I've been having trouble with my battery dying. I've pretty much narrowed it down to it being the voltage regulator that is draining my battery because even after sitting over night, my regulator is HOT, not just warm but HOT. I discoverd that if I disconnect the regulator from the alternator, the regulator doesnt get hot, and my battery doesnt get drained. Is there something wrong with the alt. that is effecting the regulator or does it sound like there is a bad switch in the regulator?

 

Now is the perfect time to upgrade from the crappy 50 Amp with external regulator 1979 Alternator to a S5 80 Amp internal regulator unit.

I'd say it's the regulator if you just wanna replace that.

 

Thanks, thats what i was hoping. I didnt want to go out and blow like $20 on a regulator then still end up spending like $80 on another alt.

 

Yark, Hit the search and you will find some info on changing the system over to the later one. Also so info on using a Buick Alt so you get 110 - 150 Amps.

 

Could i really benefit from upgrading to a higher output alt.? I dont plan on installing any sort of sound system or anything like that. Do you think I would need to upgrade my alt. if i want to switch to an electric fan?

 

It would help with an E-fan. But would not be required. I dilike the way the lights are dim unless I am on it. And I will be adding some Sound system and Fogs, so for me it makes sence. Besides a used alt at the junk yard is $11 so why not.

 

Notice how the voltage gauge dips when you turn on the lights, or how the dash lights dim at night when you hit the brakes or the turn signal blinks?

An upgraded alternator will put out more power and alleviate these problems. It will also give you more room for expansion... If you ever want to add a sound system, fog lights, or an electric fan.

If you don't plan on doing much, you probably wont need 100 or more amps. A S4 alternator (2nd gen RX-7 1986-1988) puts out 70 amps and almost drops in. (At least into FB cars 1981-1985... Not sure on 1979-1980 SA's.)

 

Yeah, i was wondering about why my lights dimmed when i came to a stop. I think i might look into doing the S4 alt. conversion. I guess it depends on how much i can get a good S4 alt. for. If the install is straight foward enough, I probably will.