muddshutter said:
5-90?
What is the difference, in layman terms between the Delco for the 86-90 models verses the later versions (ChryCo)Nippondenso on 91+'s? Can i run a newer on an 88? Can one run a delco on an newer model?
If Rod has the technology to do custom work, why doesn't he make Alternators to fit on the AC mount of our engines???????He make a small fortune selling those, heck, i'd take the first one right now........
noah
The Delco CS-Series (1987-1990,) and Delco SI-series (1986 and earlier,) are internally-regulated units, built by/for Chevrolet/GM, and are quite popular. You should be able to find a "quickie" unit on pretty much any late-model Chevvy/GM product.
The Nippondenso alternator (used on ChryCo and about half of imports,) is an externally-regulated unit. ChryCo, in their admittedly finite wisdom, put the regulator in the PCM/SBEC - I've not heard of any failing yet, but I don't like the idea (since most voltage regulators I've seen cost anywhere between $10 and $30 on their own. I haven't priced an SBEC/PCM lately.)
It is possible to either bypass the SBEC regulator and install a standard early ChryCo regulator, or convert to an internally-regulated unit, but you will get a persistent code in doing so, because the OBD system will not be able to "sense" the regulator output actually doing anything, and will therefore assume the alternator is toasted.
I tend to prefer the Delco units - high-output mods for them were designed with the driver in mind, and they tend to be a little tougher. Since ND units were used in imports (I think Honda was a big user,) seems like most of their kits are designed with the riceboy in mind, and therefore the high-output variant likes to be kept clean and dry - since it's just powering a stereo the size of a small city. This isn't always true - but most kits you'll get are like that (not all, but more than the Delco kits.)
I have not yet evaluated the potential for swapping the Delco and ND units - I'd probalby go with swapping in a Delco for an ND, and screw the PCM - but that's just me.
As far as needing to upgrade the wiring for a high-output unit - very true. Why do you think I run 1AWG mains? Why do you think I
sell 1AWG mains? See my website if you want to know more (link in sig.) It's entirely possible to push 200A without going to a Leece-Neville, police model, or ambulance alternator (aircraft units are an entirely different story...) but you have to have wiring to match. OEM wiring is properly sized for OEM output - which hovers around 80-90A. If you're going to a 136A, I'd suggest upgrading your wiring. You won't be getting 136A
all the time, but if you want that sort of power for any length of time you'll be heating up your output leads and causing trouble...
5-90
By the by - It's already possible to put an alternator in place of the A/C compressor - you just need the four-cylinder alternator bracket to replace the A/C bracket. I need to get one sometime fairly soon, so I can see about duplicating it. This bracket will allow you to relocate your alternator fairly easily - I'm not sure about retaining the Aircon, tho. Rod need do nothing special to make this happen.
I'm also thinking about designing a second alternator mount - the OEM one would stay where it is, and the second one would replace the Aircon. I'm not sure how useful it would be, but I'd see if it could be fitted with the 2.46L bracket, and design an adapter bracket if that won't fly.
5-90