Interchangeable alternators.

BigRyan1986

BigRyan1986

New member
I need a new alternator. I want to know if anyone knows of a stock high output alternator that is interchangeable with the 3.0. I saw something about a MR2 alternator but couldn't find what year you need to use. So if anyone can shed a light that would be awesome.
 
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Ill have to dig up the link, but there is apparently a Jaguar alt that swaps right in and creates 90 or 120 amps, and I think its only about $130

Besides that, mean green is an alternator company that makes big juice in the stock size alt, but are pricy

After that, the ole chevy 1 wire swap is a classic.

A quality AGM battery will also help your current load. What are you trying to power with this bigger alt? Some times just the 'Big 3" wire upgrade will help enough.
 
Hyde802 said:
Ill have to dig up the link, but there is apparently a Jaguar alt that swaps right in and creates 90 or 120 amps, and I think its only about $130

Besides that, mean green is an alternator company that makes big juice in the stock size alt, but are pricy

After that, the ole chevy 1 wire swap is a classic.

A quality AGM battery will also help your current load. What are you trying to power with this bigger alt? Some times just the 'Big 3" wire upgrade will help enough.
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just my stock power system. It doesn't produce enough amps under load to power everything. Which is stereo, heat, headlights, and turn signals nothing extra. So I know its weak and needs to be replaced. I just wanted to know if there was a toyota swap. Someone on here said something about a MR2 alternator. Im hitting the wrecking yard this weekend for the 50% off sale so im trying to figure something out. I eventually want dual batteries, winch rock lights, light bars, amp and subs, and a power inverter. Which chevy 1 wire is the one to get?
 
Did you test your alt to make sure its bad? Whats it putting out for volts? The stock alt should be plenty for a stock system.

Let me just say "big 3" upgrade again... till we rule it out
 
Hyde802 said:
Did you test your alt to make sure its bad? Whats it putting out for volts? The stock alt should be plenty for a stock system.

Let me just say "big 3" upgrade again... till we rule it out
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Yeah I got it tested, but I knew before that it was crap. It chagres fine with no load but when I turn everything on voltage drops enough that lights go dim and volt guage slowly goes down. So I know its junk known for a while. I just figured that if I'm going to have to replace it might as well do it right the first time amd get a big one like I want
 
BigRyan1986 said:
Yeah I got it tested, but I knew before that it was crap. It chagres fine with no load but when I turn everything on voltage drops enough that lights go dim and volt guage slowly goes down. So I know its junk known for a while. I just figured that if I'm going to have to replace it might as well do it right the first time amd get a big one like I want
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I think what Hyde is getting at is there is more to the charging system than you are focusing on. If you alt is putting out 12.5-13.5 volts it may be just fine.

you battery may not be taking a full charge, but a problem that is common in older vehicles is cable decay. As the cables age the copper inside breaks down, at times you may even see a greenish crust form (a chemical known as copper sulfate). So what does this have to do with your alternator not keeping up with the load. I'm glad you asked, the degraded copper is not as conductive as good clean copper, thus you have the effect of lost "juce"

So for instance, lets us pretend 1 foot of alternator wire that is new has 1ohm of resistance, but a corroded wire has 2ohms (or twice the resistance of the original wire.


I hope some of that helped. I have been up all night sick and typing is quite the task for me at the moment.

it may very well be your alternator, and throwing a new higher output alternator in may very well fix any of the mentioned problems for now. But its worth testing the Alternator, battery and then Ohming the wires.

Good Luck
 
TOY2G said:
I think what Hyde is getting at is there is more to the charging system than you are focusing on. If you alt is putting out 12.5-13.5 volts it may be just fine.

you battery may not be taking a full charge, but a problem that is common in older vehicles is cable decay. As the cables age the copper inside breaks down, at times you may even see a greenish crust form (a chemical known as copper sulfate). So what does this have to do with your alternator not keeping up with the load. I'm glad you asked, the degraded copper is not as conductive as good clean copper, thus you have the effect of lost "juce"

So for instance, lets us pretend 1 foot of alternator wire that is new has 1ohm of resistance, but a corroded wire has 2ohms (or twice the resistance of the original wire.


I hope some of that helped. I have been up all night sick and typing is quite the task for me at the moment.

it may very well be your alternator, and throwing a new higher output alternator in may very well fix any of the mentioned problems for now. But its worth testing the Alternator, battery and then Ohming the wires.

Good Luck
Click to expand...

Thanks for the insite. I did have them both tested. Battery is good and alt is good with no load. Once the load hits it it drops and doesn't put out enough power. I want to run a high output alt. anyways so im just looking for a cheaper way than having to buy a $600 alt. you know what im saying.
 
Hyde802 said:
Did you test your alt to make sure its bad? Whats it putting out for volts? The stock alt should be plenty for a stock system.

Let me just say "big 3" upgrade again... till we rule it out
Click to expand...

Oh and what is the "big 3" upgrade so i can research it
 
Around where I live electrical motor repair shops will rewind your existing alternator to put out more power. Try that or an alternator rebuild shop. Using your existing alternator will be direct replacement for sure
 
CAN-03runner said:
Around where I live electrical motor repair shops will rewind your existing alternator to put out more power. Try that or an alternator rebuild shop. Using your existing alternator will be direct replacement for sure
Click to expand...

Yeah they apparently don't that around here anymore. They said its "too old" so noone want to touch it
 
Hyde802 said:
This is for 3rd gens, but the concept is the same. Basically up grade the 3 big power and ground lines to thicker, newer wire.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...wiring-ugrade-3rd-gen-toyota-4runner-how.html
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So I went and bought a chevy alt. today not sure if its the right one though. Got it tested it tested good but, it only puts out 63 amps. It has the one power wire on the back and a 2 prong connector on the side. Is it the right one I can put up a pic on monday
 
So what i ended up buying was a chevy 3 wire alternator. Its only a 63 amp, which is smaller than i wanted. I figure that i can install this one and move to a 200 amp later. For now ill do the "big 3" wire upgrade to the wires and have it wired to handle over 200 amps. I am going to try and get it installed this weekend. I found this good link for wiring it up. Delco SI Alternator 1-Wire vs 3-Wire Explained It also has useful info on advantages and disadvantages to the 3 wire vs the 1 wire. I will make a thread on the install once i get it done for anyone who is interested in doing this to their 3.0.
 
Let us know how it goes. Personally, I do 'Big 3' on every car I have especially on anything 10+ years. Once you see a few engine and chassis ground cables, you'll know why its a big deal.
 
Quick question, what does everyone's alternator put out? Mine reads 13.0 and I was thinking it should be ~13.4-13.5. Should I consider replacing mine or should I be ok considering that it's putting out more than the battery reading?
 
Scalded_Dawg said:
Any update on this? Looking to do the same, in research mode now...
Thanks!
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Yes i do have an update. It is extremely easy to wire in you can use the top mount and all you have to do is extend the tension bracket/ slide shatever you want to call it, a few inches that is what i have found out. I haven;t installed my chevy alt. yet. My runner has been up and down this last couple months. Now i am starting my build so i will be putting it on soon.
 
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