Alternator upgrade

[AggieZ]

I'm interested in upgrading my alternator to as many amps as it can go. I ran across this web site and it got me thinking.....

http://www.zcarcreations.com/howto/voltreg.htm

The 240SX alternator at 90 amps seems that it might work. I have seen that some 240SX owners have put 110 amp Quest alternators in.

Soooo, the question is... is it possible to put a Nissan quest alternator on a 240Z without fabricating a new bracket.... or other unforseen complications?

[Arne]

I'd call that a firm maybe. Note that the 240sx alternators need a pulley swap to work on an S30. If the Quest alternator needs mods of any kind to go on an SX, you're an extra step farther removed.

I guess my question would be, do you really need more than the 60 amps of a normal ZX conversion? The fact is that much of the wiring on a 240Z is not all that heavy-gauge to begin with. Start pushing really serious amps through it sounds like a possible recipe for trouble to me. My 60 amp ZX alternator easily keeps up with everything running at once - H4 lights, wipers, radio, heater fan, rear defroster, turn signals and brake lights. It has no problems supplying all this at idle. Lights don't dim, blinkers don't slow down, etc. Why would I need more?

[solvent joe]

I have installed a high out put self contained alternator that I got from Z specialties for 209 bucks . This has an internal voltage regulator and bolts rite up.

[Jeff G 78]

I went with a mid 80's Maxima alternator. It bolts right up other than the pulley. I got it from an alternator/starter rebuilder. They swapped the pulley and gave me the proper Maxima electrical connector. It tested at 105 amps and cost me around $125 with core cost. Once installed, it looks exactly like the stock alternator and works great. The only thing I had to do was splice in the Maxima connector.

In my case, my alternator was bad, so I had to buy one anyway. Upgrading was a no-brainer. I have a decent stereo in my car and will upgrade the headlights someday.

Of course, my car is a '78 so it already had an internally regulated alternator. You would have to convert from external. Luckily, that is easily done.

[sblake01]

I don't understand the need for more than the stock Z/ZX 60 amp alternator. In my 78 280 and in my 79 810, I have the stock, internally regulated 60 amp alternator. Both cars have AC, stereo w/amp and subwoofer, auxillary condenser fans, upgraded headlignts, etc. and I have no problems. As long as your wiring/connections are good, you really don't need 80/90/105 amps and might possibly create more problems by installing one capable of putting out that kind of amperage.

[beandip]

I agree with the hi out put units. I did however pulled a alt. from a '84 Maxima and the pulley and all was a direct fit. It is a 90 amp. and like Arne said no need for any more . You still need to make the changes from a 240 external to a internal regulator. $30.00 at the bone yard. Gary

[sblake01]

The 84 Maxima would still be an L6, the last gasp for our beloved L series. I'm sure Jeff was referring to a V6/FWD Maxima, 85 and up.

[Jeff G 78]

Yes, I think it was an '85+ unit they sold me.

[ktm]

It's not plug and play, but it does open up a whole new world of selection for alternators

GM Alternator Upgrade, either 12si or CS144

It allows the use of GM alternators, and the modification I wrote up allows you to use the CS144 alternator, which puts out 95 amps at idle and a maximum of 140 amps.

[Arne]

It allows the use of GM alternators, and the modification I wrote up allows you to use the CS144 alternator, which puts out 95 amps at idle and a maximum of 140 amps.

Yes. But is the 35 year old wiring on your 240Z good enough or heavy enough gauge to move that much current? Maybe it is, but do you want to chance melting something in your harness when 60 amp units are easy, simple and provide more than enough?

[sblake01]

Come on, Arne, you've said it twice, Gary and I both agreed with you. If the want to fry their wiring, let 'em! It has all the makings of another thread--"Rewiring the S30 after 140 amp GM alternator upgrade".

[ktm]

Arne and Stephen, yes, my wiring is up to snuff for 140 amps thank you for your concern. Then again, I am not running stock wiring in my engine bay, I am running Dave's headlight relay, my electric fan, electric fuel pump, coil on plugs, and fuel injectors are all on relays, as is my 1000 watt stereo amplifier and my powered subwoofer. To head you off at the pass, I am running a separate ATC-style fuse box for all of my accessories, as well as a manually resetting circuit breaker before the fuse box

I know what I am doing with my car and while I may not be as knowledgeable about electronics as Dave, I have a fairly good grasp on wiring. Furthermore, you best tell Zspecialties that they should not sell their upgraded alternators for Z-cars as well since the three of you know best.