Bn1 alternator conversion question

[rustynuts]

I am changing mine and would be interested in any ideas/suggestions like changing the pulleys or mounting etc.
Dennis

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Dennis,
The basics are:
Select an alternator. Some folks go for Mitsubishi, Delco, Lucas, or what ever. Many favorites.
Purchase or build a bracket to mount the selected alternator.
Find an alternator pulley that fits both the selected alternator AND the wider BN1 fan belt.
Work out a belt tensioner bracket.
Change the car electrical system to negative ground.
Make the necessary wiring changes for the alternator to car wiring.

There are several web sites such as https://www.hendrixwirewheel.com that give details.

I personally used a Denis Welch mounting bracket, A DW wide alternator pulley, a Lucas 18ACR alternator & the original belt tensioning bracket.

Since the alternator type is a personal preference, I'll leave it to others to make suggestions on ways to do it. Many folks would not go near a Lucas alternator.
D

 

[bighly]

I used Don Lenchow's kit.

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Alternator mounting kit; For mounting Delco alt. on big Healey.
Early car ALT 689 -
Late car ALT 2163 -

Don Lenschow 940-433-8276

 

[Michael Oritt]

I mounted a Prestolite/Leece-Neville 75 amp universal model. One of its neat features is that it uses a two-piece pulley that can be shimmed to accept the wide vee-belt. Another is that the voltage regulator is externally mounted. I have had it on the car for about 6 years with no problems. See photo attached.

 

[Michael Oritt]

[ QUOTE ]
Many folks would not go near a Lucas alternator.
D

[/ QUOTE ]

Dave--

Prio to installing the Leece Neville on my 100 (pictured in my earlier post) I ordered a Lucas alternator and mount from The Cape. The mount was very nice but the alternator fried after less than six hours of running--the plastic mounts for the diodes melted. I kept the mount but sent the alternator back for refund less the usual freight both ways, etc. etc.

I have a Hendrix kit with Delco installed on my wife's 3000. I would suggest buying it from NAPA and getting the "gold" upgrade. Following the first unit's burning up after about two years on the car I went through several replacements before finding one with decent bearings and correct output--two of them were putting out almost 18 volts (remember the fuel pump fiasco from last year?)

 

[Dave Russell]

Most alternators, generators, & starters are of the "rebuilt" variety. I found long ago that many so called rebuilders clean the parts with glass beads or similar. The problem comes when they don't clean all of the grit out, which is hard to do. Every "rebuilt" that I get comes apart for a thorough inspection & cleaning. There are also rebuilders short cuts such as using lower quality/lower rating parts & cheap bearings.

I got a truly good rebuilt Lucas ACR by Precision Parts & Manufacturing, via Peter C. at World Wide Auto/nos imports, "our favorite shock rebuilder". When I pulled it apart there was absolutely nothing wrong & it was spotless inside, high quality parts & bearings. I believe that anything rebuilt by PP&M or by Peter, will probably last a very long time. Even Lucas.
https://www.pprok.com/
https://www.nosimport.com/
D

 

[bighly]

[ QUOTE ]
with Delco installed on my wife's 3000. I would suggest buying it from NAPA and getting the "gold" upgrade.

[/ QUOTE ]
Mike what do you get with the "gold" upgrade? Perhaps I should have one in my boot?

 

[Michael Oritt]

"Mike what do you get with the "gold" upgrade? Perhaps I should have one in my boot?"
-----------------------
"Gold" allows you to exchange it at any NAPA store forever. I brought back three units in three days and while the clerk did give me the fisheye on the third one he semi-cheerfully exchanged it for another which has lasted for about a year so far.