Easy-Peasy Alternator conversion
Lets start with the alternator source. In the US, MGCARS is ideal as they have all the bits ready to go.
http://verizonsupersite.com/4alterstartcom/pages/store/skudetail.nhtml?profile=alternators&uid=11573&returnURL=http%3A//verizonsupersite.com/4alterstartcom/pages/common/sitesearch.nhtml%3Fquery%3D20-1115-11-1&catuid=10155
Which is currently $79.95, when you call, ask for a single groove pulley to be installed instead of the 5 groove. Should be no or low charge. Have them leave it loose on the shaft as you need to rotate the front of the case 90-degrees.
Get a PLIS plug while you are on the phone.
Disconnect battery!
Bits required:
- 97 Saturn CS130 alternator, the CS130D should also work.
- 4 feet #10 multi-strand wire (brown)
- 3 terminal lugs to suit
- Make up a brown lead with terminal lugs on both ends, length to suit route between alternator and starter solenoid. I soldered mine using a 220 watt solder gun. They could be crimp fitted, but soldering is best.
- Clip off alternator plug leaving about 4 inches attached to plug.
There are 3 leads on the plug, fit a terminal lug to the large brown lead. Fit a spade (f) to brown/yellow lead. Clip off and insulate third lead (which will be folded back into the harness later.)
- Add new brown wire to harness to starter solenoid
- Saturn alternator requires a PLIF plug. Fit spade (m) to this lead,clip the other leads off. Connect spades together.
MODIFY ALTERNATOR:
- remove 6 groove pulley and fan
- remove plastic cover from alternator to gain access to case bolt
- remove 3 case bolts
- carefully tap front of alternator just enough to get it loose enough to turn turn front part of alternator 90-degrees, now matches Lucas pattern.
- Re-install case bolts
- Install single groove pulley and fan
- Install alternator - hey it fits just like the Lucas one!
- Attach two #10 brown wires to BATT terminal
- Plug in the PLIF plug
- Reconnect battery
- Start engine, check battery for 14.xx volts
Enjoy 85 amps!
Resources:
Alternator - salvage yard link above as well as any respectable auto parts store.
Pulley - local alternator specialty shop
PLIF plug - same (also called PLIS)
Brown #10 wire - Britshwiring.com or local hardware. I really like the
excellent quality of the Britishwiring.com wire.
The results:
this is an ADO16 type solenoid, mini is mounted on clutch housing or on starter.