Okay, I have been reading all day about swapping in an alternator, but the '80 FSM doesn't show where the external voltage regulator is that I need to work on to switch to an S4 alt.

So, where is this external voltage regulator in a 79 SA? I know, lame question but it's got me stuck for a bit. HOwever I have this wired right now my Tachometer is reading at like 5500 rpm at idle. It's all screwed up because of the wiring.

 

its a square shaped looking module. Mine was against the inside of the passenger side fender..right up close to the firewall. (but mine is right hand drive !)

the wires come out the bottom. you can trace these wires to the alt.

 

the voltage regulator on the s4 alt is internal

 

I know, I'm trying to find the external, ha! This operation is more complicated than it should be. I wish I could find an easier to understand instruction for this.
I've got a 12v 30 amp relay for this with the 87, 85, 30 and 86 terminals.

 

sry i misread ur post, i thought u were trying to use the sa external regulator with the s4 alt

 

It's okay, I can barely think anymore. I'm trying to think how I wire up this relay now that I know where the external voltage regulator is.

 

i need better instructions as well so i can install my FD alt in my SA

 

The voltage regulator is between the drivers side strut tower,and the firewall.It is a large metal box looking thing with a few connectors coming out of it.It is the biggest thing on that side,if I remember right.

Chris

 

ok, i've done this. i've also posted here for help but our wire coloring are different.

this is how my system was wired :



this is how the s4/s5/s6 alt needs to be wired up



now there are 3 wires to worry about ; B, L & S

B is the easy one ; this is the thick one goes direct to battery
S I ran to a switched 12v with a 5A fuse along the line
L is for the light on the dash. Here I joined this to the white wire marked (1) on my hand drawn pic. same as the white/black wire which goes to bottom right pin of that black edge connector thing.

i know of people that have done the swop on here complaining of the car battery going dead after a while. I have never had this problem. I suspect the reason being the S has to go to switched 12v. some people also try and bypass this by just connecting to the B terminal cos they both +12V. Rather keep seperate like I explained

 

you rememered right. I got it in and it's workign fine. I just need to get the voltimeter aspect working now.