I am trying to convert my early 260z over to the 280zx alternator. I have found write-ups for the 240z and the 280z but have yet to come across a definitive write-up for the 260z!

I need to finish this conversion asap because I have work in the morning!

If anyone could lead me in the right direction with this I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks

I could eventually tell you, but I'd need to do a little research first. Sorry, it won't be in time for you to go to work.

You can download the factory service manual for the 1974 here:

http://www.xenons30.com/reference.html

It looks like the circuitry is pretty much the same. But I would still check the wire colors just to be sure.

I could eventually tell you, but I'd need to do a little research first. Sorry, it won't be in time for you to go to work.

Found a ride to work in the morning.. Looking to finish this conversion sometime within the next couple days.. Ive done a ton of research but havent found any definitive answer.

If you have any information that could help me I would greatly appreciate it!

I did a 74 but never posted the details. Most of the info is here. I recall having to solder in a diode.

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/alternatorswap/index.html

Seeing Phil's post reminded me of something VERY important here. Your fuel pump uses the alternator output for power. It is wired between the alternator & voltage regulator. A diode in the right place would keep that functionality intact. Otherwise your fuel pump will be hot all of the time.

Read through these and you will find teh details you need,especially the diode Steve mentions1 (Happy Thanksgiving Steve)

http://www.zcar.com/70-83_tech_discussion_forum/260z_alternator_swap_706058.0.html

http://www.zcar.com/70-83_tech_discussion_forum/280zx_260z_alternator_swap_703972.0.html

http://www.zcar.com/70-83_tech_discussion_forum/260z_special_wiring_alternator_swap_701092.0.html

Phil, do you remember the thread you started about doing the fuel pump after the ZX conversion? This is the solution.

Thanks for the links, they helped me alot.

Got the alternator wired up the way I felt it should based on the threads linked and wiring diagrams and I am having a slight issue.

Upon start up the alternator doesnt charge but if I rev my engine to around 3500 rpms it kicks on and charges from there on out.

Any suggestions to why I have to rev the motor to get the alternator to start charging? And what could I do to possibly fix this?

Does the Charge light turn on when you turn the key to On, before you start the engine? Sounds like the Lamp terminal is not connected to the Lamp wire from the harness. That wire provides the initial current to magnetize the alternator so it will start charging immediately. Find the wire from the Charge Lamp and connect it to the L terminal n the ZX alternator.

The charge lamp wire is connected to the lamp terminal.. I am not sure where the charge light is tho, or whether or not my car even has one.. The only light I have ever seen on the dash is the parking brake light

You don't have a charge lamp. If the ammeter is pointing to the negative, that is the same as the charge lamp.

It's described in the FSM, Engine Electrical section. I don't know where it is on the cars with ammeters.

The L pin in the plug should show 12 volts when the key is turned on. If it doesn't, something's not connected right. The "warning lamp", wherever it is, should go on when the key is On but engine not running, and off when the alternator is charging.

Edit - my slow typing got me again. Stevej, the FSM does show a "warning lamp" in the regulator circuit. Maybe they're using the brake check warning lamp for voltage?

Either way, the L pin should have 12 volts, key On, engine not running.

Edited November 30, 201113 yr by Zed Head