MazsportScott

Curious to see if anyone needs a high output alternator for their RX-8?

This would be a bolt-on plug and play unit with output up to ~270amps. We have been using these units on the RX-7’s for several years and they have proven to be a reliable high output alternative to the factory unit.

Pricing for the unit would be about $550 and would be powder coated the color of your choice.

Please let me know if this is something you guys may be interested in so we can determine if there is enough of a demand to produce this product for the RX-8.

Thanks, Scott

jstkilntim

I do not need one as of now, but will definitely be interested in the future.

sebarx8

iTrader: (4)

any pic???

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

its an alternator nub

eastcoastrotary

what is the stock amperage (to compare to the ~270 your part would provide)? do you think that it would inhibit engine response or require new pulleys? what about existing lightweight/underdriven pulley setups? i am interested in the product, though.

Socket7

The stock alternator is 100 amps.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Not for that price...

MazsportScott

It could be used with current pulley setups or I could provide you with custom set depending on the application.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Ohio Generator already makes a +200 amp replacement for the RX-8 that retails for $380.

Socket7

But will they powder coat it?

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

I think they will chrome or polish it.
That's extra, though.

MazsportScott

I am pretty sure we are talking about different products here. I spoke with Ohio generator and they do not make and alternator for the RX-8. According to them if they did it would would put out 160amps or 180amps at peak and would retail for $525. This feeler is for something significantly higher in output.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

I held the Ohio upgrade for the RX-8 in my hands at SEMA last year.
It was something like 240 amps (I don't remember the exact rating) and the retail was $380.
There is an RX-8 owner I know right here in Phoenix who has one.

MazsportScott

Thats weird, just relaying what Cliff told me on the phone.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, I don't know Cliff, I've only dealt with Howard.
I'd say go for it. The market loves competition.
I know that I've toyed with the idea of a higher-output alternator - with all the additional load placed on the electical system by additional fans and having them on all the time, coupled with a bunch of A/V equipment, the batter doesn't always get what it needs.

Davey's RX-8

iTrader: (1)

I would have *mild* interest at best. With a true 1,000 watt amp and a 450 watt amp I have never noticed a load on my alternator, but then again I have an Optima battery, large capacitor, and I'm not underdriving my alternator.

I can see a market for this, but I'm not sure that the stock alternator is so bad. If mine went I might consider this as a replacement now that I'm out of warranty.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

The cap is your best investment since the amp's loads are transient.
Its things like rad fans, which pull a constant load, that are the issue.

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

i emailed ohiogen, lets see what they say....

fwiw, the market obviously isn't saturated with product, so go for it. i'd be interested in the future also, although a bit steep for me considering my priorities right now

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

I called OhioGen per their request in return email. Spoke to Gus.

First he told me the rotaries are historically hard to do anything for due to the high revs, if they gear it down via pulley size you'll lose the charging capability at low rpms/idle. ( he told me the only two times times he's seen an alternator blow up, as in from overspeed, was once from an RX-7 of a friends, and once from a civic with a Integra GSR-NWOFMSL or whatever engine....)

The database that gives them all the OEM specs for alternators/generators does NOT list anything for the RX-8. They wouldnt know where to start without info, UNLESS they had a car/alternator in hand.

They CAN and would be willing to offer something but they need info first.... most likely the OE is a mitsubishi, Gus told me. What he needs is the part numbers off the alternator, the one that starts with "A2Txxxxx" or "A3Txxxxx"

MazsportScott

Modifying the factory unit is the 160amp approach they had been discussing with me as well. 160-180amp for $525 I can offer a much higher performance product for just a little more money.

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

That may be what they had in mind, i dont know as nothing of the sort was mentioned, nor were possible costs.

but obviously there isnt a lot out there, so go for it Scott!

MazsportScott

I think I may do just that, need a little more interest though.

Socket7

I like the idea of a nice red, powder coated alternator under my hood. Unfortunately, I can get a very nice set of tires for almost the same price, and they'll have a lot more utility for me then an alt will. My amp has 4 25 amp fuses on it, and I've yet to blow the 60 amp fuse under the hood while listening to it as loud as I can stand. I just don't think I'll ever be pulling enough current to need ~270 amps.

If my alternator ever burned out though, I'd absolutely buy one. If i installed it myself I'd end up saving money over a stealership replacement.

Race Roots

iTrader: (64)

Scott whatever happened to this idea, was there not enought interest for you?

I think in another year or so there will be a tremendous amount of interest because we potentially see more people in need with the age of the cars getting up there along with the wear and tear.

I know myself would be interested but not right now because mine works fine for the most part. I say go for it because I have seen a couple people replace theirs already.

I know my choice would be to go for a high output alternator when i need mine replaced.

And I would like to know that there is a product out there that meets my demands.

simplyphp

Any update on this?