Alternator options
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Alternator options
Anyone running a powermaster 200amp alternator? I've had one in my truck for many years and haven't had any issues, even with the ton of added electronics I've done (stereo & air bag compressors). This will be my third alternator in 5 years, I'd like to get something that will freaking last. Curious if it can actually handle the heat of the LT1.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,284
Likes: 1
From: Whitehall Pa.
I think the problem is the parts they are putting out are junk. My wife's truck is in for brakes and came out running worse than when it went in. The Chrysler rotors are now made in China - they replaced one rotor twice. I told them to put it on a lathe first to make sure they're true. I can't understand why a alternator can't be made to last longer than what they are. 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
When I sold my 92 back in 2005, it still had the original alternator. If I hadn't decided to replace the OEM battery before I went on the 50th Anniversary cruise-in to Bowling Green (cross-country trip of 6600 miles) in 2003, it would have had the OEM battery in it when I sold it. I had given that battery to a buddy to put in his truck. It lasted until 2007.
The quality of the alternator you buy has a lot to do with longevity. Cheap Chinese rebuilds won't last. Did you buy a new AC-Delco alternator or one of the auto parts store remans?
Another thing to watch for is a weak battery. The alternator is not really designed to keep charging a low battery. It will handle the current requirement of the various electrical systems in the car, but if it has to keep charging the battery, it can overheat and fail. There can also be high resistance in a wire somewhere. Are the hot and ground cables tight on the battery and free of corrosion?
Most of the alternator failures associated with C4's and heat are in the L98 powered cars.
The quality of the alternator you buy has a lot to do with longevity. Cheap Chinese rebuilds won't last. Did you buy a new AC-Delco alternator or one of the auto parts store remans?
Another thing to watch for is a weak battery. The alternator is not really designed to keep charging a low battery. It will handle the current requirement of the various electrical systems in the car, but if it has to keep charging the battery, it can overheat and fail. There can also be high resistance in a wire somewhere. Are the hot and ground cables tight on the battery and free of corrosion?
Most of the alternator failures associated with C4's and heat are in the L98 powered cars.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I think I found my issue. It was an AC/Delco case, but had it rebuilt two years ago. I called up the guys at powermaster and said the 200amp isn't needed. That if heat is my issue, to look at what could be adding extra heat from behind the alt. My cats have been causing A LOT of excessive heat, which I found out has been a while now, so it looks like that may have added to the excessive wear on my alternator. Found a good shop to rebuild my powdercoated alt locally and will see what options i have for the quality of parts used.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Like what I've posted in the other thread, I highly recommend these guys:
http://www.alternatorparts.com./CS-1...cial_offer.htm
I ditched my crappy CS130, got the CS144 and never looked back. The sucker lasted my years until I had it rebuilt to replace worn out parts. I have no doubt it'll last me a good 5+ years again.
Good luck!
http://www.alternatorparts.com./CS-1...cial_offer.htm
I ditched my crappy CS130, got the CS144 and never looked back. The sucker lasted my years until I had it rebuilt to replace worn out parts. I have no doubt it'll last me a good 5+ years again.
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
Like what I've posted in the other thread, I highly recommend these guys:
http://www.alternatorparts.com./CS-1...cial_offer.htm
I ditched my crappy CS130, got the CS144 and never looked back. The sucker lasted my years until I had it rebuilt to replace worn out parts. I have no doubt it'll last me a good 5+ years again.
Good luck!
http://www.alternatorparts.com./CS-1...cial_offer.htm
I ditched my crappy CS130, got the CS144 and never looked back. The sucker lasted my years until I had it rebuilt to replace worn out parts. I have no doubt it'll last me a good 5+ years again.
Good luck!
I have heard about this since I have had vettes.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,514
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
Years ago, I was changing alternators more frequently than I was changing oil. I tried them all, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, etc.
I then picked up a PowerMaster at a car show. I have never had a problem since then. Going on 10 years now. I recommend PowerMaster highly.
I then picked up a PowerMaster at a car show. I have never had a problem since then. Going on 10 years now. I recommend PowerMaster highly.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Yeah, if this rebuild doesn't last more than two years I'll be getting a powermaster for sure. It's been great on my truck. The place put a better fan on it (besides the regular rebuild) and so far is charging better than any alt I've ever had...a steady 14.4. They've never done better than 13.8 (constant charge after warming up). I did have to replace the pigtail as well as the plastic on it was getting brittle (and I cracked it trying to get it off).