My alternator, and more specifically the voltage regulator, has failed again. So far I have had the alternator rebuilt about every 2-3 years since I have owned the car and would like to consider a more permanent solution. Car is a 90 NA Ausspec. I run a reasonably thirsty stereo system and have a UD pulley. The stereo has 2 amps: A PPI amp: 2 channels at 90w per channel rms into 4 ohms claimed to max out at 58 amps, and a JL Audio monoblock amp: 1 channel at 120w rms into 4 ohms (don't have power consumption figure). Does anyone know the amp rating of the Zed alternator(s)? Do the NA and TT alternators have the same output, and if the TT alternator produces more power, can I mount a TT alternator into a NA without alterations? Any other views welcome. Thanks, Peter
While Im a newby with cars I am a product engineer for a company that design & manufacture fairly large engine driven equipment. We recently had similar problems with regulators in alternators on aircooled engines, especially in hot ambient conditions. Heres what I learned; 1)There are different temp rated components, use the higher. (maybe the TT has better components) 2)Sheild the alternator from radiation off hot exhaust components. 3)Try to get cool air over & into the alternator. 4)Go for an alternator with a big alumin heatsink on the reg if u can. 4)Blow dust out of it with dry air periodically. 5)Ensure the load (your stereo) has a much lower resistance connection to the battery than it does to the alternator. 6)Electrically conductive heatsinking paste on the alternator connections might help conduct heat out of the alternator slightly. So will thicker leads. 7)reduce the load (turn it down when the headlights are on).
Yes the TT has a slightly higher output and it is a direct replacement. My zed was killing alternators about once a year as well, I fitted an earthing kit and also went over all the factory earth points and cleaned them up, so far this alternator has been ok.
