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Thread: Lighter weight alternator

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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Question Lighter weight alternator

    Just a question, I'm just wondering if there is a lighter weight alternator for the Mirage? Just curious guys. Wondering if I could save some more weight. From what I have researched, the OEM is the best I can get for now. Thank you!



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    Still Plays With Cars Loren's Avatar
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    Given that Mitsubishi went to great effort and expense to make this car as light as possible, I don't think it's very likely that they fitted an alternator that's any larger than it needs to be. And modern alternators are already designed to be as efficient as possible with aluminum cases and all that.

    Unless there's a lower output alternator available and you think you could get by with it (like, you don't have or use a lot of accessories that draw power, never drive at night or in the rain, etc.), I don't think you'll find anything lighter.

    Does the 1.0 Mirage engine use a smaller alternator? Maybe some of the 600cc Kei cars?

    When I was looking to lighten a Miata alternator, I was able to fit one from a Geo Metro, I believe.

    Mitsu probably has this base covered, too... but on the Miata, particularly the early Miata, there were a lot of heavy brackets that could be replaced with lighter parts. Like the alternator bracket. But, also the AC bracket that was CAST IRON on the early cars, and cast aluminum on the later cars. And the AC compressor itself was a lot smaller/lighter on the newer cars. As was the starter.

    I don't think there's a lot of "low hanging fruit" of that variety on the Mirage.
    Simplify and add lightness.

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    Moderator Eggman's Avatar
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    Doesn't the Mirage ECU control the alternator performance? If so, the programming is for an alternator of a specific capacity. Reducing that might lead to a damaged undersized replacement if the ECU ever calls for maximum output?

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member stevedmc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gnestovia View Post
    Just a question, I'm just wondering if there is a lighter weight alternator for the Mirage? Just curious guys. Wondering if I could save some more weight. From what I have researched, the OEM is the best I can get for now. Thank you!
    How much do you weigh and how tall are you?

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    Fummins (05-07-2020)

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    Senior Member Top_Fuel's Avatar
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    How about starting with a lighter battery? If you don't live in a really cold climate, you can run these in a daily driver.

    Braille Advanced AGM Lightweight Racing Batteries

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 52.2 mpg (US) ... 22.2 km/L ... 4.5 L/100 km ... 62.6 mpg (Imp)


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    Quote Originally Posted by Gnestovia View Post
    Just a question, I'm just wondering if there is a lighter weight alternator for the Mirage? Just curious guys. Wondering if I could save some more weight. From what I have researched, the OEM is the best I can get for now. Thank you!
    I need to simply my life more. That way I could devote more time being concerned about the weight of my Mirage alternator.

    In all seriousness, I hope that you find what you are looking for!

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    Moderator Eggman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mark View Post
    I need to simply my life more. That way I could devote more time being concerned about the weight of my Mirage alternator.
    Rare sarcasm!

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)


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    Still Plays With Cars Loren's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Top_Fuel View Post
    How about starting with a lighter battery? If you don't live in a really cold climate, you can run these in a daily driver.

    Braille Advanced AGM Lightweight Racing Batteries
    I'm still running a $35 motorcycle battery.

    https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...attery-Project

    As long as you don't need cold winter starting, don't have any stray current drains, and drive the car every week or so... seems to work just fine.
    Simplify and add lightness.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Eggman View Post
    Rare sarcasm!
    Yeah, it probably crossed some line for me. But I surely meant it to be somewhat funny!

    Dropping a few pounds myself would be good for me & my mpg rating!

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    Senior Member Gnestovia's Avatar
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    Thanks for the reply. I just wanted to see what ideas were out there
    I appreciate the response. Here is pictures of my engine bay. I'm using a 11.5 Braille Battery. Custom made my battery mount out of aluminum peices made from aluminum gutter downspout and titanium bolts.


    Attached Images Attached Images       

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