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alternator - '89 keep killing it

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Old Dec 29, 2002 | 01:56 PM
  #1  
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Default alternator - '89 keep killing it

I have a '89 corvette with a dry cell battery, because of a fairly large stereo system I have installed. I have tried a new GM alt and battery but that didn't last at all, so I went back to the dry cell and a life time Pep boys Alt.
Any suggestions on a better Alt that will take the heat and the load needed?
[IMG][/IMG] :crazy:
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Old Dec 29, 2002 | 02:19 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (rlhanger)

Not sure if it will fit but the 96 high amp alternator is pretty strong. I think its rated at 140 amps....at least I think I read that here on the forum.
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Old Dec 29, 2002 | 06:20 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (rlhanger)

a life time Pep boys Alt.
I had lots of problems with Pep Boy alts. Their lifetime is about 6 months(best) to 1 week (worst) They only replace the bad part in them without checking everthing else. Got my last one from a speed shop (1 year warranty) but it is completly rebuilt. Been going strong for a year and a half :cheers:
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 12:03 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (90 Steel Blue)

Get and install an alternator from a 94 LT1 car.

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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 12:23 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (-=Jeff=-)

That darned rear defroster eats 26 amps by itself! :eek:
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (onedef92)

I also installed an LT1 alternator with 140 amps. I was turning around my Autozone rebuilds at about 3.5 per year!

This one really rocks! The stock L-98 alternator cant keep up once you add anything electrical, it barely runs for a year on a stock car!
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 04:05 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (GusBustamanteJr)

Hi gus, are you related to a lucy bustamante in Alabama?
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 04:37 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (JerryR)

Nope, no kin in Alibami
Were from much farther south!
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Old Jan 1, 2003 | 03:59 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (rlhanger)

Lee, glad to see you finally made it in here, hope you get the help you need. Sorry I didn't make it over last week with the top, went by a couple of times and no one was there, I'll get over either Thurs. or Fri. if not one day next week.
Charlie
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 08:02 AM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (rlhanger)

I fried 5 or 6 CD-130's, then I decided to try something else: https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=189&TopicID=2

I also installed a ground wire (not in the photos) from alternator to exhaust manifold bolt after couple of friends pointed out that grounding problems are one of the main causes that kill alternators.

BTW. which dry cell battery do you have? There is couple of styles of Optima and I remember seeing many discussions that one of them is not suitable to Vettes.

Regards,

Toni
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 10:29 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (ToniH)

Thanks Toni,

I am going to try the LT1 alt this weekend I do beleave. I am tired of replacing it ever 3 months. Thanks for the pictures and thew mark up. I will let you know after I'm done.

Thanks

Lee :cheers:

Also did you just connect your ground wire tothe alt. at the location the brace is removed, to the engine or someplace else. :confused:

Thanks again
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 10:32 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (cnl3rd)

Charlie ,

Thanks for the idea of the forum. :D
I have gotten several ideas for the problem.

thanks,

I'll post again after I work on it this weekend.

Lee
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Old Jan 3, 2003 | 06:08 AM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (rlhanger)

> Also did you just connect your ground wire tothe alt. at the location the brace is removed, to the engine or someplace else

Yes, it is now taking the place of the rear support rod. I even used the original bolts to attach it. Remember that the ground wire must be equal gauge to your battery cable. I used a thin and wide -type of battery negative cable as it is more easily routed than the inflexible ones. If you wish, i can post a image of it.

Regards,

toni
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Old Jan 3, 2003 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: alternator - '89 keep killing it (ToniH)

I guess I must be one of the lucky ones. Have had this vette for five years and am on the alternator I put in when I bought the car. Has anyone looked at an alternator from an RV? Some are reworked GM units that have bigtime outputs. In the 250 amp range. Might be worth looking into if you need mucho power.
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Old Jan 3, 2003 | 01:19 PM
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Default

The Audio/Electronics section may have some better help.
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