matt_s

hey so I just picked up my 1st rx7 it's a 87 N/A and it's missing the alternator i've looked around town and the soonest I can get one is in a month I want to get this car on the road maybe tomorrow. So my question is does anyone now of anyother alternators that will fit and work?

Thanks
Matt

RotaryRocket88

iTrader: (7)

Buy one off of a forum member or ebay. Go to the 2nd gen parts for sale section amd post a request for one. It will be tough to find an alternator off of another car that will fit the FC.

Go here -> https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-rx-7-1986-1992-parts-194/

jmkogut

If you're in an extreme hurry a junkyard alternator wouldn't be a bad route to take just for until you get a replacement.

Hazard15301

iTrader: (5)

Use one off a 91 Buick Lesabre. You need to modify the wiring slightly, but it pushes out more amps and more or less bolts on. You also need to adapt the pulley to fit, which involves rounding out the hole slightly.



They are also a dime a dozen at junkyards around here. If you're interested, it's a worthwhile swap. I'm sure you can find more information about it here if you search.

matt_s

But if my car is missing the whole alternator can i not use the pulley off of the Buick alternator? That looks like its almost made to fit.

Hazard15301

iTrader: (5)

No. The buick alternator uses a serpentine type pulley. You must remove the fan entirely as well. It seriously does look like it was made to fit. It's great. I mean, the stock alt only pushes 70 amps. If you're going for a bigger stereo, upgraded lighting, etc, you will need a bigger alternator eventually. I think it'd be more cost effective in the long run to do it now. And I guarantee a parts store somewhere will have one in stock. They're very common. I think the buick alt pushes 100 or 120 amps. You can also have them re-wound to get a little more juice out of them.

Also, about the pulley: If you want to do this upgrade, I'd be willing to help you find the wiring instructions for it. I have a pulley from a spare alternator I could bore out and send to you for just the price of shipping it.

I've never had any problems with this mod. Never broke a belt, never burned anything up. I've had it for over a year now.

Sorry if it seems like I'm pushing you to it, but I believe it's a very worthwhile mod that has excellent payoffs. Do some research before you decide on anything. There are bigger amps out there you can also make fit.

Hazard15301

iTrader: (5)

Here are a few more shots of fitment and comparison.

Here is a side by side comparison. They are the same alternator. The top one is unmodified. It has the stock Buick pulley and fan on it. The bottom one (naturally) is the modified one. It is sans fan and has the stock Mazda pulley bored out to fit over the shaft.



Pics showing wiring and fitment in comparison to the engine. It looks a little tight where the vacuum lines and OMP rod go behind it, but I promise there is no binding or pinching of the lines or rod.



As a bonus, I said that the one for a 91 Buick pushes 100 amps (I think, not quite sure). The one on top if from my dad's Chevy S10. I believe it pushes 130 amps. But they are the same alternator in appearance and fitment.

But research intensely. I'm not 100% sure if its a 91 or 93 Buick. I'm not a GM guy at all. All I know is the one from my dad's S10 and this Buick are exactly the same.