Upgrading Alternator and Battery - What are the options?

[oli8925]

As title - for 1256.

My alternators on its way out, so as I'll e replacing it anyway, I was wondering what options there are for getting an upgraded one?

I got an upgraded one for my mini and it made quite a difference, so it would be useful for the Viva as it doesn't much like having all the electrics on. But I wouldn't know where to look.

Also, while I'm at it I was thinking about getting a better battery. Again on the mini, a popular upgrade is to fit a 306TDI battery and is a useful upgrade. Already tried this battery but it's too big. So what batteries will fit in the Viva battery slot? Has anyone on here done this to there's?

Many thanks

Oli

[Spence]

i made a bracket and fitted a 75 amp Bosch unit from an alfa 75 (i had it kicking around the garage)

[Jon-HPF]

depending on which make of alternator you have - you could just increase the ouput from the normal 28 amp (i think - 1256) up to 35 (ohc) or 45 amps (snoot)
Most autoelectricians should be able to do this - at least it saves on fabricating new brackets etc for a different style alternator .
the larger ohc cars had the bigger alternators which will fit a 1256 (just need to turn the casing around to get the bolt holes to line up!

As for a battery , i used sealed 60amp in a snoot - fitted tray ok and plenty of punch - got same battery in my viva e so they are available - just take dimensions down to local factors .Hope this helps.
cheers - Jon

[vivaha]

Hi Oli
The best bet for up grading your alternator is to get a unit from a late 80s ford, either escort, sierra or better still XR3i. The XR3i unit can be up to 75amp output, they will all fit your engine bracket although you may have to turn the alternator case 1/3 way round and make sure it has a V type pulley. I think your viva originally had a 038 battery, the HD version is 015 although you should be able to get a 063, 065 or 075 to fit but they are not as tall as the 038 so you may have to modify the hold done clamp to suit.

Cheers Tim

[oli8925]

Ok thanks. Unfortunately I've just ordered a new 1256 alternator, so I'll get an auto electrician to uprate it as Jon suggested.

Still on the look out for batteries though so when I time I'll visit a few motor factors around Brighton with a tape measure.

Thanks for the help

Oli