Alternator compatability

[sjf911]

Is it possible to fit a 3.2 Carrera alternator in an SC? I have added a slew of gauges and 2 electrical pumps to my car in addition to all of the EFI electronics so the 90 amp Carrera alternator looks like a reasonable upgrade from the 75 amp that I currently have.

[Laneco]

No.

I have an 81 SC. When the alternator crapped out, I thought it would be a good idea to upgrade to a 3.2 alternator. It was also readily available. When I got the 3.2 alternator, I put it into the fan housing. It bolts right up but the body of the 3.2 alternator is longer than the 3.0 alternator so the cooling fan will not recess all the way into the housing...

Ordered the 3.0 alternator, then held them side to side. The 3.2 was about 1/2 inch longer.

Evidently the housings on 3.2 and 3.0 are different with the 3.2 being "deeper."

angela

[sjf911]

Thank you, that is dissappointing. I hate to spend $700 on an upgraded alternator but I may have to. I wonder if the SC fan housing can be milled out to accept the Carrera alternator.

[pozee]

I don't know the answer..but was wondering. Is there a difference in the depth of the 3.2 fan hub vs. the 3.o fan hub? or is it the actual housing that is different? Isn't it possible to replace the alt. with the 3.2 unit as long as one of the other components is also replaced like the fan or the housing?

[Laneco]

Originally Posted by sjf911

Thank you, that is dissappointing. I hate to spend $700 on an upgraded alternator but I may have to. I wonder if the SC fan housing can be milled out to accept the Carrera alternator.

I actually considered doing that but I was afraid that I would have run out of material to keep the rear of the housing strong. I had already replaced the previous 3.0 hoursing due to numerous cracks... Didn't want to risk it with this housing.

Maybe you can get lucky and find a 3.2 housing. That should work just fine. Then keep the 3.0 housing to sell - heavens knows I had to look a while for mine!

The question about the fan hub though is a good one. I haven't had a 3.2 fan side beside my 3.0 fan so I can't answer that question. If indeed that is different, then swapping to that fan may alleviate the issue. Almost need both parts side by side to determine what will and what won't work...

edit: The Pelican parts shows one fan but three housings (one for 3.0, one for 3.2 and one that fits all?). So I'm afraid I'm out of the ability to help you more, sorry...
angela