Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi folks,

Before swapping over my standard Elan Sprint radiator and electric fan for a Tony Thompson one with Kenlowe fan (already purchased). I think that I should convert from dynamo to alternator.

Being UK based has anybody on here got any experience of the Kelvedon alternator kits which have 2 options either 40amp or 55amp ( I don't know which to go for? car is stock at present) see link below. You can also buy a fitting kit but I don't know if it comes with wiring. (I haven't contacted them yet)

http://www.kelsport.net/parts/products. ... ectionID=5

Or do you know of any alternatives to this available in the UK or Europe?

I do like the Dave Bean conversion kit but importing from the USA is not an option because of expensive postage and probably getting hammered for import duty.

I can muddle my way through electrics so the more complete the kit the better it is for me.

Thanks in advance

Fastcat7

When I did mine, 20 years ago, Club Lotus did an info sheet with the wiring on. I bought some appropriate cable and an alternator and just did it. it may be worth looking at that.
I've just done my son's Mini with a 55A alternator. I'd suggest that as the minimum.

PO on my s4 fitted alternator from a mini metro.......so far [touch wood] it has been perfectly adequate.


fred

Consider the standard generator has only 20+ amp charging, and none at low revs.

So, the smallest alternator will be more than adequate. Even the smallest car has an alternator usually of 40+ amps, it charges at full rate from barely over idle. There is no need for anything larger.

David
1968 36/7988

I fitted a kit from Burton which comes with mounting brackets ,belt, plug and 40 amp alternator for ?266 . It has the advantage of not requiring the adjusting strap to be bolted to the timing chest as the strap is an integral part of the mounting bracket.
I found it very simple to fit and very compact.

Ed

Ed, you are probably using this - http://www.burtonpower.com/alternator-kit-40amp-x-flow-pre-x-flow-lotus-twin-cam-altkitxf.html


I like the idea of no attachment to the timing chest!

what is wrong with Lucas ACR17 as was an option and all the info is in the Lotus Workshop Manual.
Brackets available and easy to find a Lucas ACR17.
Still running Generater on my Sprint no probem
Alan

alan.barker wrote:what is wrong with Lucas ...........
Alan

Actually, I thought about swapping for a Lucas myself before opting for the RD Enterprises kit, the Lucas Alternator is big & heavy... it was OEM though (on Plus 2s at least...)

Have you thought about one of these Alternators that look like Dynamos? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Stealth-D ... SwQJhUkYxc There are a few places doing them now. I've not used one myself but they look allot better than an Alternator and i suspect you can use the stock mounts (but you would have to check)


Just an old thread on wiring i have bookmarked.
lotus-electrical-f38/dynamator-conversion-t28679.html

pharriso wrote:Ed, you are probably using this - http://www.burtonpower.com/alternator-kit-40amp-x-flow-pre-x-flow-lotus-twin-cam-altkitxf.html

BurtonPower_Setup.jpg

I like the idea of no attachment to the timing chest!

That's the one
Ed

Hi Fastcat

I have attached a note on fitting a alternator to a Lotus 7 that previously had a dynamo. Should give a few pointers
on what to do. basically the same reasoning should apply to the Elan Range.

hope this helps

best of Luck

BOB

Check out this thread: http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/lotus-electrical-f38/alternator-conversion-does-your-car-talk-you-t23099-15.html. I made the conversion about four years ago and it weas one of the best things I did. ACR17 is cheap and reliable and fit in very well. I had to change belt length but I've listed that in the discussion. I only bought the alternator - no kit - and it wasn't difficult to fit and set up.

Hi folks,

Thanks for all the advice guys, I now have plenty of bedtime reading and make my decision as to which alternator to fit.

Fastcat7

Grizzly wrote:Have you thought about one of these Alternators that look like Dynamos? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Stealth-D ... SwQJhUkYxc There are a few places doing them now. I've not used one myself but they look allot better than an Alternator and i suspect you can use the stock mounts (but you would have to check)


Just an old thread on wiring i have bookmarked.
lotus-electrical-f38/dynamator-conversion-t28679.html

Good call Grizzly, I've posted on a thread from a couple of years ago by people who had fitted them to see if they are any good.
A couple of guys on the TR4 forum have installed them and there doesn't seem to be any problems with them.

Fastcat7

Galwaylotus wrote:Check out this thread: http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/lotus-electrical-f38/alternator-conversion-does-your-car-talk-you-t23099-15.html. I made the conversion about four years ago and it weas one of the best things I did. ACR17 is cheap and reliable and fit in very well. I had to change belt length but I've listed that in the discussion. I only bought the alternator - no kit - and it wasn't difficult to fit and set up.

Well done that man and the belt for an altenator is in the Lotus Elan +2 parts list so OE
Alan