SFBMX88 Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 Is it possible to swap in an 88 alternator into my 86 flatty? I have one from my old widebody that is known to work just sitting here in my storage space. I know for sure I will have to swap pulleys, but what has to be done with the 2 pin connector? I had a quick glance at both years wiring diagrams, and it seems like the circuits are a bit different. Is there anything extra that has to be done if this is possible? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creakyjoints Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 The plug is different. If you dont mind cutting the harness it should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starquest86 Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 Ever consider getting it rebuilt? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coke Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 You should take it to a "mom & pop" rebuild shop, and they can sometimes rebuild it for higher amps at the same time. The Auto Zone reman'ed alternators fry once a month. Ask me how I know, I went thru 2 of them, and my buddy went thru 5 of them this past year. I put an OE Mitsubishi alternator on it which I had lying around, and it's been fine since Spring of last year. Proof their product is utter s***. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinree Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Any news on the widebody alternator? Did you get it to work if so how did you wire the two pin plug? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFBMX88 Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 (edited) Parts needed: 87 and up alternator(pulley must be swapped to the 86 as they are different)87 and up alternator plug87 and up resistor and plug(located on the relay tree on the drivers side of the engine bay) The swap took almost a whole day. To clarify everything, I had to combine the charging diagrams from both an 88 and 86. Just a note, the red brake warning light on the dash of the 86 is also tied into the charging circuit. So, if you are having alternator issues, your dash brake light will illuminate. I think 87 and up has a separate charge/battery light. http://i.imgur.com/MAMhl.jpg I had to add the resistor and plug from my old 88 to the circuit. Mounted it right next to the coil: http://i.imgur.com/ZkZNt.jpg Added an extra ground path for the alternator to the block: http://i.imgur.com/hI0re.jpg Works great! Another benefit of the swap is now I have the option of running the higher amperage alternators from Monteros/Hyundais/etc.... Edited May 3, 2012 by SFBMX88 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinree Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 (edited) Is the resistor necessary? In the parking lot at work last night i had to put a alt from an 87 in. It seems to work other than the voltage dropping about .50-.80v when i turn the lights on you can also hear the car drop in idle. Edited May 3, 2012 by kinree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFBMX88 Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I think it is. From what I remember, it lowers the voltage seen at the alternator to increase its output. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinree Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 To clarify your diagram i would just add the resistor between the white and blue wire for the plug? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFBMX88 Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 (edited) Yes. Also, if you can see in the picture above, I have two white wires going to one terminal of the resistor plug. One comes from the main harness, the other goes to the actual alternator two pin plug(the smaller gauge wire of the two). http://i.imgur.com/CPjJZ.jpg Turns out I actually have a picture of it http://i.imgur.com/tvHi7.jpg Edited May 3, 2012 by SFBMX88 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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