changing to alternator in my Mk2 3.4

[Mk2600FGJ]

Hi all fellow members.
As part of my Mk2 restoration I want to fit an alternator.
Which relays do I need to change for the conversion to negative earth and does the voltage stabilizer behind the gauges need to be changed.
Ideally I would like to hear from someone who has done the alternator conversion.
I will be fitting a new loom from and including dash forward to all of under bonnet and headlights etc.
An RB340 control box has been purchased to replace the original RB310.
My reason for restoration is the previous owner had an under bonnet wiring loom fire which made quite a mess but thankfully was contained within that area and no damage at all to inner side of firewall.
Many thanks
Eugene

[piman]

Hello Eugene,

no relays need changing nor the voltage stabiliser. What does need changing is the coil polarity. It will still run if not changed but the spark at the plugs will be weaker. The fuel pump may be polarity conscious, some Jaguars had diode suppression fuel pumps instead of the more common capacitor type. The diode is a small black cyclindrical device, and although you may need to remove it to see should have it's polarity marked. It's a long time since I looked at one but if it can't be turned round Burlen Services should be able to provide an opposite polarity diode. Also the radio if you have one fitted will not work unless either the polarity is changed or the radio replaced.

You don't need a control box with an alternator, but the wiring is slightly different. I woul check with your loom supplier if they can provide one with provisions for the alterntor, and depending on the alternator size you also might want to consider larger section alternator to battery connection cable.

Alec

[Mk2600FGJ]

Many thanks Alec. You have mentioned some good points . Unfortunately I purchased new looms some time ago and looks like I will now have to order one to suit alternator conversion.
Eugene.

[PPV]

There are several articles on the net which can help also. In addition to the points Alec specifically mentions I thought the clock may be an issue but not sure.
Many put in a relay system to help with future issues and there are specific sites which may help with this like:
http://valvechatter.us/?cat=1117
Best of luck with the work.

[Mk2600FGJ]

UPDATE

I have now decided on remaining positive earth with the Mk2 rebuild.

Reasons being , I have already bought new wiring looms to suit the car in it's original positive earth.
I had been unaware changes were required to the loom if one went to Negative earth.
It will be more in keeping with my desire to retain an overall 'stock' appearance on completion of the rebuild.
I will not be doing any touring or very long distance runs so the dynamo being reconditioned should be suffice along with all new associated components.
Thanks again to everyone who responded to my initial question.
I am sure I will be back with more questions as the rebuild commences.
Eugene.

[piman]

Hello Eugene,

it's not absolutely necessary to alter the loom but it does make it much neater than modifying the existing wires that connect the dynamo and regulator box. That said there is nothing inherently wrong with the dynamo if the rest of the electrics is kept standard and no large extra loads are added.

Alec