Alternator Relocate while Keeping AC Compressor

With my previous JDM Sport log exhaust manifold, my EWG was mounted vertically and cleared my custom 3” vband downpipe. With my most recent purchase of a DTP Fab log exhaust manifold, my EWG now sits at a 45° angle, which is now in the path of my downpipe. As many of you know, running a log manifold will require you to have a custom downpipe fabricated. This also results in the downpipes position to be very close to the alternator, which mine was millimeters away from the hot wire.

To prevent issues with heat and shorting out the car, many people have heat wrapped their downpipe, or have done an alternator relocate to the AC compressor area. I would prefer to keep my AC, so I'm looking at alternative options. I know that I could have a new downpipe fabbed up for the alternators current location. To preserve the life of the alternator, I’m making the decision to relocate the alternator in addition to allow extra space for the downpipe for heat purposes.

I've stumbled upon a few threads stating a Mazda 5 alternator will work for the relocation project which is fine, but that leaves me to determine the AC portion. While I was looking for an alternator for a Mazda 5, a fellow Mz5 owner had mentioned to me that if I wanted to keep my AC that I should look at the Mazda 3 / Mazda 5 oil pans. Apparently they have the AC Compressor bolted up to it. After some quick searches, it does indeed appear that this is possible, and I’m willing to tackle this project.

Assumption Parts List:

• Mazda 3 2.0L Oil Pan
• Mazda 3 2.0L Oil Pickup Tube
• Mazda 3 AC Compressor
• Mazda 3 AC Lines
• Mazda 3 AC Condenser
• Mazda 5 Alternator
• Unknown Serpentine Belt Size

I will fill in OEM part numbers soon for reference.

 

This is going to be a cool project!

 

Don't you need the compressor too? and why the condenser?

 

I need to verify if the AC lines will bolt up to the same location on the Ms3 condenser, if they do then the condenser is fine to use and the lines are all I'll need.

I've also updated OP with the part you mentioned.. forgot to list the compressor. It appears to be more of a brick shape than the Ms3's barrel shape.

 

This is a neat idea, excited to see how it goes.

 

Don't forget the potential shitshow that will be belt routing.

 

Yes correct, serpentine belt will be determined upon everything bolted up. No idea what size will be required at the moment. I will continue to update the OP with part assumptions.

 

Cool project good luck!

 

I've got all parts ordered, was just a little over $320 for everything, that's the lowest I could find everything for. I'm awaiting all parts to be delivered before I post any model #'s of parts so that others do not start the same project and end up with incorrect parts. I've also ordered an 04-09 Mazda 3 serp belt. Hopefully that works since not too much is changing in the belt configuration for all of these parts.

Will post more updates soon!

 

Bolts appear to be M8 x 1.25 or 1.0 (not sure yet) with the following lengths: 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 110mm. Will confirm soon!

 

This would not be an issue with a DTP supplied downpipe. My DP was a custom fab one with the "JDM Sport" ex Mani, where the ewg was angled straight down. I'd recommend a DTP DP with purchase of a DTP ex Mani for future buyers! That way it'll save you the headache I am going through lol... I'm primarily doing this project to get the alt away from the downpipe.

 

Any updates on this project over the last couple of years?

 

Hasn't been online in about 3 years...