I finally got a 3rd gen alternator but I'm having a problem. Got it mounted and wired in but it seems that the main connector (the one with the thick gauge wire) sits higher then the 2nd gen alternator. The problem is that I'm still using the top mount intercooler and it won't seat. As I look at it there are two options. I can swap out the S4 connector which I can swing at a lower angle. That kinda scares me. I'm assuming the FD alternator has the two bolts holding that connector in for a reason. One of the guys said that it would not make a difference. (Just verifying that) The other idea I have is that there is a spacer about a 1/2 inch long on the main bolt that mounts the altenator in place. I was thinking about moving it forward but then I'm concerned about the belts being aligned. I'd be interested in any ideas that anyone has to offer here.

Thanks,
Dave

 

Good question. I'm dumbfounded myself. I asked what I suspected In the parts forum and encourage anyone who may be able to shed some light on this situation.

 

Oh shizits, i just got my FD Alt. In today, now im concerned!?

 

Oh great silverrotor, now I gotta do some fab work when I get to the alternator too? ARGH! lol

I'll look into it soon and see if I can come up with something. I can get some things machined at work (within reason).

 

I think this explains the issue a little bit. The connector is pointed at a bad angle....check this link out.

this just requires a little patience, we'll get it figured out

http://brfoundation.com/RX-7/alternator.htm

by the way I know this is an S4 to S5 alternator swap but from what I understand the S5 and S6 sit at the same angle.

 

I know BDC is running the FD alt on his S4 with stock IC...

I'm running it with a FMIC so I can't coment

 

So going S4->S6 is where the problem is?
Are you saying there shouldnt be one going from S5->S6?

 

All the ones I've installed are on FMIC's.

 

oh great...i still use the stock IC and was planning on buying an FD alt from silverrotor next payday...grrr!

 

This is not to say that it can't be done. Just a matter of making some changes. Looks like this one is up to me. I'm not sure I want to use washers to raise the height of the intercooler. I'm gonna try swapping the B Post on it. I'll take the S6 B Post of and put the S4 B Post on. If I have to I file down the dowel or key on the Post so that I can work the angle. Thanks for everyones input.

 

I got it installed. I removed one nut and loosened the other. I moved it down and then tightened the screw. The car runs so much better then before. When I turn on the accesories it doesn't hurt the way the car runs as before. Lights are brighter, the idle is a little bit higher, the AC runs alot better (more powerful and colder), and the throttle response is much more crisp. I got into it in 3rd gear and it felt so much more powerful through the RPM range. I'm very happy with it. I'm gonna grind down the FC B connector and put that on at another time but yes it can be installed in a TII with a top mount intercooler. Thanks to SILVERROTOR.

Late

 

Really, I'm glad you got It Installed with no problems. You really got me thinking " damn, Is their a fittiment Issue, and I appear to be with with holding this Information from our fellow FC owners?"

So you saying your good for another 10 horsies?

 

I just rotated the FD's connector and it works good.

The trick to making the alternator housing not hit the stock ic is finding the right belt length. The alternator fits great with minor modifications.

 

Tony...I'm not sure how much it's good for but I had a good feeling that it would make the car run nicer. We re-wired the harness from the battery back to the starter and up to the alternator. All new 0 gauge wire and 4 gauge with new connectors. With the old alternator it had about 12 volts at idle with no accesories. As soon as you turned on the accesories it dropped from there. We put a charger on the new battery and everything shot up from there. The idle was awesome the AC was blowing hard. So that's why I decided to go with the FD alternator. The best thing about this forum is that we all get together with a common passion and most things are tried and true. This is definitely recommended if you still have your old S4 alternator. It's worth the money.

late