Lucas alternator will perform as well as any other alternator. The problem is when the refurbishing is done most rebuilders will not install new components in the alternator. Many of the alternators imported are simply bad quality units.
NardisCnc if you don't want to modify any brackets or wiring on your vehicle we can help you supplying you with a good quality Lucas alternator, visit us here for more information.
https://www.starautoelectric.com

Mike
Star Auto Electric Company

 

[DrEntropy]

and can absolutly say that a good quality refurbish Lucas alternator will perform as well as any other alternator. <span style="font-style: italic">The problem is when the refurbishing is done most rebuilders will not install new components</span> in the alternator. Many of the alternators imported are simply bad quality units.

Italics added.

YAY!!!

There is NOTHING inherently wrong with any Lucas electrics. It's what has happen'd to 'em between when they were new and NOW. A major issue is in mid-life the cars were regarded as second rate and disrespected by the folks who "serviced" them.

Look under the bonnet or instrument panel of most of 'em and count th' ScotchLoks or twisted/taped connections ya see...

 

[davester]

Look under the bonnet or instrument panel of most of 'em and count th' ScotchLoks or twisted/taped connections ya see...

I looked under there and I don't see any. Might it have something to do with owning both cars almost their entire lives?

 

[DrEntropy]

You're a wily one, Dave. Yes, it DOES have something to do with ownership longevity. That, and YOU are th' Primary Caregiver. I suspect you haven't any "issues" with Lucas electrics, either!

 

[Sarastro]

This is all fine, but the problem remains: how do you find a quality unit? In all honesty, I don't know. I suppose if I tore one down, I could tell if it was made well, but that's not exactly practical. In the end, the best option is to get a name brand, with a decent reputation, and hope for the best.

I'm ended up with the Bosch unit, mainly because it's a name brand and fits well. (I wrote the article about alternator conversions in the Wiki, which is probably worth a look.) It's still working, for what that's worth, but it doesn't have a lot of hours on it yet. I will say that it regulates the charge current extremely well, and provides enough current to run everything, lights and all, even at idle.

By the way, that Moss conversion kit is one of their more spectacular rip-offs. They charge $180 for a $50 alternator and a couple parts you can make or buy on eBay. Sheesh!

 

[jvandyke]

I've said it before and I'll say it again; The only way to make these cars truly reliable is to get rid of EVERYTHING British/OEM.

JACK

No problem, where can I pick up your car? Happy to help out, no really, no problem.

 

[DrEntropy]

:lol:

*splutter*

*gasp*


*SNORK!*

 

[tony barnhill]

I also don'thave problems with Lucas electrics....I've replaced more alternators in my 1993 Sonoma than I have Lucas alternators in my 1979 MGB - & I've owned both since they were new!

The problems found with Lucas electrics are placed squarely on the shoulders of the owner of the car - maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.....& Americans don't do it properly, by & large.

 

[lesingepsycho]

Hey, my car runs absolutely like a top!: Aftermarket distributor, aftermarket fuel pump, aftermarket coil, aftermarket plug wires, aftermarket spark plugs, aftermarket gauges, aftermarket lights, aftermarket carb, aftermarket transmission, aftermarket steering wheel, aftermarket tires, aftermarket sensors, aftermarket oil cooler, aftermarket ....

anyone noticing a trend here? None of which components are British!

The sheetmetal is about the only thing that's worth the while on these cars. That is, if you want a daily driver.

But no, that's fine, you guys can keep your British parts and I'll wave as I drive past your garage!

And THAT my friends is the painful truth!

JACK

 

[DrEntropy]

I've been duped then! I call: Mickey Finn!!! My MG's have all run over the 200K mile point with what I was told were English PARTS!! Egad. Same with both th' Lotus beasties. I've been horribly deceived! For DECADES!!!

Oh, wait! I put FIAMM horns and Cibie lamps on ALL of 'em. Talbot mirrors on a couple...

So I lied.


...nevermind. English cars with English parts are [censored].

 

[starauto]

Unfortunatly the remanufactured industry took a spiral downward in quality products when warehouse distributors started selling remanufactured alternator with ridiculous lifetime warranties and also ridiculous low prices. Don't believe in name brand also because I have seen my share of bad quality name brand components. I have been in the remanufacturing industry since 1976 and maybe I am the black sheep of this industry, because my philosophy and ethics for servicing these units has always been the same, I will only produce and sell the best quality alternator in the aftermarket by replacing with all new components, including stators, voltage regulators, diodes etc in every single alternator we service.
There are still some of us rebuilders that believe the remanufactured Lucas alternator with all new components will perform just as good as any other type of alternator, it is the quality of the alternator and not the name.
Mike,
Star Auto Electric Company
https://www.starautoelectric.com

 

[tony barnhill]

I've learned that when I need an alternator or starter rebuilt, I don't buy a remanufactured unit, I take my own unit to a local rebuild shop & tell them to rebuild it, replacing everything inside the case with new parts.

I just bought remanufactured rear calipers for my '77 Corvette.....it took 4 from 3 different shops for me to get 2 that I would bolt on my car!

 

[DrEntropy]

There are still some of us rebuilders that believe the remanufactured Lucas alternator with all new components will perform just as good as any other type of alternator, it is the quality of the alternator and not the name.

Amen.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Mike, I'm glad there is a source for quality rebuilds for the original units (there certainly is a need). But the original poster was asking about switching to an alternator that he could find at most any parts house.