Alternator
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Alternator (1970Stingray)
Watch it when changing alternators. Corvette alternators are not just Chevy alternators. The crank pulley on Corvetts is smaller so the alternator turns slower. If you use a generic unit you may not have enough charge rate at idle with lights, A/C and blower on. Even a 100 amp alternator won't help. Corvettes use a different alternator that's better at low speed. Most parts houses list them as "one size fits all" Delco does not.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,554
Likes: 257
From: Florida
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Re: Alternator (Rowdy Rat)
80 amp does it for me, but I have no special equipment requiring more.
BTW, just noticed this was your first post, so welcome to CF! :cheers:
[Modified by OHSIXX, 7:45 PM 7/29/2003]
BTW, just noticed this was your first post, so welcome to CF! :cheers:
[Modified by OHSIXX, 7:45 PM 7/29/2003]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Stow MA
Re: Alternator (1970Stingray)
Thanks to all for the welcomes and responses. I should have supplied some additional info as to why I was changing the alt. and increasing the amps. I am looking to switch to a chrome alt, and have only found a 100 amp/chrome alt for sale from the various corvette part catalogs (ecklers etc...) I do have a stereo drawing some additional amps. Plus I am also getting some slow cranking and alot of whinning from the stereo, which i believe is from the alternator as well. Thanks again for everyones input.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Smithtown NY
Re: Alternator (Crickett)
I've got a 140amp alt on mine that works well. But I also have custom speakers, amps, sub and CD player to run.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Re: Alternator (bluevetteman)
Watch it when changing alternators. Corvette alternators are not just Chevy alternators. The crank pulley on Corvetts is smaller so the alternator turns slower. If you use a generic unit you may not have enough charge rate at idle with lights, A/C and blower on. Even a 100 amp alternator won't help. Corvettes use a different alternator that's better at low speed. Most parts houses list them as "one size fits all" Delco does not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Alternator (PaulH)
I believe that the Corvette alternator has more windings. I never measured the pulley although I should have. It's been awhile since I went through all of that so..... There probably are a few other difference. There was a topic about this a few weeks ago. Not putting out enough amperage at idle seem so be pretty common especially on automatics.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Alternator (1970Stingray)
I replaced my stock alt with a 100amp crome unit and it caused one minor side effect. On the ammeter, with the stock unit it used to rest in the center with the engine not running. After installing the 100amp unit it no longer rests in the center. It still works and reacts as it should to load and whatnot. But when you shut the car off it rests slightly to the right of center. I guess the higher amp alt tweeked it a bit.