Alternator puzzle solved

[Corrado Grieci]

I as many of others have struggled to replace or upgrade 35amp Bosch alternator.  
 

I had found 3rd parties that sell rebuilt increased amp replacements.  After spending $300+ for one that failed after 6 months I came across multiple threads advocating for using 318i alternator.  This option does require some modifications as well as unique bracket. 
 

I was not sold on the option so I set out on a quest to find the holy grail.... a drop in replacement with higher amp!

 

 After some research I found an amazing, kind and knowledgeable artisan of alternators/ starters.  Hi name...  Mark Greeson.  I brought Mark my Bosch and explained my situation.  He attempted to fix my $300 dude but it could not be revived and pronounced dead from cardiac arrest.  
 

So Mark, embarked on his journey to find the grail.  After much research and archaeological digging I received a call that he had found it!!!  A 100amp, internal voltage regulator and option to have external or self exciting.  I could not believe it!!! Could it really be true... the Grail?!

 

With an odd feeling of hope and skepticism , I picked it up and brought it back to my own lab to conduct my own test and see if in fact this is.... The Grail.  
 
I proceeded to install and.......  IT FIT!!!!!!!  An exact drop in!!!  No modifications!!!!!  With the addition of one 1/8" washer it slipped in and bolted right up... photos below

If you find yourself in need of replacement or upgrade, I highly recommend giving Mark a call... contact info below...  tell him BMW guy sent you!

 

God Bless

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 27 by Corrado Grieci

[Dave919]

Good to know and I’m just a short drive away in Durham.

 

Last year I put in a BNR right before the drive to MidAmerica even though reviews on the forum are mixed and it’s worked very well. 
 

I have the old alternator - maybe I’ll see what Mark can do with it.

[visionaut]

So what make/model car is it from??

[Joesprocket]

That's awesome. Saving this thread

Edited January 27 by Joesprocket

[lunarkingdom]

2 hours ago, visionaut said:

So what make/model car is it from??

Right? In one. of the pictures I am getting a serial of what looks like BA22B2, BX22B2 or RX22B2 but that red line is drawn over it so I can not be sure. I googled it and came up with nothing.

[TobyB]

Quote

Grail

shrubbery?  flesh wound?

 

I like the little NDs, as they are tough as nails, and internally regulated.

They're the best solution I've found so far...

 

t

one person's quest...

[Corrado Grieci]

It fit into my 1976 .  No marking of model  i was so excited to get it I did not care to ask.  Give Mark a call.. super nice guy I sure he would help.   For $150 you can't go wrong .. mire flesh wound!

 

 

 

 

[Mike Self]

I hate to be a Cassandra, but...

 

One question, and a possible caveat:  the replacement alternator doesn't appear to have rubber/urethane mountings--it bolts solidly to its bracket and thus is subject to engine vibrations. 

 

IIRC the reason for those rubber mounts was to insulate the alternator from engine vibrations.  That might have been excessive German attention to detail/caution, but....it'll be interesting to see if those solid mounts affect the unit's longevity.

 

mike

[tzei]

Solid mount on my race car for decades - not a single problem. Can’t get much harsher than that.

+ thats what factory race guys did back in days.

 

Jap cars have been solid mount for years.

[jimk]

37 minutes ago, tzei said:

Jap cars have been solid mount for years.

Don't most have balance shaft engines?

[jimk]

The OP's unit looks familiar.   I think it's a Delco.  One came with the S14, also 100 amp and I didn't need it, so it's on the shelf.  No Delco tag on it, was rebuilt by some Autolite outfit.  Case markings read Delco and a number cast in, see rubbing.

[SydneyTii]

Be really interesting to know what car this is out of.

[jimk]

6 minutes ago, SydneyTii said:

Be really interesting to know what car this is out of.

By way of the pigtail I bought for it, the alternator is for an LT1/LT4 Corvette.

 

LT1 LT4 Alternator Connector Pigtail - EFI Connection, LLC

WWW.EFICONNECTION.COM

 

[SydneyTii]

Thanks Jim, bugger we don’t have those cars here but I bet there’s something similar!

[tzei]

1 hour ago, jimk said:

Don't most have balance shaft engines?

Some engine familys have, some do not.