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Re: Alternator conversion question

To: <SerIIAlpine@netscape.net>, <alpines@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Alternator conversion question
From: "Louis & Laila" <bwana@c2i2.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2002 07:15:23 -0700
For the series 2, with headers, your choices are very limited. I used the
Datsun Mitsubishi alternator as pioneered by Tom Wiencek. Works very well.
GO the the TJ Higgins website and it shows the part numbers and schematic.
Get the cheaper alternator, the only difference is one has a hot wire from
the coil or something like that, but for our application, it doesn't matter.

Here is a letter I wrote to another member to help him hook his up. This
should help you: Using this with the TJ Higgins site will have you locked on
in no time. Lou


     Here is the skinny on the alternator conversion. I went to Autozone,
Checker, and then to a local alternator specific repair shop. I looked at a
number of different alternators, and they are many. Externally they are all
the same. The difference is in the rear connection. The article states that
the alternator that is used on all of the vehicles is the same. It is not.
The one used on the Datsun is different than the one used on the courier and
Mazda.
     The difference is the Datsun unit has an "S" connection on the rear,
and the Mazda (ford) unit has the "R" connection on the rear. If you go to
Autozone or any other standard automotive parts store, the Part numbers for
the two units are Datsun: 14231, and the others take a 14597. That seems to
be an industry standard, and even "Howard's Alternators & Starters" uses it.
I looked on the sheet in Checkers, and it said not to switch the two. I
think it is primarily due to the fact that constant voltage on the later
unit will burn it up. I don't know.
Now, the clincher is that the Checkers prices were $49.95 for the 14231,
while they wanted $69.95 for the 14597. Autozone was $49.95 for the 14231
and $89.95 for the 14597. There was a core charge of about $15.00.
     Talking to Mike (Howard doesn't own the place anymore), he explained to
me that there is no problem in substituting the two alternators since the I
would be using a system that cut power to the "S" when not in use. I bought
his alternator at $59.95 with no core charge (14231), and he threw in a
cannon plug so I can splice it in and it won't look too hokey. He also gave
me this alternator cheat sheet of which I have made a copy for you. I wished
I had one of these years ago.
     Now, I am including a bolt to mount the darn thing. All of this lined
up on one engine I had, but was a little off on another. My first one lined
up on one, but when I put it on the other, the bracket was back about a
washer thickness. I kept that one for myself. The second one that I made, I
made to fit the engine where the pulley was a little far forward. If the
alternator sits a little farther forward than it should (We are talking
 1/32"-3/64"), then grind off the face a little. In the outside possibility
that it is to far back, mount a washer between the flange of the alternator
and the front flange of the bracket.
     Before you attempt to put the alternator on, put the bracket on the
engine, and ensure the bolt will go through to the welded nut. It may hit
the engine mount plate. This will be self-evident. Hold a cold chisel on
that spot and smack it with a hammer and this should give you enough
clearance.
     You no longer need the voltage regulator. Follow the directions for its
removal or isolation.



----- Original Message -----
From: <SerIIAlpine@netscape.net>
To: <alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 6:59 PM
Subject: Alternator conversion question


> Having recently cooked my Voltage regulator I'm thinking of doing a swap
from my brand spanking new SS generator for a single wire internally
regulated alternator.
>
> Can anyone recommend a particular alternator for my serII as well as how
to wire it up.(specifically what to do with the wires that went to my
regulator)
>
> Also in the event I chicken out is there a way to check the polarity of my
generator so we don't go through this again?
>
> Thanks as always
>
> Eric
> '62 serII
>
> __________________________________________________________________
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