I'm replacing the alternator on my '85 GT with a rebuilt '88 unit, as I've been told the '88 alternator is far superior. I'm following Rabid-Wombat's instructions (http://home.coastalnow.net/~brent1/csalt2.htm), but I've hit a bit of a snag. The pigtail I got has 2 brown wires and no black. In the instructions, it says the wires are 'in the S, L, and F positions respectively', but the picture actually shows that it's S, F, L. I'm thinking I want the S (red) and L (2nd brown) wires and get rid of the F (brown closest to the red), but want to check before I start popping off wires and soldering. From the picture it looks like the F wire is the black which is not needed. Here's what mine looks like now (I've already removed the P wire)
Sorry for the poor quality image, and now that I've removed the grey P wire, it looks like the 2nd brown lines up with the P, but it's actually the L.
[This message has been edited by NetCam (edited 03-17-2013).]
I did this very thing to my 85 GT. Its been 6-7 months ago and I forget which of the two skinny wires you splice into though. I do remember that his instructions were 100% correct as his references to the wire colors, letters on the connector housing, etc were all correct. Are sure both wires are really brown? You can take a tiny bit of sandpaper, an exacto knife, etc and scrape the wire to see actual color. Good upgrade I might add. Newer. (88) alternator is technically a "CS" series alternator and puts out more juice in smaller pkg. (especially at idle) Kit
Both wires are definitely brown, it's a brand new pigtail that I picked up today. If you look at the instructions from Rabid-Wombat's site - 'They are in the S, L, and F positions respectively' but in the picture it's definitely S F L P, which is why I'm not sure if it's the 'L' or the 'F' I should get rid of. The alternator has PL on one side and FS on the other, so if I knew for sure it's the 'L' wire I need, then it's the 2nd brown (L), the one furthest from the red.
[This message has been edited by NetCam (edited 03-17-2013).]
By looking at the second picture, you want the "S" & "L" wires. Just cap off the middle brown wire (F) with some heat shrink tubing, no need to remove it completely. Who knows might need it someday in a future motor upgrade
One (hopefully) last question on this.... The '88 alternators don't have a heat shield. Should I be taking the shield off my old alternator and try to rig it to the new one, or do the '88s not require it?
One (hopefully) last question on this.... The '88 alternators don't have a heat shield. Should I be taking the shield off my old alternator and try to rig it to the new one, or do the '88s not require it?
On the '88s, there is a heat shield mounted on the corner of the cylinder head, closest to the alternator. If I remember right, its attached to the studs that mount the exhaust manifold. I'd sure like to locate a set of those shields since I'm running an '88 alternator with no shields (I couldn't make the old-style shield fit on the new alternator).
I have a custom alternator with the '88 outside, and Corvette internals. (120amp, or 130amp, don't remember) Did that for 2 reasons: 1: more modern design than even the '88 Fiero one, so better durability. 2: If I ever ran a system, amp, etc. in the car I don't have to worry about the increased strain at idle.
Originally posted by css9450: On the '88s, there is a heat shield mounted on the corner of the cylinder head, closest to the alternator. If I remember right, its attached to the studs that mount the exhaust manifold. I'd sure like to locate a set of those shields since I'm running an '88 alternator with no shields (I couldn't make the old-style shield fit on the new alternator).
I did the same with our '87. When putting in the CS alternator I was able to use the '87 heat shield. The bolt hole on the back of the alternator was a bit of a challenge to get the bolt into, but it all worked out with some very minor adjustments. It will do the job for you of diverting some of the manifold heat.
I do like the CS swap and no more singing alternator bearings here.