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Index > @ the Pickup Bed (General Topics) > Thread: upgrade alternator?
Thread: upgrade alternator?
wankel_dreams


Redlining
Posts: 293
posted May 26, 2002 09:59 PM

upgrade alternator?

Has anybody upgraded their alternator? Mine works fine now, but I've been wondering if i'll have enough power in the future. I already have aftermarket lights, I'm currently installing a modern CD player, and in the future i'm thinking of a light winch. I was wondering if alternators from 13b rx7s would be the same size physically. I'm aware that the wiring would be different, but i can fix that. from what i've looked:

REPU 50 AMP
GLS-SE 50,55,60 AMP
86 70 AMP
89 turbo 80 AMP

any thoughts?
____________
74 wankel panther
77 REPU
79 rx7
89 Vert

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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted May 27, 2002 12:57 AM

I've installed an '82 RX-7 alt. It's 50amps, same as the stocker was. You've got to mess with some of the wiring tto get it to work. I don't recall specifically what to do, but the four connecter plug needs to be replaced with a 'T' shaped two connecter one. I think the top of the 'T' goes to the wire that's on when the key is on. The bottom of the 'T' goes to the 'G' dash light. If not, them just switch 'em. I can't check which is which right now.

I removed my voltage reg from my inner fender and installed the aluminum backing plate for my DLIDFIS kit. I've been working on new pics for my webpage and needed a break so I'm here. When I'm done, you'll be able to see what I'm talking about. One thing to note about the voltage reg is the 'Overheat Exhaust System' uses a wire in it. I didn't want to dig aroung behind my seat so I simply grounded the wire (visible in some of the pics - coming soon). This keeps the dash light from staying on. I like working under the hood, but not under the dash or behind the 'couch'.

I can't think of anything else. Oh yeah, I also installed the same style alt in my Cosmo. Oh yeah, the six plug connector needed two jumpers. Not very visible in my pics, but once you get into it with a wire/continuity checker, you'll be able to trace the wires to the six way connector. Sorry if I'm starting to confuse you now, hehe!

       
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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted May 27, 2002 02:22 AM
Edited By: Jeff20B on 27 May 2002 02:28

I think this'll work. Hmm, let's see...


Edit: Oh good it worked! By the way, I don't use Fram oil filters anymore. I use Napa (Wix) now.

       
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repuguru


Redlining
Posts: 319
posted May 27, 2002 09:01 PM

If you can find one some of the RX4's and all of the Cosmos came with a 63amp altenator. Its set up to bolt in and run on a REPU. And it makes a diiference with extra lights and AC.
____________
77' REPU plus a few spare parts
for it.
85' GSL-SE
83' GSL

       
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repujeff


Revvin Up
Posts: 71
posted July 04, 2002 07:35 PM

alternator cross's

Here is what Hollander says about alternator crosses-Mazda 808 76-77 with 1300cc engine. Mazda GLC 77-78. Mazda RX2 71-73. Mazda RX3 72-78. The following alterators will fit, however pulley diameters will vary. Mazda RX2 74. Mazda RX4 74-78. Cosmo 76-78. Mazda car 1800 71-72. Mazda car 808 72-75. Mazda car 808 76-77 with 1600 cc engine.

       
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offline


1st Gear
Posts: 16
posted July 06, 2002 07:21 PM

Off Topic

Jeff- why do you have 3 coils?

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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted July 06, 2002 11:35 PM

Wouldn't you like to know :)

       
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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted July 08, 2002 10:35 AM

...that's a spare, for when one fails...

...these old jap cars, they just didn't have ignition systems worth a d---. Of course, the real secret is that you don't even need a distributor at all! Heck, half the wiring under the hood is unnessecary garbage as well... Just keep stripping the excess crap away, and you'll lose a lot of weight and make your REPU that much quicker! (Heh heh...)

       
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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted July 08, 2002 11:05 AM

Well yeah, the only extra weight I may have added is probably just that extra coil. All the rest was ripped on outta there. Those darn imports, I tell yah!

       
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Rotor


Revvin Up
certifiable rotorhead
Posts: 70
posted August 23, 2002 03:03 PM

Quite a few Misubishi made alternators bolt right on. From 35 amp to 63 amp. May even be a 70 amp out there, too. Check the local aternator rebuilder. They can even hop up the stock alternators.

I use the 63 amp alt from an RX-4 or Cosmo. Runs my 100/130 watt low beams, the 100 watt aircraft landing light high beams, and the 130 watt driving lights, no problem.

____________
ROTOR

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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted August 24, 2002 01:22 AM

My Cosmo's alt was acting funny so I upgraded to a 50amp RX-7 unit. So it has less amp capacity than before. At least it now has an internal regulator, can be replaced at any auto parts store, and is ideal for my electronic ignition upgrade (no voltage sag). If I get a 20B with alt included, I'll be using it. I think it's like 70 or 90amps.

By the way, I installed a 55amp 84+ (small style) alt in my REPU recently. It works pretty good, even after the T shaped connector fell out (it's the kind without a clip since my original was too short and I needed an extension cord. I took a picture of it which needs to be developed etc). I was driving with a one wire alt at night and it did ok! To make it go into charge mode after starting the engine, all I had to do was rev it up a little to 'close' the circuit. That was it (I could tell it was working when my headlights would suddenly go full-bright). My friend's VW gen to alt conversion unit is sorta this. I have no idea if I damaged my 55amp alt or put any unknown stress on it. Only time will tell, but so far so good.

       
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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted August 30, 2002 11:49 AM

Speaking of 2nd gen alts, mine is still ok after its 'one wire incident'. I also installed one in my friend's REPU. His was running so poorly at idle that the headlights would always dim and the engine would cough and sputter and die quite often (dellorto carb + idle RPM = lumpy idle) and his brake lights would always cause the headlights to dim at any RPM. We tried two different voltage regualtors and it didn't cure the problem. The solution? Upgrade to an internally regulated alt so he can enjoy the same benefits as I have for the past 4 or 5 years since I upgraded mine. Now his idle is better (still lumpy) and the brake lights don't make the headlights dim at all. Really low idle causes the voltage to drop below 14, but that's still much better than 12V- he was getting before. A worthwhile upgrade in my opinion.

       
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roaddancer


Hauling
Posts: 127
posted August 31, 2002 09:48 PM

There are only so many bolt patterns used for auto alternators, and most japanese units are the same, except for ratings. If you find a higher amp one of the same frame with a internal voltage regulator, your set! Just adjust the wiring to match.
____________
formerly
rx2/3/4/cosmo,repu,94 rx7,

       
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jfaplanet


Redlining
Posts: 356
posted April 26, 2003 09:05 AM

Question for someone who has upgraded

I have a simple question? After putting a newer alternator on my truck, I was able to get it charging by hooking up the battery lead. My problem is figuring out how to get my alt gauge to work. All previous post reference the second lead hooking up to a light. I know all of you have gauges and someone has figured out how to make it work. If someone has any drawings or diagrams of which wires to connect, or colors I would greatly appreciate it. You can reply back here or email me directly. Thanks, Charles7
____________
74 REPU "Red"
74 REPU "Jethro" "TII"
74 RE-Courier vert
79 SA-SE(aka deathtrap)
79 SA-SE-FC (project
turbo)
http://home.bellsouth.net
/p/PWP-crgj
TN Forum:
http://tnrotary.10.forume
r.com/

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