So I have a pretty power stereo system I'm about to install in my SL1. We all know the SOHC is gutless so I'm not going to bother with performance mods outside of maintenance, its my fuel efficient DailyDr. Well since the extra power needed to power the system will overwhelm the stock Alt/Bat combo, and a second battery/capacitor really just adds to the Alt's heavy load, I want to just add a second Alt/Bat strictly to power the stereo.

My question is; can i remove my Power Steering Pump and use that spot to mount the 2nd Alt?





98 SW2a, 96 SW2m, 99 SL2a, 01 SL1a

 

Seems in theory you could as long as

1) bearing friction is equal between the PS pump and alternator are pretty much the same

2) pulley diam is the same -- otherwise belt tensioner may not be able to handle the additional tension/slop AND changing the angle of the serp belt as it approaches the idler pulley may hamper its ability to function as advertised

3) you get the pulley exactly aligned with the rest of the pulleys on the serp belt; IIRC, the PS Pump is not very deep behind the pulley....

4) you get an alt w a proper V reg to handle the currents you'll be running
5) you inline fuse it to the battery to avoid fires

However, I do NOT think you'll enjoy driving this as a non-Power Steering vehicle. Esp as a daily driver.

Go on Craigslist and find a true base model SL which did not come w power steering and take it for a test drive BEFORE you commit to this project.

 

Hello?