1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Alternator conversion diagram

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Old 01-26-02 | 10:30 PM
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Lightbulb Alternator conversion diagram

We see this question alot, so here's the diagram to answer those curious souls. It's to put an '89-91 80 amp alternator into a 1stgen RX-7 complete with spacer location. In my case, I went with 6 thick washers until I can get the original spacer machined flat to the correct size...
Old 01-26-02 | 10:49 PM
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Sorry for my ignorance... Why????
Old 01-26-02 | 11:02 PM
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A lot of the people on this forum are adding big stereos and driving lights along with electric fans. The consumption rate of all these add-ons generally exceeds the charging/ running capabilities of your stock rex alternator which is generally rated at 50 amps. I've seen some factory 55 amp units but never even a factory 60amp unit for the 1rstgens. The TII unit is smaller, 80 amps, lighter and at $100, cheaper than having to step up to a an aftermarket 110 amp unit that generally starts in the $200 range. It also resembles the old Mopar units with its big open ribs for cooling. I like that look...
Old 01-27-02 | 12:57 PM
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Ahh, since I never put lots of electronic upgrades in mine, that would explain why I never had the need.

Thanks for the lesson!!
Old 01-27-02 | 02:25 PM
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nice, thanks for the nice daigram. did you make that in autocad? just kidding, you da man.
gamble
Old 01-27-02 | 02:51 PM
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Microsoft Windows2000 AutoHenScratching for home users and abusers... It dawns on me that I should not assume that everyone knows what the boxes are in the right hand corner. One is the plug to the back of the TII alternator and the other is the stock 50-60 amp alternator normally found in the 1stgen RX-7. Match the wires when splicing the new connector onto your car's harness for a long lifespan for the new alternator. I personally ran the big red wire on the pedestal of the new alternator directly to the battery. It didn't introduce any noise to the stereo system doing it like I feared it might...
Old 01-28-02 | 06:13 PM
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if you wanna put a good alt in a fb an alt off a 1990 chrysler 3.0 L(90 or 120 amps) will fit quite nicely on the same mount. you have to get a pulley figured out so they line up(i had one custom made at a machine shop)and rewire it but you will get more than enough of power to run anything
Old 01-28-02 | 06:52 PM
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Can I assume from your diagram that the double pulley from Mazdarix
fits the same on the newer alt ? I'm using that pulley now and my alt
is not working so I'm looking to upgrade.Timing is everything.
Old 01-30-02 | 10:59 PM
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Unfortunately, no. The double pulley set was next in the immediate future add-ons...it's not actually on the alternator now. The pulley on the installed alternator is the exact same one it had from the factory in '91 and it worked perfectlyin this case. If the RB pulley has the same 15mm bore and spacing as the stocker, I would think it would work. Can't guarantee it, though.
Old 01-31-02 | 09:21 PM
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Originally posted by mar3
I personally ran the big red wire on the pedestal of the new alternator directly to the battery. It didn't introduce any noise to the stereo system doing it like I feared it might...
If the diode pack in that new alternator ever shorts out, you'll start a fire. Stick fuse in there, close to the battery, at the same rating as the alternator.
Old 02-27-02 | 10:58 PM
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Originally posted by Pele


If the diode pack in that new alternator ever shorts out, you'll start a fire. Stick fuse in there, close to the battery, at the same rating as the alternator.
Ohmigod, you're such a mother hen! I've had plenty of alternators die on me including a GM that burned up but never had the power line light up like a fuse! Does this kind of stuff actually happen to you or do you lose sleep playing out tragic scenarios in your mind?
Old 02-27-02 | 11:03 PM
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Switch over to an 86 or later fuse block when you upgrade your alt. It is safer and easier to check.
Old 02-27-02 | 11:10 PM
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Originally posted by mar3


Ohmigod, you're such a mother hen! I've had plenty of alternators die on me including a GM that burned up but never had the power line light up like a fuse! Does this kind of stuff actually happen to you or do you lose sleep playing out tragic scenarios in your mind?
I believe there was a recall on some Ford alternators because they started a fire when they shorted out.

How expensive is a fuse? How hard is it to install. Just cheap insurance.

Same reason I drive with my headlights on all the time, day or night. (Will be modding the RX-7 to do this with the fog lights. Dont like the flippy lights up all the time.)

Besides, If I played out tragic scenerios in my mind, would I drive a Honda that's falling apart at 90MPH on the highways while it's loaded with tools and a chest to put them in, or an RX-7 thats capable of even higher speeds while there's a person in the hatch?

Last edited by Pele; 02-27-02 at 11:33 PM.
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