Alternator

[gouldalan]

Hi folks. Looking to fit an alternator to my Pinto engine in the Berlinetta.
I know it's a left hang, (Thanks Danny) but there is very little space to fit one between engine block and lower steering column.
The old Lucas one was an 18ACR I believe and about 125mm in diameter so anything wider won't fit.
Has anyone fitted a more modern, higher output one than the original Lucas unit.
I need it to be a straight swap.
If so where did you source it please and what model is it?
Cheers, Alan

[MOC Chair]

As a matter of interest, why do you need to fit a different alternater? I would have thought that the standard Lucas one was adequate.

[gouldalan]

Just thought there may be a more modern alternator that is a smaller diameter and would give more clearance from the lower steering column.

[B_Williams]

I can't answer which different alternator will fit, but do make one observation from when I went a similar route with the Landrover.
The Lucas series used 3 bolts to assemble the actual alternator, so the right/left handedness can be swapped.
When I bought a similar output Bosch, I found that it was assembled with 4 bolts, so I couldn't offset front/back by the required 120° to change sides, only by 90/180°, which meant the mounting holes didn't line up.
Fortunately I have a milling machine, so was able to adapt.

The main reason for me fitting the Bosch, over the old Lucas, wasn't so much the output, but the battery charging sensing.
The 90A ACR would only charge the battery at about 16A, whereas the 90A Bosch would charge at 40+A; less important on a Marlin, but useful on a Landrover with electric winch.
Might be relevant for a second battery in a caravan though.