The alternator in my 2 is shooting craps and I was wondering if anyone knows what options there are. It appears that a second gen one will line up wire harness wise but I dont know for sure. How bout 3rd gen?

 

Any of the RX-7 models will work including MX-6, 626 etc. Im shooting for an 80amps. You will need 3 wires. Thick wire from alternator to battery. The newer ones are internally regulated. Therefore, 1 wire will need to come from the ignition switch to power the “F” terminal. The other wire is only for alternator dash light. I have an RX-3 and I recently, upgraded the fusible link to the 86+ 80amp fuse box. Next is to get the alternator.

 

Photos of something like this would be nice =D
I would not mind haveing a look at it..

 

sure, i will take pix this week-end.

 

Hmmm. If you could give some more detail there as to the where the pins in the harness fit to the pins in the alternator that would be good. Also, is the voltage regulator in the old alternators in a different place than the alternator? I forgot about that too. Thanks! (this electrical stuff is NOT my bag)

 

I have the electrical diagram for an RX-3, (thanks to Dyno Dave), and after comparing it with a 79 & 80 RX-7s, its pretty much the same. The 80 and below have external regulator and have 3 pins The 81+ are internally regulated with 2 pins. To install the 81+, you will need to eliminate the external voltage regulator and completely re-wire the charging system (very simple to do) Unfortunately due to christmas and my daughter’s birthday, I will not be able to do the upgrade this month. But if you can wait til after New Year, I will be more than happy to get you detailed instructions and pix. Or, I can fax you a copy of the diagram. Hopefully, Jeff20B and TimS @ Real Ride Racing can add more to this topic.

 

My website is still under construction but the pix are ok.
click here and you will find my cars along with the 80 amps 2nd gen fuse box.

http://wackyracer.freeservers.com/photo.html

 

I'd just use an SA alternator, then no rewiring would be necessary. The external regulators are pretty reliable, at least I've never had one fail *knock on wood*.
The later alternators ARE smaller and presumably lighter, though. -WG

 

Well I am actually replacing mine because the voltage regulator is shot on mine. when you say 'SA' do you mean just an original one? Also, this would be fine and dandy if I knew that I could find an original one!

 

SA = 79-80 RX-7