power woes

[Carl H]

well it seems that the old rb20 alternator isnt up to snuff for me when it comes to running electric bits.while it is still good and puts out the rated 80 amps, 80 amps just isnt enough for my car.when my electric fans kick on the car nearly dies because of the current draw, i need something with a bit more juice.what do you guys sudgest? ive got an alternator from my ka (which is 90 amps because my car is an se)......i would be more interested in finding an alternator in the 100amp range, because i do plan to have ac as well as get my stereo working again.im open to ideas......

[Joe]

check your local area for any shops that can rewind it for a higher amperage.

[sean8564]

yeah like kamin said you can have a local shop rebuild it for higher amperage.

[goofynick6]

Sounds like your IAC isn't kicking on like it is supposed to in order to raise rpms and keep up with the draw.

[Carl H]

well as a parts driver for nissan i drop off parts at alot of diffrent places.ive stopped at quite a few alternator rebuild shops and for the most part most of them dont think it can be done, or if it can be done at an obcene price.does anyone have an idea of perhaps a diffrent nissan alternator i could use, ive investigated a few but because of casing diffrences i cant use them......

[Wulfgang]

I don't know of any alt that will just drop right in, but I suspect a late model GTR alt will and should have plenty of juice for you due to the GTRs have all of those nifty electronic systems like traction control, HICAS, automatic climate control, etc. in addition to all power accessories.

If you are willing to make a spacer (or possibly 2 spacers) almost any alt should fit. I've got a 2004 Acura alt rated at 130A that looks like it might fit with a new bottom spacer (and of course swapping the pulley). It is a rather small frame for 130A.

However, as Nick said, your engine typically would not die because of low current from the alt. You might see your headlamps go dim, but I have never heard of an engine dying (at least not right away). So make sure you check that IAC before trying to fit a larger alt.

[Carl H]

yeah i suspect that the root cause of the problem is the IACC valve as it doesnt really mantain a constand idle and will vary as much as 400 rpms depending on time of day.the guy who made my manifold sent along another IACC valve for some odd reason, so i took it apart and cleaned it all up and got the piston free of debris and dirt.i will try this new valve and see if that fixes the erratic idle and the instability.another reason i think its the IACC is because when i turn on the ac it idles up like it should, so its just a matter of seeing if that whore is working or not.however i still would like an alternator with more ooomph as i do plan on having my radio and ac working soon.