Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi all,

I?m upgrading from my 51 year old Lucas Dynamo (generator) to a new Nippon Denso alternator using the Burton kit.

My question is how to connect the new 40A cable from the alternator to the starter solenoid. I think the existing Dynamo Feed (via the control box) connects to the spade connector. See photos. Is this okay (beefy enough) for the new connection from the alternator or should I put a ring connector on and go to the same large stud as the battery cable sits on?

Thanks
Steve

depending on the specs of the alternator you are fitting, you may want to ensure that the connection to the battery (at the solenoid) can convey enough current without heating up : that includes the connector, where poor contact can result in local hot point. If your existing connection looks oxidized, somewhat lose or otherwise not up to an significant increase of current you should upgrade the connection as well.

Thanks. To clarify:

- It?s a 40A alternator.
- I?m also installing a dummy control box which contains a 40A fuse.
- I?ll install new 40A cable from the alternator to the dummy control box, and from there to the solenoid.

I want to know which connectors to order to fit onto the two new lengths of 40A cable. On the alternator it?s a ring connector, and it?s two spades on the dummy control box. my question is would I be ok with using the spade at the solenoid too?

What do others do?

Best
Steve

Short answer - yes. You can buy a new spade if your old one is a bit tatty. Our S3 has an alternator with connection to a spade.

You should replace the wire, it is not large enough for 80 percent more current

they should be supplying you a new wire

Thanks all.

I?ve ordered new 42A rated wire (84 strands of 0.30 / 6.0mm2), and I?ll be fitting new insulated spade connectors at the solenoid and dummy control box, with an insulated ring connector with a rubber boot on top at the alternator.

Best
Steve