High Output Alternator
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: High Output Alternator (Rayguncol82)
I've got a Powermaster 200 amp in my 82. It's no problem, but like was mentioned already, you'll need to replace the postive cable that runs from the alternator output to the battery. If the alternator ever sees a big enough load, and does ouput that many amps, you'll surely melt the fusible link.
Why do you think you need so much alternator? Electric fans, stereo, etc?
Why do you think you need so much alternator? Electric fans, stereo, etc?
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: High Output Alternator (Monty)
I have a 500 Watt Stereo amp. I can't run it without stalling the car when running the A/C (100 Degree days). I noticed prior to installing the stereo, when I had the A/C going and the lights on, in one of our 100 Degree days here in south Texas, that everything seems dim and under powered. When I come to a stop it seems as if the car wants to stall. I put in a new Sears Security battery last month so I know it's not the battery. It also did it with the battery I had previously. The stock alternator is putting out the proper voltage though. 
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Re: High Output Alternator (Monty)
Hey Monty (or anyone else who has purchased a PowerMaster),
Did your alt. come w/ a "dyno sheet"? Does it put out nearly as much as advertised? I recently bought their 100 amp version, which only puts out 75 max! Sure, 75 is better than the stock 42, but 75 does not equal 100!
'Dem Bastards! :smash:
Did your alt. come w/ a "dyno sheet"? Does it put out nearly as much as advertised? I recently bought their 100 amp version, which only puts out 75 max! Sure, 75 is better than the stock 42, but 75 does not equal 100!
'Dem Bastards! :smash:
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke, VA 24018
Re: High Output Alternator (Rayguncol82)
I was having the same problem with my amps dropping at idle. Lights dim, etc. I replaced the alternator with a 100 amp Powermaster, (70/idle,100/cruise) and have not had a problem since. I think the 140 would be fine for you...not sure about the 200amp though! :mad
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: The Villages FL
Re: High Output Alternator (Rayguncol82)
It'll work, but read the threads. Make sure your wiring is up to it and all the grounds are clean and tight. I'm using a GM 165 amp alternator, but then again, we have build most of the wiring harnesses from scratch using the appropriate guage wire. A couple of them are big enough to look like cable. We also used two separate fuse panels and did the homework on circuit size and capacity.
Guess I got too deep into the subject. If you need one, The Corvette Clinic in Sanford, Florida sells these units new, in the box, complete with the fuseable link wire. Let me know if you need their phone number.
Spike
Guess I got too deep into the subject. If you need one, The Corvette Clinic in Sanford, Florida sells these units new, in the box, complete with the fuseable link wire. Let me know if you need their phone number.
Spike
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: High Output Alternator (DR'76)
Wow, that's strange. My stock alternator is supposed to be 70 amps (1982 model). I wonder if the stock alt. puts out what it's claimed? If it's putting out low amperage maybe going to a Powermaster 100 is better than going to a 140 to eliminate the increased wire sizes. All great responses.
Thanks :confused:
Thanks :confused:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: High Output Alternator (Rayguncol82)
Stock wire sizes are fine, it has to do with the load presented not the capabilities of the alternator....
the increased alternator output is useful if your new accessories are wired direct off the alternator with new wire and fuse...I even grounded my electric fan to the alt. directly....
computers are no problem at all, don't let anyone kid you on that...as long as the alternator is putting out correct voltages that is....
GENE
the increased alternator output is useful if your new accessories are wired direct off the alternator with new wire and fuse...I even grounded my electric fan to the alt. directly....
computers are no problem at all, don't let anyone kid you on that...as long as the alternator is putting out correct voltages that is....
GENE
