Early 260z alternator noise. Upgrade, replace or overhaul?

[Timbo]

Hello everyone.
New to Z ownership and the site, but super keen to learn, look after and perhaps tinker with my new 260z.

Having recently taken delivery of a car that had only covered a few hundred miles in the last few years and stood for the last 12 months in a showroom, both water pump and alternator are creating a fair bit of noise.
I’m sorting the water pump today and while the alternator is not anything like as bad, it will need sorting soon.
Questions is whether the unit’s bearings can be replaced, or whether I need to replace the whole unit. And if so where can I source one?
I see that one the Z store incthe U.S there is a 60 amp upgrade with the relevant plugs supplied for 240z.
I am presuming my early 260z US import (LHD) would be the same as a 240z, as I have an Amp meter and not a voltage meter in the dash.

All advice most welcome.

 

[AliK]

A very simple equation:


If originality matters get it overhauled. Plenty of places around that do it. The original was a 40A unit.

If you care about better charging / amps at your disposal, then upgrade to the 280zx one with 60A output.

Plenty of choice on Rockauto


https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...209293,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

On that note, my new one (280zx unit) had a whine for a while until the bearings settled. I had that u it rewound with upgraded rectifiers for 90A output.

 

[Timbo]

That’s a great help. Thank you Alik.
Got onto Rockauto and ordered the Remy listed.
Presuming its a straight swap.

Thanks again.

 

[jonbills]

not quite a straight swap - 280zx alternator has integral voltage regulator, so there's a little rewiring to do. I'd tell you what you need to do, but I've forgotten. I bet you'll find dozens of threads with the info though.

 

[AliK]

Wow you don’t hang about!!!

The 280zx has an internal voltage regulator but our S30s have external regulators.


On my late 260z I bought a plug that went into the wiring loom plug that would have otherwise gone to the external regulator.

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/12-4067


On the early 260, I think the same plug would work but I can’t be sure. Yours is more like a 240Z I’m working but the plug shape i “think” is the same.

great links if you are happy to diy it:


https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/46888-240z-alternator-upgrade-instructions-w-pictures/

http://woodworkerb.com/home/datsun-240z-rebuild/datsun-240z-alternator-upgrade/

 

[jonbills]

Wow you don’t hang about!!!

The 280zx has an internal voltage regulator but our S30s have external regulators.


On my late 260z I bought a plug that went into the wiring loom plug that would have otherwise gone to the external regulator.

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/12-4067


On the early 260, I think the same plug would work but I can’t be sure. Yours is more like a 240Z I’m working but the plug shape i “think” is the same.

great links if you are happy to diy it:


https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/46888-240z-alternator-upgrade-instructions-w-pictures/

http://woodworkerb.com/home/datsun-240z-rebuild/datsun-240z-alternator-upgrade/

Yeah it's the same plug - I have one somewhere and it did work.

 

[Timbo]

Wow you don’t hang about!!!

The 280zx has an internal voltage regulator but our S30s have external regulators.


On my late 260z I bought a plug that went into the wiring loom plug that would have otherwise gone to the external regulator.

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/12-4067


On the early 260, I think the same plug would work but I can’t be sure. Yours is more like a 240Z I’m working but the plug shape i “think” is the same.

great links if you are happy to diy it:


https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/46888-240z-alternator-upgrade-instructions-w-pictures/

http://woodworkerb.com/home/datsun-240z-rebuild/datsun-240z-alternator-upgrade/

Thanks Alik,
I followed the links, had a read up and ended up at the pre-made plug available through the Z store, which I have ordered.
I should be able to plumb it all in when It arrives.
If not, I’ll be posting and reaching out for help, but seems pretty straightforward.

Thanks for the support.

Will hopefully get to take her on a proper run soon.

 

[AliK]

You’re most welcome chap and good luck with it, it’s a really simple and very satisfying upgrade that I found hugely improved my car’s idle quality over the stock one with external regulator. Also it’s not as heavily stressed if you are driving at night with lights on, heater fan on, possibly wipers and a stereo. On a decently built L series engined car the latter a waste of the straight 6 mating call!

Looking forward to hearing how she runs.