Small Alternator

[FatRat]

Can someone give me info on a small alternator? I am looking to replace my GM alternator with a smaller one that could be mounted down by the cross member. The GM alternator is just to big.

I searched the archives and ran across a bunch of posts concerning a small alternator in a gennie case. Mitsubishi came up several times. Does anyone have any other suggestions or maybe a part number for the Mitsubishi alternator?

Thanks,

[EricE]

The company I work for kicked around building a alternator in that same style, that is a gennie case with a alt installed but it did not seem like there was much of a market for it. We were going to use a Denso style alt. I was not aware of a Mitsubishi unit small enough to fir inside the case.

The issue we ran into was that the pulley ratio on most vehicles is to low for the unit to charge at idle and the engine RPM would need to be 2000 or above for the unit to charge. If we ran a pulley that put the alt into the correct ratio then it looked completely incorrect on the vehicle.



Eric

[hotrodA]

I used a Honda. Think it was a Nippondenso. If I can find the box, I'll PM you the Auto Zone part number. No problems in 10 years; easy hookup. Also comes in about 10 differant case configuration mounting positions. What about a late model GM? It's the same size as the import.

[haring]

I don't have any information about this swap, but I am claiming rights to the first use of the term "smallternator".

[FatRat]

Hotrod A,

That would be great if you could find that part number. I have not checked into the late model GM. I will have to make a trip to the parts house and see what I can find out.

Thanks,

Erik

[kentucky]

The parts store I used to work in (Advance) had an illustrated guide along with their alternator and starter book. If your store has one you can cruise the pics until you see something that looks good. Seems like some of the late 70's to early 80's japanese trucks had small alts with really simple hookups. Good luck.

[choprods]

Suziki Sammuria[sp?]-Geo Metro have small ones.Also early Datsun B-210

[Flat Ernie]

Electrotech (http://electrotech.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code =AC&Category_Code=PAS)

This company converts generators to alternators. I've heard discussions on some of the flathead sites (BillB's Techno Site I think) that they have a problem with heat. They ain't cheap either.

I've always thought it would make more sense to convert one of those finned generator covers into an alternator - good looks & a bit extra cooling.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Jimv]

A freind of mine got a small alternator & put it inside a round housing form a electric motor or something Then stuck a generator mounting bracket on the back.Even though it wasn't as small as a generator, it wasn't that big!!it looked great & he drilled a bunch of hole on the underside so it cooled OK.Came out suprisingly well.AND was cheap!!
Thats about all i can tell you about it, don't have any detail or which Alt or anything.But I figure that'll get your brains in gear.!!
JimV
jimV

[overspray]

Here's a picture of the Mitsubishi. It wires the same as a GM. I only had an aftermarket part number on the box. I got it at the local alternator starter rebuilder for about $88.00 wholesale. It fit the flathead generator cradle so I'm in the process of making mounts to work with the generator mount. The pully on this one is adjustable for belt width. I'm using stock 8BA belts. overspray

[overspray]

try again

[overspray]

try again http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/overspray/DSCF0163.jpg