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Alternator Conversion Articles

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jhorton3

jhorton3

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I was thinking about converting my Lucas alternator to a Bosch unit as listed in the wiki, or a Saturn GM product as listed on other sites. That is until I started researching prices of these units. Most are running around $115 and up, plus a core charge. Granted I wouldn't be getting 55-96 amps out a Lucas replacement, but for $68 I can get a replacement of the Lucas unit from Advance, and not have to hack my wiring harness.
 
True but most have a regulator on board so your getting a moderen electronic voltage regulator in the purchase.If your regulator works fine then the Lucas may be the way to go. there really is no damage to the harness I think you just move some around in the regulator connections.Theres severial sites that explain the procedure.
 
jhorton3 said:
I was thinking about converting my Lucas alternator to a Bosch unit as listed in the wiki, or a Saturn GM product as listed on other sites. That is until I started researching prices of these units. Most are running around $115 and up, plus a core charge. Granted I wouldn't be getting 55-96 amps out a Lucas replacement, but for $68 I can get a replacement of the Lucas unit from Advance, and not have to hack my wiring harness.
Click to expand...

And they're only gonna get more expensive. What I use to sell for $25.99 is now a $99.99 alternator, HOWEVER; if you buy a lifetime unit and keep your records it'll pay off.
 
Although I admit I have no first-hand experience with them, there have been a lot of uncomplimentary words about the reliability of many of these inexpensive rebuilt alternators. So, be careful. I know cash is tight these days, for most of us, but there still is something called "false economy."

I wrote the Wiki page on alternator conversions, which is abstracted from my web page, referenced above by Terry. I like the Bosch-Fiesta unit. It seems well made and it's really simple to install. No major rewiring necessary; just connect the output to some appropriate +12V point and hook up the ignition idiot light. Done.
 
Saturn shouldn't have a Bosch unit....unless maybe it's off of the crappy V6.
 
If I didn't already have an alternator to use then I would get one from advance or auto zone because they are all over the place and have lifetime warranty on things like that. If you want a small one that works well, get on for a Ford Festiva. The one on my wifes car is tiny and puts out plenty of amps. Advance can get these. Her original went out (regulator internal went bad) at about 180K and I put on the advance one and the car now has 230K on it. It even has the v belt pully drive. You would have to figure out your own brackets but you go to do that with any of them. I used a Subaru alternator only because I had 2 of them. Any internal reg alternator should work though. The trick is getting your old Gen wiring fixed right for the new alternator.
 
I just made the switch to a Chevy Corsica alternator. Got the info here at this website. I did see the $100.00+ prices that the supply houses want for these new, but my junkyard alternator is working just fine and crankin' out the juice for $20! :driving:

JACK
 
I used an alternator for a Nissan pick-up (B210)! It was cheap and has lasted flawlessly for years now!!
 
I went the route of getting a replacement of the Lucas unit. The pulley fan needed to be shimmed to keep it on the spindle key. Connected everything up and started the car. Then came a big nasty cloud of smoke from the alternator area. I quickly turned it off! I'm not sure what happened.
 
Hmm, just taking a stab but here's some anecdotal info: when I was doing my conversion I smoked one belt when it jumped and got pinched in between the crank pulley and timing cover. Everything was still turning because it was on the backside and then came back into the groove so it looked ok. It's a longshot that this is your problem but I figured I would share my recent experience.

JACK
 
I did this conversion on my Midget. I use the Fiesta set up. Worked great. I now own a 64 Spit that had the GM conversion. That one crapped the bed and A friend of mine came by witha 115 amp alt from a BMW. Over kill, yes. I am going to do the conversion to an electric fan so I should be OK. That unit put me at 14.34 volt.
 
I'll take a look at the belt again. It was dark and getting late when I fired it up last night.
 
Over the past 30 years or so I bet I have killed 3 belts that way and I even know better.
 
Finally got into the engine bay to check what happened. The belt did jump the pulley and wedged itself between the harmonic balancer and block. I couldn't work very long in the garage due to the cold. Finally cut the belt. Good thing too as it was almost severed in one place anyway.

Tomorrow if the weather warms up I might try putting the new belt on. Just too blasted cold, windy, and nasty to do anything like that now.
 
Well, at least the smoke was from the belt and not the alternator!

Be sure that the pulleys are aligned accurately. If they're not, you can lose the belt or grind it up in a short time. This was one of my major concerns when I did the conversion.
 
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