so many questions :)

[Shy280Z]

Hi I am new to this site, have had my 77' 280Z for some time now, and love my car! but... have always had issues with it. electrically speaking I have bought over the last 5 years 6 alternators for the car, and 4 batteries. I am at a loss as to what the problem is. Everytime I go to the parts stores in town, they are always confused as to which alternator to give me. If anyone could help by giving me a model number and where to buy a better alternator, it would be sooo appreciated. Even if it costs a little more, it would be worth not having headaches to get it. And, do I need a voltage regulator? or will the alternator have one built in to it? Are there wiring harnesses also available to purchase for this model of car? I have asked at the local nissan dealership and the overall opinion is that, no, they do not have them available; but can buy a similar one from chevy? sigh* Please, I am tired of being stranded by my beautiful car. I would like to enjoy the ride instead of constantly looking at the voltage meter. I went for a drive the other day for a grand total of 10 miles, first 5 miles was great no hiccups, after I had to brake for a light, the headlights went dim. Revved the engine, lights back up to full strength around 2.5k rpm. Continued driving, parked the car, came back 10 min later and would not start. Clutch started the poor thing in the parking lot, got her running, hoping to make it home, and it chugged to a stop at a light, no lights no hazards, nothing. Got a jump started right up. Parked it back at home, again dead. Need advice, and a better alternator.

Thank you for any help

[impulsive]

Last time I needed an Alternator no one locally was able to get one in (rebuild even) for less then $300. So I fabbed the existing mounting points and now use a Chevy 1 wire out of a mid-90s truck. Rebuild kits are cheap for those

I can't think of what would be causing you to go through items that often though. Step 1, get your new (current) alt tested. If it comes back as not charging, but the brushes are still good, looks like your burning out a component of. Could be that the ALT is not getting the signal to 'stop charging'.

But check everything. I've had a similar problem in a different car, drove me nuts. It would seam like an alt / battery issue, but ended up to be cable rot 2 FT down the positive line. (Just so happened we were pulling on it enough checking the battery or boosting the car to get it to run again). Once I replaced all the cable, I never had an issue with it.

Edited July 6, 2010 by impulsive

[Gary in NJ]

A poor ground can chew through alternators.

[S30Driver]

To simplify things, get a 280zx 70amp alternator & Dave Irwin's plug adapter which will eliminate the eternal regulator. This is a simple bolt on upgrade many people are running.

Replace the battery cables if they are old, clean the fusable link connections, & make sure all main grounds are clean and tight.

[Shy280Z]

thanks all for the suggestions Gonna take out the alternator today, check all the cables and get the battery and alternator tested. Then look into that other alternator for the 280zx, sounds promising. thanks!

[Zs-ondabrain]

Nice try James, but my adaptor plug only works on 240Z's

[Shy280Z]

so question about the alternator. Is that meant to be installed on a 300zx? because that is the only one I could find that was 70 amp. and as for the other parts, I could not find them through the parts store. could you give me a quick link to a website? if possible that would be great. currently going to just get the alternator recommended for the car for that year, new battery and check grounds and links, while crossing fingers. but the upgrade peaks my interest. (as well as any other upgrades, hehe. ) thanks!

[Zs-ondabrain]

There is a write-up on HybridZ.org and Zhome.com? about the 280Z to 280ZX alternator upgrade. You'll have to look it up.

The 280ZX Turbo's typically had 70 amp alternators but the 81 to 83 NA ZX's had 60 amp alternators and that is plenty.

The only thing I would have for your 77 would be the LED conversions for the Sidemarkers, front Turn signal/marker lights and taillights. And I can rebuild your Turn signal and combo switches.

Dave