Alternator Suggestions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 1
From: Kirkland WA
Alternator Suggestions
Hey guys
Looks like it might be time to replace the old alternator. Belts and everything are fine but the guage is bouncing all over the place.
I'm wondering two things:
1. What's the original, correct amp rating for a '73 alternator?
2. Is there an "upgraded" amp rating that I could get from a later model car that is better? I have an amp an CD changer that's causing some draw with the lights on, so I'd like some more juice. I'm getting it from my local NAPA (I've been very happy with their rebuilt parts in other cars). So I usually need to tell them the car application.
Thanks!
Looks like it might be time to replace the old alternator. Belts and everything are fine but the guage is bouncing all over the place.
I'm wondering two things:
1. What's the original, correct amp rating for a '73 alternator?
2. Is there an "upgraded" amp rating that I could get from a later model car that is better? I have an amp an CD changer that's causing some draw with the lights on, so I'd like some more juice. I'm getting it from my local NAPA (I've been very happy with their rebuilt parts in other cars). So I usually need to tell them the car application.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
Re: Alternator Suggestions (Corellian Corvette)
Try here: http://www.alternatorparts.com
Not only do they have new alternators but also rebuild kits that will save you big $$$. When I added my electric fans, I upgraded my stock 42 amp model to 80 amps for only $24.95 (if memory serves me correctly). Clear directions and the job only took me 45 minutes including removing and replacing the unit on the car.
Some will say go by a rebuilt from Autozone but why spend the $$$. Plus, it is still the original as far as NCRS can tell (as long as they overlook the electric fans, headers,etc. :rolleyes: )
Not only do they have new alternators but also rebuild kits that will save you big $$$. When I added my electric fans, I upgraded my stock 42 amp model to 80 amps for only $24.95 (if memory serves me correctly). Clear directions and the job only took me 45 minutes including removing and replacing the unit on the car.
Some will say go by a rebuilt from Autozone but why spend the $$$. Plus, it is still the original as far as NCRS can tell (as long as they overlook the electric fans, headers,etc. :rolleyes: )
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Alternator Suggestions (Corellian Corvette)
The amperage of your 73 is dependent on your options, since four different alternators are listed. On a separte note, a good alternator shop can rebuild your original case to whatever amperage you want. I had my 66 alternator, rated at 37 amps, rebuilt to 60 for no additional charge. As a final note, the four alternators for 73 are 1102474 for the 180 hp and ac, 1102484 for all without ac, 1102908 or 1102409 with ac or rear defogger.
Gary
Gary
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 1
From: Kirkland WA
Re: Alternator Suggestions (GaryS)
Thanks guys -- it's not the original alternator so I'm not concernd that much with originallity.
Do you know what the ratings are on the different amps?
Do you know what the ratings are on the different amps?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Alternator Suggestions (Corellian Corvette)
Hi Albert! I replaced my battery and alternator when I bought my car. I just went down to Schucks and they looked it up in their computer and handed me the one that was listed. It fits right in there, and works great...the case is the exact same dimensions as my original case. One of these days I'm going to ripe the guts out of the new one and stick them in my original case.
When you replace your alternator you may also want to replace your battery cable connectors. Mine were in dire need of replacing just the other day, and at first I thought it was a bad battery or alternator, but they both checked out fine.
When you replace your alternator you may also want to replace your battery cable connectors. Mine were in dire need of replacing just the other day, and at first I thought it was a bad battery or alternator, but they both checked out fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Alternator Suggestions (Corellian Corvette)
A couple of years ago Chevy Hi Performance had an article on this subject. I replaced the 63 Amp unit in my car with an 85 or 90 amp from an early 80's Camaro. I got it at Autozone, they took my old (non-original) 63 amp as a core, they also took the pulley off my old drive and put it on in place of the serpentine pulley. I think it cost me about $40.00. It works great.
