What size Alternator?

RASCARS · 02-21-2007, 08:47 PM

Hi Corvette Gang,
I need a new alternator for my 1993 LT1 'Vert.
I have been searching for a NEW OEM AC Delco and can only find Remanufactured units. Are there new units out there somewhere that I've missed?
Even the Chevy Dealer sells remans only.
Also, I've seen units up to 200 amps. I saw one from Summit Racing. I believe the original is 124amps, but I may be mistaken.
Do the 200 amp units do anything to hurt the electrical system of the car?

Any and all insight from you will be greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful day!!

Bob

Mekanic · 02-21-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RASCARS

Hi Corvette Gang,
I need a new alternator for my 1993 LT1 'Vert.
I have been searching for a NEW OEM AC Delco and can only find Remanufactured units. Are there new units out there somewhere that I've missed?
Even the Chevy Dealer sells remans only.
Also, I've seen units up to 200 amps. I saw one from Summit Racing. I believe the original is 124amps, but I may be mistaken.
Do the 200 amp units do anything to hurt the electrical system of the car?

Any and all insight from you will be greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful day!!

Bob

My 1996 has a 140 from the factory, going up to 200 would require some wiring upgrades, specifically on the grounding, as well as making sure your battery can handle that much of a charge.

200 is quite a bit of overkill unless you're running a LOT of added equipment, my DD has lighting, and a 10 speaker 3000 watt (RMS) stereo that does 176 DB... and I run a 180 in it.

Also, most places sell kits to rebuild corvette alternators if you feel like going that route and saving some money. If not, for the best price on parts I really recommend www.rockauto.com

Mekanic · 02-21-2007, 09:14 PM

I just looked on Rockauto and it seems the 91 has a 105amp from the factory, and they have reman ones from $77.89 + core.

Keep in mind most new cars have an 80 amp alternator in stock form.

Rich

98 softtail · 02-21-2007, 11:16 PM

Bob, a refurbed alternator is probably going to be as good as a new imported one. I have bought some refurb parts that come with a guarantee for as long as you own the car. The specific output of any electrical device is controlled by the regulator. This is either internal or external, i.e. a "voltage regulator" . Most modern alternators have a built in "voltage regulator" that open to allow current flow or close to discharge.
It may be that the voltage regulator in your altenator is bad, have it checked, it is usually a replaceable circuit board. Unless the bearings are bad, and it is making noise, but those too are replaceable.

Joe B.

shakedown067 · 02-22-2007, 11:45 AM

Aren't most new GM alternators 140-160 amps? My 89 truck had a 105 amp without power anything. I don't see how most modern cars could run on an 80 amp alt., except for the I-4 import cars...I'll probably upgrade my 96 vette with a 180 or 200 amp when it comes time to be replaced. My truck now has a 200 amp alt and I love it. just had to upgrade the alt wiring and the ground wire...wasn't bad at all.

RASCARS · 02-22-2007, 05:27 PM

Thanks for all the feedback.
I still haven't made a decision yet.
I do know that the voltage regulator is bad and the alternator (the original!) is heading that way, too. It is becoming noisy as well as being 14 years old.
It looks like a Reman Ac Delco is the easiest and one of the cheaper solutions, but I do like the idea of some of the chrome jobs that I've seen on the Summit Racing web site. They run about twice the price for the shine--I need to think about that too.
Have a great day!