What size alternator do I really need.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1
What size alternator do I really need.
I don't know the calculation, but here is what I want to run.
55-75 watt headlamps (my highbeams do't work)
1- 350 watt amp for my two 8" subs
1- aftermarket headunit with built in amp
1- 1 set of fog lights (no not like a ricer) :)
And the rest of the corvette electrical such as brake lights, turn signals and the such.
Also should I get chrome, black or normal
my intake is not polished but I am going to buy some aluminum valve covers and my intake is chrome (moroso 3" drop)
55-75 watt headlamps (my highbeams do't work)
1- 350 watt amp for my two 8" subs
1- aftermarket headunit with built in amp
1- 1 set of fog lights (no not like a ricer) :)
And the rest of the corvette electrical such as brake lights, turn signals and the such.
Also should I get chrome, black or normal
my intake is not polished but I am going to buy some aluminum valve covers and my intake is chrome (moroso 3" drop)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: What size alternator do I really need. (munday)
I think a good 100 amp unit, like a SI17 unit will for fine for you...they are commonly available...say AZ or someone like that, just return your dud/core separately so they can't complain it's not the same one.....
they were stock units in a Caddy seville of about '79 vintage.....
rated 108 amps from factory....and they are plenty to run any vette I know of...fans and all....
GENE
they were stock units in a Caddy seville of about '79 vintage.....
rated 108 amps from factory....and they are plenty to run any vette I know of...fans and all....
GENE
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: What size alternator do I really need. (munday)
Well, I would find one rated at 108 amps....that's the one I have, and it's fine....can't say a whole lot for the rebuild quality of most of the cheaper untis out there, as frequently they use junk...but in general this unit design is fine and will function quite well....for a long time....but 80 bux seems in line...just have to say that 80-100 amp rating seems a bit on the slight side...but then again it's hard to say, because they all vary so much all over the place....
witout getting too techy, the mods and designs of these alternators are all over the scale these days....brought upon by the GM switch to the CS series alternator, which is universally condemned by nearly everyone who rebuilds these things for a living....I have sat there and seen the funky parts and seen the cooling problems, and inherent design flaws in the later new units...
so it's possible to take that 108 amp supposed rating of the SI17 unit I recommend and for whatever standard that amounts to....change the windings slightly, and the regulator, and boost the output to maybe 50% over what the factory had....maybe, but not for a long time....but that depends on component quality...
it's a complicated field in itself, not so simple as most folks try to make it out to be....but in general you will find the older alternators are far more reliable than the newer generation....
GENE
witout getting too techy, the mods and designs of these alternators are all over the scale these days....brought upon by the GM switch to the CS series alternator, which is universally condemned by nearly everyone who rebuilds these things for a living....I have sat there and seen the funky parts and seen the cooling problems, and inherent design flaws in the later new units...
so it's possible to take that 108 amp supposed rating of the SI17 unit I recommend and for whatever standard that amounts to....change the windings slightly, and the regulator, and boost the output to maybe 50% over what the factory had....maybe, but not for a long time....but that depends on component quality...
it's a complicated field in itself, not so simple as most folks try to make it out to be....but in general you will find the older alternators are far more reliable than the newer generation....
GENE
