Alternator amperage?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: central Florida Florida
Alternator amperage?
I am trying to figure out if my 74 has a stock alternator or if the PO replaced and upgraded it. When I bought the car there was nothing original at all about the car including the TPI/crate setup and 700r4. So is there a way to check the amperage output on the alternator? It looks just like my alternator on my totally stock 78, but not sure if that means anything about output. I want to make sure I will have enough juice to run a Ford electric fan, a/c and aftermarket stereo system. I have since removed the TPI setup due to a half-*** wiring setup and totally replaced the wiring harness with an aftermarket harness from front to back. The car has electric fuel pump and I am going with the electric headlight motors.
I was wondering if there is a simple way to check amperage with a multi tester. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I was wondering if there is a simple way to check amperage with a multi tester. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Can't go by the case stampings, many stators have been changed.
Almost all small multimeters are limited to approx 10 amps.
Use a VAT40 or similar (most service garages) a parts store, or even an electrician with a good Fluke or similar meter.
Some good digital timing lites can.
Alternator has to be tripped for full output.
Almost all small multimeters are limited to approx 10 amps.
Use a VAT40 or similar (most service garages) a parts store, or even an electrician with a good Fluke or similar meter.
Some good digital timing lites can.
Alternator has to be tripped for full output.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,742
Likes: 1,384
I would suggest you get a CS-144 anyway.....
I had 94amp GM 12si, which replaced my old 10 si, and when it went I went to the local boneyard to get a CS-144 just to see if it would fit. I got it for like 20 bucks....and then it turns out to work!
I really think you'll be glad to have the CS-144. If it's one thing I do not have concerns about, then it is my alternator capability.
Take a look at this post....it will inform you on how to wire it up and what parts to get.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...version-2.html
I really think you'll be glad to have the CS-144. If it's one thing I do not have concerns about, then it is my alternator capability.
Take a look at this post....it will inform you on how to wire it up and what parts to get.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...version-2.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: central Florida Florida
I had 94amp GM 12si, which replaced my old 10 si, and when it went I went to the local boneyard to get a CS-144 just to see if it would fit. I got it for like 20 bucks....and then it turns out to work!
I really think you'll be glad to have the CS-144. If it's one thing I do not have concerns about, then it is my alternator capability.
Take a look at this post....it will inform you on how to wire it up and what parts to get.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...version-2.html
I really think you'll be glad to have the CS-144. If it's one thing I do not have concerns about, then it is my alternator capability.
Take a look at this post....it will inform you on how to wire it up and what parts to get.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...version-2.html
I love picking the junk yards. I just picked up 2 really nice Lincoln fans for under $60. I put one on my 86 Iroc and it keeps that motor cool even when temps reach 100 here in Florida.
