awolfe

So, what everyone is saying is that the voltage gauge should always be showing a 12+V reading even thought the car is off and key is out of ignition?

I am new to this forum and to the Z community, and in need of some help. I am currently rewiring my Z from a complete "Hack" job the previous owner did. 1. The original engine compartment wiring harness has been replaced with one from an automatic transmission model (mine is a 5 speed manual). Will this make any difference? I did find a few modifications that i had to make, ie...bypass starter relay, reroute inhibitor switch wire to back-up lamp switch, etc... 2. Is the Voltage Gauge supposed to be "Always On" even when the car is off and key removed from ignition switch? If so, wont that drain the battery? And, Is there a modification that will only allow it to be on when the key is turned to the on position (not acc). 3. When changing to an '82 model alternator, will the brake warning relay modification (yellow wire to Green-Blue stripe) have any effect on the fuel pump itself? 4. The 4 fusable links in the engine compartment have been replaced with custom "home made" ones. What is the correct gauge wire for these? And is there a specific type of wire that needs to be used? Thanks in advance for any/all the help! Also, A major THANKS! to the member who took the time to create a color wiring diagram for our Z's. It made my rewiring job so much easier and faster.

"It is shown on page BE-7 Detail A in the FSM" What/Where is the FSM?

Thanks Walter for the help, after doing tons of research it seems that the newer/altered altenator work much better and are more reliable than the ones with external regulators. I was just concerned that the reason my Z was not charging correctly was because of the changes that were made, but found out (after reading convert steps) that the connections were not done right. Are you currently using the original or altered configuration? If so, how do you like it? Any problems?

I just aquired a 1977 280Z that has be rewired to use a 1983 model alternator. I am trying to convert back to the original wiring and alternator but am not sure of what has been changed or removed (other that the voltage regulator). Does anyone have a diagram showing how to wire everything back together and/or pictures to show where eveything goes? Thanks in advance!