Saturn alternator conversion question

[sheetsofsound]

Hello all. I am wondering if anyone can point me toward another source for info as my alternator died last week and I am jonesing to drive my car again.

[darrellw]

Here is a video version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPkhPbojUKs

[sheetsofsound]

For less than the cost of a replacement 'original' alternator from a chain auto parts store, I got a new Saturn alternator with a built in voltage regulator. It makes 110 amps and weighs half of the original. The local alternator shop even lined up the mounting holes and put a new pulley on the thing. I'm driving again and - bonus - the headlights are brighter.

[FI Spyder]

With the bearings in my alternator needing replacing, I was faced with the possibility of replacing with a Saturn alternator. Local auto parts dealer had a 100 amp Alternator for $100 and $14 for pigtail. Still having to track down a V belt pulley and days melting away before first car show of the season I decided to go with Japanese bearings for $57 installed. I had previously disassembled the alternator, cleaned the commutator ring (can't remember if I put new brushes in as I had them, just that they were still half there). Now granted, the car has A/C so would have the 65 amp Lucas alt. but it delivers a steady stream of juice at all speeds including idling, with lights bright and only slow down in signal light flash noted at idle when headlights are on and heater fan blowing. That would not be the case I suspect on any of the other two smaller alternators.

[sheetsofsound]

I couldn't solve my problem for $57. That's great. I was happy to get out at $110 after trying to fix the alternator myself. The brushes were ok and the bearings were good. Couldn't find anything obvious with the original except rust and dirt and corrosion. Had it out, cleaned it up, checked contacts - nothing. The Saturn has a 1 wire hookup, so bypasses the idiot light on the dash. Not the cheapest, but I am driving again.

[DNK]

Id still put that $57 on the shelf and use the $110 alt, Which I think you can get even less, for a lot more amps over stock

[FI Spyder]

In the states, yes. here? Not so much.

[Peter Nuss]

The one wire or two or three depends on what plug you buy to go to the alternator. The one wire loses the ignition light. Three wire plug keep the sense wire, the light wire and the field wire. If you have the one wire plug there are parts in that plug to eliminate the other two wires. The Saturn alternator can be wired to use the factory TR7 or 8 wires if you choose with the correct plug.