Chaparral2f Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 OK, here is the problem. I'm installing the combo meters (from a 240Z?) in my Z31. The Z31 had a volt meter which I'll move somewhere under the dash. I don't know how to wire in the Amp meter. I've got a Chilton book, a Haynes book, and a wiring diagram that is six pages long that I copied at the library. I've even checked my Harley shop manual, but it says nothing about wiring in an amp meter with an alternator. I should knmow this but as I get older, I've found the the first two things to go are yuour memory and the second is... the second is uh... uh what was I saying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
technicalninja Posted August 2, 2004 Share Posted August 2, 2004 Most amp meters apply all of the alternator output through the meter and the early 240Z versions could handle 45-50 amps of flow. Alternator out put was run up to meter and then to rest of car. Late 73/74 cars had a very complicated shunt system that did not run total power to gauge. This system was not accurate and had reliability issues. The problem with running an 70-73 amp gauge is that you Z31 alternator (and the rest of its wiring system) is set up for 80-100 amp alternators. Putting in a 240 gauge will cause major system restrictions and it may damage alternator or cause wire harness fires. A 75-78 Z voltage gauge may be a better choice as it is close to same look with out the added issues of a true amp gauge. Voltage gauges just sense voltage levels (ie the "flavor" of electricity) Amp gauges measure actual output. Volt gauges will function properly regardless of the total output of alternator. The 73-74 shunt systems were hard to get to work properly on the stock car. I imagine retro-fitting this system to a Z31 would only make problems worse as it was also calibrated for 50 amps. Replacing the Z31 volt gauge with the 280z volt gauge is easy. adding in the amp gauge is very dificult. Hope this helps Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaparral2f Posted August 2, 2004 Author Share Posted August 2, 2004 Rick, Thanks for all the info. Looks like it's back to the the jy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted August 2, 2004 Share Posted August 2, 2004 Thanks from me also Rick. I've been reading with interrest and your last post has made me think, "what about us V8 guys that have a 80 amp GM alternator and the stock 240Z amp meter"? Are we running the same risks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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