C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

How many AMP alternator do I need?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 4, 2007 | 10:05 PM
  #1  
ddale1977's Avatar
ddale1977
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Keller TX
Default How many AMP alternator do I need?

Hello, Going through an engine compartment detailing and engine rebuild. I need a new alternator.....what AMP is a stock 350 and what AMP do I need to purchase?

Car is 77. Motor 350...vortec heads, mild cam, intake, headers. In progress.

How many AMP do I need when buying a replacement?

Doug
Reply
Old May 4, 2007 | 10:26 PM
  #2  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Default

The engine, lights, vent fan and stock radio don't really use all that much (40 amps max. roughly). If you have added more powerful lighting, big amp on the radio system, etc. you might want to upgrade. Those who like to play music for the rest of us on the road, like to install the 140 amp alternators. I think 60-80 amp units are fine for general purpose.
Reply
Old May 4, 2007 | 10:30 PM
  #3  
ddale1977's Avatar
ddale1977
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Keller TX
Default

Nope...no add ons...and no amp. I'll see what I can find. Half way thinking about a chrome one...

Thanks

Doug
Reply
Old May 4, 2007 | 11:41 PM
  #4  
StickShiftCorvette's Avatar
StickShiftCorvette
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
Default

I run a 40 amp mini-alternator.

The stock alternator for non AC cars was 40 amps.

I have not had any problems keeping the battery fully charged.
Reply
Old May 5, 2007 | 01:20 AM
  #5  
RIJVETTES's Avatar
RIJVETTES
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Default

Your stock aternator was probably about 65 amps. I just replaced mine with an 80 amp chrome piece from Jegs or Summit. My 80 has only added a new stereo and cd. No problems with power at all. From what I've read recently, try to avoid getting the 1 wire alternator.
Reply
Old May 5, 2007 | 07:12 AM
  #6  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by RIJVETTES
Your stock aternator was probably about 65 amps. I just replaced mine with an 80 amp chrome piece from Jegs or Summit. My 80 has only added a new stereo and cd. No problems with power at all. From what I've read recently, try to avoid getting the 1 wire alternator.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To How many AMP alternator do I need?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:22 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE