Bad Voltage Regulator!
 

Hey everyone. I have a 87 Turbo II. It is completely stock. (Orignial radio as well) I had the car shut down on me yesterday but not before the clock went dim and I noticed my volts were at 12.2. But it was too late. car shut down by that time. Anyway, I charged it last night and started it fine, drove it right to autozone cuz its super close and I have no volt meter. They checked everything for me and told me I have a bad voltage regulator which I found out is inside my alternator.

My question is what should I do? My options I have seen are taurus alternator swap( but I have no grinder), the s5 swap, or just buy another s4 one. I don't have the extra cash right now to buy a brand new one so I really don't know what to do....any advice would help.

My automotive skill is medium at best. however I have never taken an alternator off. Doesn't seem too hard though.

Find a good junkyard alternator?

Used one from this forum?

I've personally never bothered looking at fixing the voltage regulator as I long ago ditched the underpowered S4 alternator and installed an FD alternator. Direct bolt on with a few minor wiring changes and you'll need to swap the pulley for the S4 pulley.

At a low budget, the Taurus alternator may be your best bet and you can find a friend that can help with the install.

I can probably pull a Taurus alternator + plug, add the proper wiring, grind it for you, test and test fit on my car, write out instructions, and send it to you for a decent price. (Depending on shipping costs.) - All you would have to do is find a pulley that will fit the alternator.

It would probably be cheaper to have someone local do this, though.

Thanks Aaron! always good advice. Has anyone done a writeup on the FD install? and what kind of price would I be looking at for it?