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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Lucas size replacement

Hello all,---is there any alternator out there that is the exact same size as the Lucas? I have seen many examples, but they all seem to require some kind of spacer or shims.OTOH, is there something that can be done to the Lucas unit to make it last longer? I have seen some ads for "brand new" Lucas alternators in magazines from the UK. Could this be? Are they better made? I don't need any more amps for my Bugeye(Frogeye for you good folks on the other side)but it is always good to look ahead.Anyone know what Halogens pull for amps? Are the sealed beam ones not as good as the ones where you put the bulb in from the back?---Is that too many questions? Regards, Bob Chamberlain in Kansas
chamberlain Bob

Bob,

I don't know of any alternative alternators which are a direct swap. swapping headlights for halogen is a good idea, but there are many to choose from - some are terrible ( the Wipac "quad optic" i had for a few years were ad) the best have used were cibe /valeo units. they won't draw much current with standard bulbs.
d cusworth

I doubt 'brand new' ones are better made, I'd expect a little used 20 or 30 year old original or old reconditioned one to give good service for years; I keep a few old ones, and use one on my racecar. By not monkeying around with the electrics often (and being slow, thoughtful and careful when I do) I have not had one fail on me yet :-)
David Smith

Whether a bulb is Halogen or Tungsten makes no difference to the current it draws assuming they are both equal wattage.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

the wattage in standard lucas sealed beam are 60 main/45 or 50 dip. standard H4 60w main/55w dip - but all are well below the demands of a alternator.
d cusworth

Hey Bob,

I went with a GM, and never regretted, its not a direct swap, it took some fiddling, but it one of my favorite mods...Its also a "single wire alt" so hooking up was such a piece of cake.

The one huge advantage of a GM over a lucas alt, no matter where your at here in the states, If the GM alt goes out, your just a parts store away from getting another one just like it, while the lucas maybe a few days.
in your part of the country, that should be a real consern...After all Ive been to the Kansas National Forrest, and yes "The Tree does look impressive" ...LOL. but still "That single tree" in all of kansas is along way from any parts store.

Better to have only one tree for a state, then all the Mo. hillbillys combined to have one set of teeth.

Jayhawks...Fiff, Please!

Prop
Prop

there are trees in Kansas? Just where is this thing? Oh, that's right, it blew over in the last wind storm! Bob C in KS
chamberlain Bob

This thread was discussed between 20/05/2010 and 21/05/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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