Alternator Upgrade options

[Weasel73240Z]

The car is a 1973 240Z with E12-80 ignition from a 1979 280ZX and an MSD Blaster 2 coil, nice stereo/CD (no amp) but otherwise, pretty stock. I'm planning on doing an alternator upgrade, and eventually the headlight wiring upgrade. I don't plan on adding any more electronics to the car (except the headlight upgrade), so the demand its at now is about all it will ever have.

My question, do you think I'd be good with the 60 Amp upgrade (MSA - $120) or do I need to spend the extra for the 120 Amp upgrade (Z Specialties- $225)? It almost seems like with my set-up the 120 Amp is overkill. But I also wonder if the 120 Amp set-up would throw a hotter spark with the MSD coil/E12-80 ignition, which may make it worth the money. Thanks.

[sblake01]

IMO the late 280Z/280ZX internally regulated alternator is all you'll need. I have a stereo with amp, sub, and 6 speakers, AC, Accel SS coil and I've not had any alternator related problems with my stock 78 alternator.

[Arne]

I've got the 60 amp ZX in mine, works just fine. I've got H4 headlights, Pertronix ingition and coil, no amp on the stereo - similar to your plans. Even here in the Winter with the lights, heater fan, rear defroster, wipers and radio on, the turn signals do not slow down massively anymore when sitting at a stop light at idle.

[Jeff G 78]

I upgraded my '78 to a '85 Maxima 100amp. It looks and fits like the stock one and other than having the alternator shop change the pulley and give me a wiring connector, it was very simple. Even with paying for the pulley swap, connector, and the core charge, I think it came to $120 (it was several years ago). I had to cut off my connector and solder on the Maxima connector. Other than that, it was plug and play. The key was going to an alternator shop, not an auto parts store. I looked in the yellow pages and found a place that rebuilds starters and alternators in house. The guy looked in his cross reference book and had what he needed to swap the pulley to the right one and then he grabbed a matching connector from a box under the counter. He drew me a schematic so I'd know which wires to splice together and I was on my way. He tested it before I left and it showed about 110amps. The whole process took about 1/2 hour at the store and another 1/2 hour to solder the connector and install it.

You would have to convert to an internal regulator just like for a ZX alternator. I like that it is all Nissan and looks completely stock.

[Zs-ondabrain]

No need for overkill. just keep in mind that the 240z was designed for a 40 amp system. You don't have enough stuff to worry about going to 100 or more amps. the 81' to 83' IR alt will be more than sufficiant, even with the H4's, stereo, etc.

I have an 800 watt system, MSD 6AL, Unilite, 100 watt H4's, 55 wat fog/driving lights, power windows and locks, etc, etc. And the 60 amp alt with my Interstate battery works great with no fuss or worries.

Dave.

[Weasel73240Z]

Thanks everyone. It seems like the 60 Amp option is plenty of juice for my set-up.