The V8 Owners Forum -

The other thread about the engine weight has inspired me to look into this topic. Does anyone have any idea about what are the lightest ancillaries to use for a rover? I have heard that late model starters are much lighter than early ones and i guess there must be lots of different alternators out there that could be used subject to making up an appropriate bracket. I'm looking to keep weight down everywhere so if i can shave a few kgs from the engine itself just by using a few different bits then great! Any ideas guys?

HairbearTE wrote:i guess there must be lots of different alternators out there that could be used subject to making up an appropriate bracket. I'm looking to keep weight down everywhere so if i can shave a few kgs from the engine itself just by using a few different bits then great! Any ideas guys?

Also interested in the alternator option (though I will be using a std V belt) but would like high amperage if possible

what do you have to run on the electrical system?
what battery are you using?
are you running power steering?

Mike

Generally the 4x4 starters from the 80's on are the smallest lightest of the oem stuff by a long way. They might not fit though depending on the side clearance you have.
Alternator wise amps mean weight as they need larger windings and stuff. The lightest is probably the 55A Lucas ones. You might find lighter if you head round the scrap yards and find a 35A one. You can get light weight racing alternators that still put out good amps but they cost £££

Lightweights, If you are not running loads of electric ancilleries like heated rear screen and electric windows, yoy may get away with a alternator from a Diahatsu Charade or Suburu Justy, Its tiny, and I would think there are many more small alternators in the baby jap cars,
the late model starter must weigh about half the weight of a Full size item,
Weight saving is a bit of a challenge for me, but I do look for simple ways to loose weight without altering the theme of my car, being in full street trim and full interior, and no glass pannels at the moment.

there are lightweight bike alternators if you want really small, but if you run more than basic lights you will have a problem, battery is a good place to start, save alot of weight there. I suspect though the body, interior trim and areas like that will generate better returns for your money.
Mike

As someone told me once.....

'One of the lardiest things in the car can be the driver!':eek

I wasn't sure if they were referring to me but I do have a bucket seat on order in a "wide" fitting.

I suppose that if I could lose a few kilos it would save spending money on some ali heads or waterpumps!

Cheers,

Ian

Late model starters are both smaller and lighter plus are higher torque starters. I think I have a couple of pics somewhere showing them side to side.

As for alternators, I have a no-brand alternator that is of Bosch design but has ACR connector like Lucas. I believe such alternators were fitted in late 80´s/early 90´s Escorts and Sierras. They are a direct replacement to Lucas alternator plus have the same plug for electrics. They also have 70A output.

Just go on a diet, saves money and weight and therefore doubly as cheap!

There isn't enough space in the cocpit of mine for two "wide" bucket seats (or even one wide one and a standard one), I am either going to have to travel alone or drive 'til my legs go numb!

Mike

Thanks guys, some food for thought there. I dont have power steering or leccy windows to worry about in the datsun. Just as long as it runs, charges and the lights work i'll be happy! Definately will be looking at smaller batteries too.

I used a light weight/small altenator on my pop, it came free, it was compact enought to go down on the side of the engine without interfering with anything on the narrow pop front, good idea on the battery, any one know? john p.s. theres a pic of it on my webshots