Lucas alternator?

[Alan_Myers]

Hi all,

I am considering doing an alternator conversion on my TR4, rather than replace/repair the old generator (and probably a thin belt and negative ground conversions, at the same time).

I'd prefer to stick with a Lucas alternator, however. Yes, *that* Lucas!

I know there were a few TR4s fitted with alternators, for rallying and for police use (now *that* conjures up an image!). My car has a lot of rally-related modifications.

Does anyone have reference to a specific model of Lucas alternator dating to the mid to late 1960s that might be appropriate?

Thanks in advance!

Alan

 

[Simon TR4a]

I am thinking of doing the same thing on my TR4a, although it is already negative ground.
I have purchased the Lucas alternator; there are 2 models which fit quite well and I do not recall the part numbers but the item I bought produces a 35 amp output not the 43 amp. I found the wire hookup on the back is essentially the same on the 35 amp but uses a more modern plug on the 43 amp, and I am told my generator produces only about 23 amps, so this should be a good increase. (I use electric cooling fan and electric fuel pump.)
The alternator pulley is very similar to the generator pulley in shaft size and keyway though it looks a little smaller, I think the narrow belt will work with the generator pulley, just sit lower in the groove, and turn the alternator at about the correct speed.
The alternator body is shorter so a spacer will be required on the rear mounting bolt, and I suppose the extra room would allow use of a heat shield to give protection from the exhaust header, if desired.
The alternator is a couple of pounds lighter, has better ouitput at low rpm, and greater maximum output, should be an improvement while still looking authentic.
(I bought mine, rebuilt, for $75 Canadian, about $60 US.)
Let us know how it goes, as I haven't got that far in my rebuild yet.
Simon.

 

[Simon TR4a]

Sorry, Alan, I got myself confused about the pulley. I am hoping to keep things simple by putting the generator pulley on the alternator, and keeping the wide belt, which I think will work.
As you are changing to a small belt ignore that part of my rambling. I don't want to change the crank and water pump pulleys.
Simon.