japanese alternator conversion

[pupjoint]

okay, this is not for the purists, not cal look, maybe waste of time but just thought of sharing.

I have long been dissapointed, i am sure most of us here also, that i am not able to walk into the local parts shop and buy a german made part for our cars, in this case alternator, i am sure same case over in europe and USA.

I can walk into any local parts store and buy a brand new german made bosch alternator for a Mercedes W124 for just USD155.00. vw guys have to live by used parts, and if new, they are either poor quality like china parts and in most cases, not cheap even here.

even the Brazilan Bosch AL78 style are hard to get over here and costs about USD350.00 if available or if you can find it. still hoping or maybe dreaming someone may make a quality alternator in the original german style or better, inside the generator housing, just like what Lucas is making for the classic minis.

here in Indonesia, i have seen quite a few cars with this conversion. unlike where i am from, low mileage german alternators can still be found, although getting harder, most of the ones in Indonesia has probably been thrashed to death or have maybe half million miles on them.

was talking to a few locals here, apprently this conversion has been done for 3 or 4 years now with much success. the locals started doing this a few years back when everyone was sick of china crap and alternators that was broken while they are still in the shop. most street cars run ACs, stereos here and coupled with an external oil cooler fan, they need the extra juice. modern japanese alternators are smaller, lighter, most of the time giving 90Amps or more i was told.

[dragvw2180]

I would like to see one that is apart to see the rear of the alternator for the  fan drive. What is the alternator off of ?

[pupjoint]

i am waiting to see one myself also. just for curiosity's sake. let's see if i can find the shop making these.

dint ask specifically what vehicle the alternator was from, most alternators found in japanese vehicles look more or less the same to me, but if i were to guess, it would be from a 2 litre To#¤ta MPV, since To#¤ta has about 90% of the market here.

[Rennsurfer]

Very common looking alternator. Resembles ones seen in cars like a Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Silverado, and many other automobile brands. This conversion should help those that can't find a Bosch unit.

[.]

Why not just have someone elswhere buy a new German unit and ship it to you ?

[pupjoint]

dunno dude, i am not from indonesia, also a foreigner working here. my bug also not here. but i thought Bosch Germany has stopped making those alternators since the 70s?

everything i see after that are the Brazilian Bosch AL78X or N.

[Dougy Dee]

Is there a fan hookup? Cant tell by the pics...

[pupjoint]

there is. i found the shop making these yesterday. will post pics later.

will stick to my german bosch for now myself 

[pupjoint]

some pics.








a lot of work and effort, also not cheap, maybe useful for bus owners running big stereo and big AC or dual blower etc, but for my application, i dont need it, since i have no stereo and no aircond 

[whirligig]

that will be one that has vac pump drive of rear ,if I remember right theres also some with power steering pump on rear .would like to see pics of drive shaft though .

[pupjoint]

that will be one that has vac pump drive of rear ,if I remember right theres also some with power steering pump on rear .would like to see pics of drive shaft though .

no clue on vac pump or power steering pump, haven't seen anything like that here myself.

[max2919]

there is. i found the shop making these yesterday.

$$$?

[pupjoint]

there is. i found the shop making these yesterday.

$$$?

about USD550 for complete bolt on kit from the shop. just reuse your existing backplates and fan.

[DWL_Puavo]

I've sometimes (not necessary so sober) thought that if there would be 12V permanent magnet DC motor in the same size than the alternator in this topic for a few kw:s, that would also withstand the rpm range... Then multirib belts, some quite simple electornics -> instant hybrid-vw solution! Sure way to take some 0.1's out of ET !

[Jon]

Thanks for investigating Pupjoint!

[richie]

Looks interesting to me,the chinese "bosch" copies dont seem to like alot of rpm,that in a 16v version would be an interesting alternative

cheers richie

[Cyclemut]

If you found the place that's making the kit, do you know what the alternator is out of or what they're using for the alternator?

[pupjoint]

If you found the place that's making the kit, do you know what the alternator is out of or what they're using for the alternator?

good question, i did ask, but the shop owner was reluctant to tell me the details. he just told me the housing was cast locally and the internals from a japanese car.