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Any alternator conversions

Discussion in '308/328' started by Steve King, Jun 22, 2011.

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  1. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #1 Steve King, Jun 22, 2011
    In my past life I had done some engine and engine component conversions. With all of the late model small but high powered (120A+) alternators out there has anyone done a conversion on their 308's. One concern I would have would be the current capability with the present wiring but I would think that putting in a late model ford or gm alternator wouldn't be to much of a problem. I would guess all you would need is a few brackets and an adapter for the Fcar pulley. Just a thought and maybe a future winter project. Any thoughts on this.
     
  2. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2003
    3,067
    Kansas
    Full Name:
    Sean F
    #2 Sean F., Jun 22, 2011
    Had my rebuilt locally and it pulled 110A IIRC. Why retrofit when you can get your OEM rebuit for $150?

    PS - Shop was refered by FOH.
     
  3. tempest411

    tempest411 Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2010
    564
    #3 tempest411, Jun 22, 2011
    The newer designs put out more power, and with a cleaner wave form.
     
  4. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

    Jul 16, 2009
    1,257
    Snohomish, WA
    Full Name:
    Eric L
    #4 flyngti, Jun 22, 2011
    Is this true? If so, why would this matter? Alternator puts out AC then is converted to DC. What effect does a cleaner wave have?
     
  5. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #5 Steve King, Jun 22, 2011

    Sean not an issue. I had my 77 rebuilt 7 years ago and the max they could do was 85Amps. and it still works OK. Only cost $100 then. Just as a comparison my GMC truck has a 160A variable output depending on load. It is smaller then the Bosch in my 77. So I'm not looking for a rebuilt but just an upgrade. I've install a few GM alternators in some 6 and V12 jags so designing a bracket set up should not be a big deal. Just tossing options around here.
     
  6. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #6 Paul_308, Jun 22, 2011
    Re WAVEFORM

    In the beginning, some Detroit engineers theorized the waveform of the alternator would reduce battery life and studies were done. This was conditions of a battery mounted a foot or so from the alternator and in the main, such is still the case. True, high amounts of ac current is detrimental to batteries but real case small amount vs loss of life is tough to measure. Inductors were tried briefly and disappeared just as quickly as a non-issue.

    In the case of the 308, nothing could closer to ideal than locate the battery and alternator 10 ft apart with the starter connected midway and the wiring forming a natural (and free) inductor. Thus the amount of ac reaching the battery becomes virtually unmeasurable and if someone still cares, insert an easily made hand wound inductor.
     
  7. tempest411

    tempest411 Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2010
    564
    #7 tempest411, Jun 23, 2011
    As I recall reading, the older alternator designs put out a fair amount of electrical noise. Not EMI, but the quality of the DC signal wasn't so great. It may be a non issue with any original electronics 308s left the factory with, but if you changed or upgraded the ignition system, it's more sophisticated circuitry may be effected, which was one of the reasons for the better quality wave form of the newer alternators. That is I've read here and there over the years. I've not actually put so many cars on oscilloscopes and had a look myself.
     

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