TR2/3/3A Converted to alternator

[donbmw]

Removed generator and installed alternator. Took her to work to check it out

 

[DavidApp]

Everything working as it should?

David

 

[donbmw]

Better than expected. To me it seems that having a constant 14.5 volts from idle on up it starts and run better.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Good to see you still have "Skinny Butt"! Congrats on the changeover!l

Mickey

 

[donbmw]

Thanks Mickey

 

[Redoakboo]

I just installed the alternator in my TR-2 I am restoring. It's the one that looks like the old generator. I installed the Dummy Alternator, much easier then gutting the old one. Everything checks out so far??

Dick

 

[Snowkilts]

Anybody ever tried a positive ground alternator? Like this.

 

[donbmw]

First I’ve seen that type. Converted to negative ground years ago.

 

[martx-5]

First I’ve seen that type. Converted to negative ground years ago.

Yeah, never understood the devotion to positive ground. Maybe for a concours trailer queen, but other than that, it makes no sense.

And nice work Don. Good to see your practical upgrade is working fine.

 

[Snowkilts]

Yeah, never understood the devotion to positive ground.

For some reason I just kind of like it, despite it making no sense. These cars make no sense. A Miata would be much more sensible.

Also I have several add-ons that would have to be rewired if I switched to negative ground (electric fan, override relay for fan, and horn relay).

 

[martx-5]

For some reason I just kind of like it, despite it making no sense. These cars make no sense. A Miata would be much more sensible.

Also I have several add-ons that would have to be rewired if I switched to negative ground (electric fan, override relay for fan, and horn relay).

Well, while a Miata may be more sensible overall ( I have one of those also), changing over to negative ground actually has no effect on the lack of sensibility of a TR3. The overall character of the car remains the same. You just lose a talking point. But, as long as you have accessories wired for positive, might as well leave them. I'm curious though, is your electric fan made specifically for positive ground? Because many fans can be run either way by switching the wires, unless they have permanent magnets for the fields.

 

[Snowkilts]

But, as long as you have accessories wired for positive, might as well leave them. I'm curious though, is your electric fan made specifically for positive ground? Because many fans can be run either way by switching the wires, unless they have permanent magnets for the fields.

I honestly don't remember about the fan. You may be right about it. It's been over 20 years since I put it in.

The other thing that has had me thinking about the ground lately is that I want to put some LED marker and brake lights in. Those would have to be replaced if I ever switch grounds.

 

[Rod-H]

You have to remember to switch the terminals on the lights and horns when you switch to negative ground. Otherwise the lights will shine darkness and the horn will suck noise out of the air. :wink-new:

Rod

 

[dbenichou289]

Good one.

You have to remember to switch the terminals on the lights and horns when you switch to negative ground. Otherwise the lights will shine darkness and the horn will suck noise out of the air. :wink-new:

Rod

 

[Sarastro]

You have to remember to switch the terminals on the lights and horns when you switch to negative ground. Otherwise the lights will shine darkness and the horn will suck noise out of the air. :wink-new:

Rod

Dang, that explains what happened when I did mine!

Seriously--back when I had my AH sprite, I made the mistake of installing an ammeter. I discovered that, at idle with the lights and such turned on, the load on the battery was hair-raising; the generator was doing almost nothing at idle. I put in a 55A alternator, and the ammeter barely moved after that. Its ability to track the electrical load was extraordinary. I have to confess, modern stuff can be really good.