Alternator Swap

[kidrobot]

I was trying to figure out if a 5er alternator would be
swappable into a 3er? I'd be using the alternator out of
a E34 and into my E30. BTW I found an E30 Alternator
out of a used/abused/oblitorated for 35$, looks to have
104k on the clock if it was OEM origional or not a rebuilt,
35 for a 104k a pretty good price? Haven't found out
any of the specs on the 5er Alternator yet though, I'll
post em' when I do.

--edit--
Move this to Tech, I forgot where I was posting.
Thanx.

[M3 Ryan]

whats wrong with your alternator?
if it doesn't charge, check the regulator and then the brushes. If they are worn, its only $29 for a rebuild kit and then you will have a NEW alternator that will last 150k+ miles.

Just my 2 cents...

[kidrobot]

I wanted the higher ampridge

[M3 Ryan]

ahh...
WHY? you running a big stereo or something?

[e304lyfe]

not all e30 alternators are the same... some have bushings, some don't. and they use a different mount to the engine block.

so that means you have a 50% chance of it working, or even less (as i don't know how 5er alternators hook up)

[kidrobot]

Jordan and I talked it over briefly and we both believe that as long as it
is shelled from an E34 525i (M20 Block) that it should be a direct swap.
The range of cars could probably be anything as long as it has the M20
block, I'm not positive which ones posses it though besides the 525i.

Full story is this: I was running a higher amp aftermarket which was
frankly a POS, it ended up cutting my lower rad hose twice do to whatever
reason (I think the rad hose was missing a spacer or something stupid like
that hear its a common prob). Anyway, it took a dive at roughly 11k on it
and I just thought I'd experiment. I'm sure someone else has thought it up
and tried it before though.

As for the need for higher ampridge, I have a couple undisclosed plans
that'll eat up the watts.

--edit--

Forgot to mention, that I found a 5er in a local yard, and that's what got me
thinking about it in the first place. So if anyone wants parts, I'm sure they
would be available.

[mentaleeill]

to run a high watt stereo, you don't necessarily need a high amp altenator. i had a iasca sound vehicle back in the day. all i used was an optima tellow top battery, a full farad capacator, and ran all 4 gauge wire in my car. i used the big wire not only for stereo stuff but to the starte, and also made a new engine ground with it. 1300 watts worth of rockford fosgate amps and never dimmed the headlights when 159 db worth of bass hit. i have never really heard anything good about bigger altenators.

[M3 Ryan]

to run a high watt stereo, you don't necessarily need a high amp altenator. i had a iasca sound vehicle back in the day. all i used was an optima tellow top battery, a full farad capacator, and ran all 4 gauge wire in my car. i used the big wire not only for stereo stuff but to the starte, and also made a new engine ground with it. 1300 watts worth of rockford fosgate amps and never dimmed the headlights when 159 db worth of bass hit. i have never really heard anything good about bigger altenators.

Thank you.
I know an E30 alternator can handle just about whatever you are going to throw at it, so I say get a good battery and stop trying to gain a few more amps.
Rebuild yours and it will last years!
just my 2 cents 8)

[Jordan]

How are your engine mounts? Worn engine mounts will allow the alternator to cut the radiator hose.

[kidrobot]

Matter of fact Jordan I checked those just
before I hopped on the computer looks like
they need replacing on the driver side.

I bet engine vibration/quick stopping threw
my engine forward enough to allow it to cut
through. I solved it with a few zip-ties and
a beer though. When I get a chance I'll throw
in different mounts, just need to find some
chain and a tree

to run a high watt stereo, you don't necessarily need a high amp altenator. i had a iasca sound vehicle back in the day. all i used was an optima tellow top battery, a full farad capacator, and ran all 4 gauge wire in my car. i used the big wire not only for stereo stuff but to the starte, and also made a new engine ground with it. 1300 watts worth of rockford fosgate amps and never dimmed the headlights when 159 db worth of bass hit. i have never really heard anything good about bigger altenators.

Thank you.
I know an E30 alternator can handle just about whatever you are going to throw at it, so I say get a good battery and stop trying to gain a few more amps.
Rebuild yours and it will last years!
just my 2 cents 8)

I'm putting a full desktop computer in my car.
E30 OEM Alternators don't have the Ampridge.
5er and 7er's both do. It'll be my second car to
have one. My 7er has a PIII processor & WiFi
routed into a DC/AC converter and displays off
a custom mount 24in LCD Flat (Haven't installed
the flat, still in the box. Running through a DVD
5.9 screen now) It's a nice thing to have on long
trips. I'd use a vastly stripped version in the E30
for electronic assistance etc. msg me for a TID
on it if u think its a neat idea.