8 replies to this topic

[Matt]

Hey guys!

which alternators fir a mini... im after an uprated alternator to charge a 306D battery and obviously going to need an uprated alternator......

which ones fit or dont fit.. how easy is it to them etc..

any help would be greatfully recieved!!

Matt

[Jimmyarm]

Um, unless you are putting more draw on the power than normal you dont need one. A standard alternator should charge that ok.

[Matt]

well heres whats going into the car after my rebuild..

headunit.
1x 7" screen
1x car computer running through an opus power supply
2x front tweeters
2x front component speakers
2x vibe 6x9s
1x electronic crossover
1x audiobahn sub
1x 6 channel amp
1x mono amp
1x central locking kit
1x clifford alarm
1x capacitor

what do ya reckon? id say i need a more than standard alternator?

[Big_Adam]

AH HA!

Found my old thread. It from a Nissan Blubird. An older model I know that much.

http://www.theminifo...x...rnator&st=0

[icklemini]

do the maths and work out how much all the electrics in the car will draw.. then size the alt to suit...

[Silicon Skum]

You can also use alternators from a Ford Escort, same fittings and bolts straight on. With that list of electrical load, you should be looking at a 55A alternator as an absolute *minimum*. Proly needs to be around the 70A range, or 90A for a little extra breathing room.

SS

[icklemini]

and at that spec you will need to beef up the cable to the battery....
... and hope your crank damper stays in one piece!

[Dan]

The cables from the alternator to the solenoid should be improved if you are fitting a larger output alternator, but lots of people just assume they need a larger alternator 'because it's a Mini' without finding out what they already have. It's the same as 'must be unsafe because it's a Mini' and really annoying. You probably already have a 55 amp or maybe even a 65 amp alternator, they were standard for years. There are also now 75 amp genuine Mini alternators available from Mini Spares. How are you powering all this stuff? Have you added fresh circuits from the battery?

[Silicon Skum]

and at that spec you will need to beef up the cable to the battery....
... and hope your crank damper stays in one piece!

While I agree an the "beefed up" cable from the *alternator* to battery cable, the main battery cable should be fine (it's rated for FAR more than 90Amps, try the 400 odd amps your starter motor pulls when cranking!).
And I doubt the crank damper will have too much to worry about, it's not as if you will be supplying a continuous 70 or 90 Amps from the alternator (you do know how the charging system works, right?). Just that the alternator is *capable* of supplying a max load of 70 / 90 amps. You should always slightly over rate the alternator and never run it at is MAX output - that is a sure way to expect a short life time from it.

SS