I"m goin to put on a aftermarket supercharger. I noticed in the routing of the belt will make the alternator pulley spin opposite than it does now. I have the instructions from gm and it says nothing about the alternator. Has anybody installed the supercharger on their cavalier. does anybody know if i Have to replace my alternator or will the one I have now do fine. I been told yes and no so I'm just trying to clear it up. thanks for all the help in advance

 

I don't think the rotation will matter for an alternator.

 

Thats a good one, Do have a voltmeter and a way to spin it on the bench to see if you get reverse voltage going backward. Since they create AC power inside before its converted to DC, my guess would be it will work fine. But dont quote me on that.

 

Why not test it on the vehicle? Without the alternator the battery should carry the charge for a short while.

Disconnect the alternator charging wire from the vehicle's wiring harness. There should be a modular plug somewhere close. With the engine running, test the output from the charging wire to ground. It will either show @12volts, or -@12volts.

The alternator generates current through induction, then sends it through a "diode plate".(automotive term for a bridge rectifier) Theoretically you should be getting clean current in either direction of rotation, but it would probably be a good idea to test it and make certain.

 

It can be rotated in either direction with no change in output.
My only concern is how the alternator will cool itself. It has a small set of fan blades connected to the stator shaft that forces air into the windings, but turning in the opposite direction, it will move air away from the windings and reduce ccooling effect.

I agree with rivereye's thinking on this one...

The alternator generates electricity by induction. The alternator generates an Alternating Current, which is converted into Direct Current by an 'inverter' of sorts. The inverter will make the AC (of any hz) into DC.

 

Thanks Gary.

 

Which all leads me to thinking a local marina may not only have the answer, but also a reverse turning fan to cool your alternator... ... because many marine engines have opposite rotation to offset RH rotation in a dual-engine configuration, which is very popular amongst many small craft in the 25' to 50' classes.

Maybe you could even find a definitive answer on a boating forum.

 

Some FWD imports have CCW rotation. The way it was explained to me is that the alternator ittself would work, but it would stay cool.

 

Do the instructions have a tech support phone number? Is the kit made specifically for you car? Do you relocate the alt to a different place? I put a super charger on a 91 mustang about 6 years ago and I remember moving the alt for the top to the bottom but I can not remember if it changed direction. If the instructions do not say anything about it it is probably not a problem.