Suitable Alternator for 2000/2500

[Matt George]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a fresh alternator for my 2000, to give it a bit of a boost for winter use. As standard it has a Lucas 17ACR, apparently good for 36 amps. Standard Stag 18ACR gives 45 amp, while I've seen uprated Stag items offering 65amp. But do Stag alternators fit on 2000s? And can the engine cope with the bigger items? Any pointers from people who have done so will be much appreciated.  :)

Matt

[thescrapman]

MAtt

Engine is not a problem. Wiring probably will be with a 65A one. There are plenty of other options, I have a 55amp A127 from a Transit van (also Fiesta and Escort?). Got it for a quid from Ebay.

There is also a little japanese one that fits.

The Lucas ones can be re-handed easily (but very carefully!!)

Cheers

Colin

[Clive]

loys of alternators will fit, not just from the triumph range but also many others (ford for example)
Work out how many amps you really need.
Example, heater may 10A?? full beam lights/rears 25A, Heated rear window? maybe 10A. Things like stereos (unless mega sized) use very little, though a PI pump may take 10A???

Unless you have a lot of power hungry electrical stuff, one around 40A or so should be more than adequate, though nothing wrong with having some in reserve. You may well need to add an extra wire from the alternator direct to the battery pos terminal, as the original was designed to take the 36A (though in practice should be OK up to 45A, the extra wire is a very good and easy extra though).

My other word of warning is that there are a lot of very poor recon (and probably new) alternators out there. I have had a few Lucas recon ones (with a proper lucas sticker on them) fail after short periods of time. I am very much in favour of using a sh original one from a scrapper, trouble is nowdays they all seem to have those mulyi-vee pulleys, and it is difficult to swap as they are usually different bores. Another alternative is the denso/mitsubushi ones sold by brise motorsport, but they are pricey and can be had for a fraction of the price off ebay (still brand new). Some have suggested landrover alternators too, I believe you can get a pukka denso one for about £80 (denso used as OE on lots of new cars)

[piman]

Hello Matt,

have you a lot of extra electrical equipment? I've never had a problem with the standard alternator and my car is an everyday car.

If you do decide to go larger you must also uprate the main cables to the battery. I'm sure you wil find higher rated alternators that will fit but I don't know what one you need?

Alec

[dazzer]

Yes there's plenty that fit I've got a 65amp off a diesel ford something and a 65amp of a Rover 820 that fit straight on with the only part required being a new v belt pulley. Available from your local auto electricians in various sizes between £5 & £8.

The 45 amp wouldnt cope with everything on in the MK1 Rally car with the electric fan being the biggest drain. Not had a problem with the wiring but best to be careful as Colin advises. I did rebuild my wiring loom last year.

I still have the 4 month old Lucas recon 45 amp if of interest.

Cheers

Darren

[Matt George]

I don't have anything in the way of extra equipment, I just think that the original alternator is on the way out. With the weather being so gloomy after work these days, I've got lights on, usually heater, maybe heated rear screen, and when you indicate it does it really slowly. Some extra juice would be good, so I think a 45 amp item would be suitable? Will this be ok with standard wiring then, or will i need to fettle that too?

Thanks,

Matt

[DJB_Harvey]

I've used many 45A varients on my PI for years with no problems with the standard wiring , however as has been pointed out the biggest drain is the Kenlowe fan and that cuts in traffic just when the engines running at it's slowest  , so care has to be taken as to what's switched on . If you havnt got any extras then I'd suggest a 45A one is more than adequate .

[piman]

Hello Matt,

do a check on the main earths as well, it could be that they are less than perfect?

Alec

[Matt George]

Hi Alec,

I'll look into the earth then, interested to find out if that is the problem. Think a 45 amp job will be handy either way, as may go for a Kenlowe etc in the future.

Thanks,

Matt

[James]

I like the A127 - it's a bit shorter so allows easier access to no.1

I have the varient before the A127 on my saloon— 60A and has an extra big fat cable going to the battery (easy to do with the spare terminal they have on the back)

[DJB_Harvey]

If I remember face-lift Mk2's had an extra wire anyway that went straight to the battery , even Lucas ACR's have a " spare " big spade . The only problem with some of the alternators is that there very heavy .. Not a good thing !