Alternator, Time to replace?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Alternator, Time to replace?
I still have the original alternator on my 95. It now has 73K on the odometer. I have not noticed any symptoms yet but, would it be cheap insurance to replace it at this point. I am starting to worry that it may take a dump on me soon. Also how hard of a job is it to replace the alternator on a 95 LT1?
Thanks
Tony
Thanks
Tony
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
I wouldn't replace it 'till it dies. You can also have it tested at most any of the chain parts dealers.
As for removal, you simply remove the serpentine, disconnect the alternator and remove the mounting bolts.
As for removal, you simply remove the serpentine, disconnect the alternator and remove the mounting bolts.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 0
From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans Louisiana
No guarantee a new one will not fail.
I replaced my 91 with a NAPA lifetime warranty,cuss it stopped.
The replacement threw the pully after about 2k, replaced it again when it started making a whining noise. The 3rd one is on for about 6-7k now , hopefully it will last another 40-50K.
Thankfully the change out is easy
I replaced my 91 with a NAPA lifetime warranty,cuss it stopped.
The replacement threw the pully after about 2k, replaced it again when it started making a whining noise. The 3rd one is on for about 6-7k now , hopefully it will last another 40-50K.
Thankfully the change out is easy
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
My 74 vette I bought new and sold it 14 years later with 214k miles and the original alternator. 
My 87 vette has 230k and is on its 3rd alternator and I think this last one has about 100k on it.
My 87 vette has 230k and is on its 3rd alternator and I think this last one has about 100k on it.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 2
From: Doylestown PA
I replaced one on my 87 when it failed. It lasted less than a year!
If it ain't broke don't fix it! Keep an eye on you're gauges. A failed alternator shouldn't leave you stranded. The battery light should come on in plenty of time to get you somewhere safely.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I still have the original alternator on my 95. It now has 73K on the odometer. I have not noticed any symptoms yet but, would it be cheap insurance to replace it at this point. I am starting to worry that it may take a dump on me soon. Also how hard of a job is it to replace the alternator on a 95 LT1?
Thanks
Tony
Thanks
Tony
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
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The voltage regulators usually crap out before the O.E.M. Delco alternators. Are you getting flickering dash lights or any other suspect symptoms?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
couldn't agree more; they can go on forever if they were built particularly well; some new ones aren't wound tight, and will fail early. If you got a good one, it could last forever.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Reason I posted the question is a may be getting a job in Florida and will probably have to drive the car down there from Philly. I just don't want to have it take a dump somewhere along 95 where the nearest parts place is who knows where.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Heat is what kills the alternators on C4s so if it runs cool it should be good for a long time.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 2
From: Doylestown PA
Leave the original one right where it is!Good luck with the job.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
One habit I got into with all the cars I've had over the years is, I replace the starters and solinoids. Especially if they're dirty, rusty and the miles on the car are over say 50K, 60K miles. The reason I started doing this about 10, 15 years ago is, I don't know how old the starter is and how many starts it has on it. And when it might strand me somewhere. For around 50 bucks it's good insurance to start out with a used car and a new starter.
