alternator amps
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 47
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alternator amps
So I went to buy a rebuilt alternator today for my '81 corvette and the parts store has 2 listed. a 63 amp and a 70 amp. my original one is 70 amps. the price for the 70 amp was double the price of the 63 amp alt. Other then 7 amps, what is the difference? should i save a few bucks and buy the 63 amp, buy the 70 amp, or possibly buy a 100 amp? I'll spend more to be more reliable if needed, but don't want to waste extra money if not needed. thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I agree. Take the alternator to a 'Starter / Alternator' repair shop and they will change the guts for little money. Or, you can buy the diode sets, brushes, etc. at NAPA and do it yourself for even less. It's about a 2 hour job...including removal and installation to the car. Easy work, if you have screwdrivers and a small socket set (or nutdrivers). You do not have to remove the pulley/fan for an 'electrical' rebuild.
Oh, those two small drilled holes on the back side of the case are for sticking paper clips in to hold the new brushes in place...until you get it assembled. Then you just pull the clips out.
Oh, those two small drilled holes on the back side of the case are for sticking paper clips in to hold the new brushes in place...until you get it assembled. Then you just pull the clips out.
