Alternator(sure this has been asked before)

[ganma_ca]

I have looked through a few topics and tried to search it. Anyways anyone know the best alternator to use? (don't know if this even makes sense but is there a better alternator available?) Which one should I get 80's 200sx, or the Pulsar? Thanks all

Also with the starter what is the easiest way to swap it out? Above or below, or with the engine out of the car???? Lol

[sjbsuperman1425]

I'd say the bottom of the car to remove the starter.

I dont think there is a "direct replacement" alternator for the CA sold stateside. The KA alternator involves a little modification to the bracket but thats it. Rebuilding is also an option

I think someone was using a Maxima or Quest alternator IIRC..?

[float_6969]

Either;
-Get stock alternator rebuilt
-Make a KA Alternator work (requires work to the upper bracket iirc)
-Make another alternator fit. I got a Quest 125A alternator to fit. Had to drill out the bottom hole, grind down the oil pump so that it would rub on the alternator, and build a whole new tensioner/bracket.

Starter is easier from the bottom.

[ganma_ca]

Well I will probably try the KA out... Sounds like the easiest to make work. Anyone ever tried the 18et alt out from the 200sx???

[leadpaw]

I have a 88 200sx LR170 alternator on my fwd 18de. It fits perfectly as long as you use the 200sx tensioner. I have not done a functional check on it, as i havent installed the motor yet, but it looks good, other than maybe the B terminal being a little close to the oil filter. If you do attempt this make sure its an 86+ alt because before 1986 they were V belt.

[ganma_ca]

Cool thanks for the info man, that does look good, and I'm not to worried about the oil filter.

[ska69]

although the 88 200sx alternator sounds like a great idea, and the alternator looks pretty much similar to the stock ca18det unit, I can't resist mentioning a maxima alternator swap @ ca18-5det-build-up-t347952-40.html might work as well.

btw, leadpaw, did you leave the 88 200sx pulley?

and can anyone confirm 88 200sx alternator working on a RWD CA18 ? =)

[leadpaw]

the 200sx alternator is completely unaltered.

[ska69]

but it's 70A comparing to stock 80A and 125(?)A of maxima?

[leadpaw]

The car its going in originally had a Lr160 60 amp. Op was wondering if a 200sx alt would fit and it did. I was unaware of the Ca18det's original alternator amperage, and i needed to delete the Fwd power steering pump cheaply.

[ska69]

I'm not saying it's a bad idea. I even personally like it. It's great that it fits..thank you for letting us know that.

but if a smaller amperage alternator is installed instead of a bigger amperage alternator - is that bad? any drawbacks?

[float_6969]

You wouldn't want to put a smaller amperage alternator in an S13. The stock 80A is small IMHO. Upgrading to a 125A alternator keeps my voltage MUCH more consistent, and the car seemed to run better. If you put ANY amp in the car, the 80A won't cut it anymore either.

[ska69]

hmm...ic...thanks!

btw, you promised a write up on quest alternator for ca18det =)

[float_6969]

I know, I've got it in the back of my mind, but the weather here has been so crappy that I haven't been able to take the alternator back out so I can take pics of what I had to do to make it work. It was dark when I did it and I tried to take pics but they didn't turn out worth a damn.

[ska69]

so you installed it successfully? if so, can you explain in words? pics could wait..lol

[float_6969]

Sure! The bottom hole with the bolt that goes through the oil pump and block needs drilled out. It's too small for the bolt to fit through.

The outside of the oil pump where the bolt goes through rubs on the outside of the bottom of the cage of the alternator. I used a corse file and ground down the oil pump housing until the alternator could swing freely. It didnt' take a whole lot to get it to clear. I think it only took like 5 min of filing.

The upper backet is a mile off. I bent a bracket that my brother in law had laying around into the shape I needed it. I think it came off of FC RX-7. You could also pretty easily build a bracket from scratch with some metal, a cutting torch, and a press.

The belt lines up fine, but there is an extra rib on the pulley. Just leave it on the out side.

[ska69]

Thanks! that should help. Also, what from what year is the Quest alternator?

[float_6969]

98?

[ska69]

I guess this should help anyone who's going to upgrade to a Quest alternator.

rb-quest-alternator-swap-write-up-t532816.html

quest-alternator-110amp-to-sr20-finally ... 82959.html

btw, float, could you clarify which of the aforementioned pics suit better for the CA18?

[TheMAN]

and for anyone who just wants to buy a stock replacement without going through the trouble of rebuilding, rock auto does sell CA18DET alternators.... you have to expand their catalog to include EU, then you can select 89-94 200SX

[boost_boy]

I have a 88 200sx LR170 alternator on my fwd 18de. It fits perfectly as long as you use the 200sx tensioner. I have not done a functional check on it, as i havent installed the motor yet, but it looks good, other than maybe the B terminal being a little close to the oil filter. If you do attempt this make sure its an 86+ alt because before 1986 they were V belt.

You must have no use for Power steering because that's the location for the p.s. pump. It won't be that easy to take it out if it should go bad when the engine goes in the car. On the B12 sentra, you would have to take off the passenger side axle to be able to maneuver that alternator and it still won't be that easy. Seeing that the B11 has a smaller engine bay than the B12, you may want to really check this out before going this route as opposed to putting the alternator in the fron where it belongs.