Alternator Question

[vegas240]

I think it's about time i need to replace my alternator. The dash battery light flickers when driving and is almost always on...gets dimmer as RPM's go up, brighter when idle. Checked battery, it's fine...on to the question:

Can i upgrade the alternator to a higher Amp? If so, what fits? Is a 90's 300zx turbo/non-turbo alternator high amp and will it fit? Also, how hard is it to replace the alternator, heard it's a pain in the ass???.

[kaotic]

if it was your alternator it would be the opposite.. seeing as how higher rpms makes the alternator move faster, thuz making more current then at idel.. it doesnt sound like an alternator problem to me...

[myowncasualty]

i second that

[iceperformance]

Maybe the belt slips more at higher rpms.

If your battery is at 11-12 volts with the car off...good.

If your battery reads 11-12 volts with the car running....alternator bad.

Battery should read 13-14 volts while the car is running.

Maybe the belt just needs to be tightened.

As far as a alternator upgrade, never heard of anyone doing that to a 240sx.

[vegas240]

Originally posted by kaotic@Aug 3 2005, 07:55 AM
if it was your alternator it would be the opposite.. seeing as how higher rpms makes the alternator move faster, thuz making more current then at idel.. it doesnt sound like an alternator problem to me...
That's precisely why i think the alternator may be going bad...i don't think it's pushing out 12-14volts when idle...i checked the voltage when off, it's 12v, when running @ about 3k rpm, it's around 13-14v...kind of "bouncing"??? I've replaced/checked the belts and they are at the proper tension...I do want to "upgrade" the alternator to a higher amp output, does anyone know what amp the 300zx TT alternator puts out? Also, if it's compatible to swap over?

Thanks for your input!

[iceperformance]

My bet is that it will end up being an alternator.

Sometimes they only go bad once they warm up, so testing it right after start up won't show anything wrong.

Could be a loose wire on the alternator.

As far as upgrading the alternator....hmmm??? As long as it fits in the bracket and the plugs are the same. Take a 240sx alternator and start putting it next to other Nissan alternators. Maybe the guys at the parts stores will be nice enough to open a few boxes for you to compare. There might be a core charge on the alternator you get. If you get a non-240sx one you may have to figure a way to return your 240sx one to get your money back. But like I said before I have NEVER heard of ANYONE upgradiing a 240sx alternator. The electrical system on Nissans is GREAT stock.

[jc]

300ZX NA = Hitachi LR180-724; 12 volts 80 amps.
300ZX TT = ItchiPussu A3T05192; 12 volts 90 amps.

65 amps at 2,500 rpm
80(90) amps at 5,000 rpm

If you need more amps, check out Ohio Generator (http://www.ohiogen.com/). They've made some 240 amp alternators for some Z32 owners.

As far as fitting on a 240SX, good luck.