hi
could you tell what benfit i would see by upgrading to a 80 amp alternator? also how do i check to see what amp i have?
thanks
don

 

Unless you're voltage is dropping as a result of too much load (extra lights, large power amp, etc.) you will not see any benefit at all.

The alternator should have a tag on it, marked something like 12v,60A.
The 60 part is the current output. If there is no tag you would have to look up the part no. with the manufacturer. The stock 12A alternator is 50 Amps, the -SE is 60.
-John.

 

My book says all late 1st-gens are 65 amp... ? The one I took from my junkyard 12A engine (starting to think it WAS an '84) tested at 70 amps.

 

I was going by the '84 factory manual. It's been known to be wrong...
I suspect Mazda used whatever was available (on special?) from their suppliers, as long as it was in the ball park. My '84 -SE has a 60A. I was just trying to give minocqa an idea of what he had now, if it was stock.

-John.

 

That would explain why my '85 has a weird looking mini-alternator on it. It doesn't even have a cooling fan. Very bizarre.

 

thanks for the information John
now that i look it does say 12v 60a

Don

 

 

I stand corrected on the 60 amp factory alternator! Still, if you plan on running fans, lamps and a big stereo, an 80 amp alternator is a wise step and it's only a boneyard search away! The '89-'91 RX-7 alternator exists in an 80 amp rating. I've posted on how to fit this wonder into a 1stgen rex elsewheres....