I have a question, I own a 1982 corvette collector edition. I want to change the alternator on it. I have noticed them at different prices and I also noticed that they have 100 amp, 85 amp, and 70 amp. Would it make a difference if I went to a higher amp alternator? do I need to change anything else to do this? would it hurt anything if I did?

 

If you can afford the 100 amp go for it.
No other changes should be needed....

 

The '82 came with a 70 amp alternator. You should be able to upgrade it but make sure the wiring is compatible.

 

I agree, no other changes needed, its just a bigger bucket of amps and it will not drive anything harder than the old one, provided everything else is (was) working correctly

 

Are you concerned with originality? Is your alternator the original? If numbers matter, you might want to consider having your original (it's dated) rebuilt.

 

The bigger alternator will require the larger belt option.

53.5inch for non 70Amp alternator
54 inch for 70Amp+ alternator.

The difference is trying to get the belt on with the larger alternator. If you dont have the longer belt, you cant adjust the alternator in close enough to get it over the other pulleys during install.

You'll end up having to put the V-belt on the alternator while it is loose (not positioned with any bolts yet). You then have to balance the alternator with belt on and try to install the bolts at the same time. A huge PITA

As they say "Ask me how I know!!!"

Brent...

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEBI%3AIT

click on this link this is the one I am going with I dont think I will have any trouble with this one

 

No not worried about that

 

Regarding the E-bay alternator... I'm always a little suspicious of the low-cost alternators. I know there are less than quality parts available on rebuilds, etc. and can't help but wonder if those parts aren't used in the cheapo alternators.

As you know, alternators are heavy and shipping those things all over can quickly eat up the difference between the cheapo unit and the quality unit that you'll get years and years of use from.

If you want to talk (email) a guy who builds the good stuff with quality parts you might try Rush Power Systems (http://www.rushpowersystems.com/)

After talking with Darren I'm convinced that he doesn't want to see any of his stuff coming back. It's probably a bit more expensive than the cheapo.... but in the long run....

Good Luck,

kdlp

 

thank you very much i am on the phone with him now