85 Alternator replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 6
85 Alternator replacement
Hi All
Does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement alternator. I don’t need any upgrades, just need one to replace the stock one. So far I’ve tried two AC Delco. One had a loud whining noise and the other did not match up to my brackets. I also tried a Bosch , but the electrical connection was different. I’ve been trying to avoid Autozone etc brands. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement alternator. I don’t need any upgrades, just need one to replace the stock one. So far I’ve tried two AC Delco. One had a loud whining noise and the other did not match up to my brackets. I also tried a Bosch , but the electrical connection was different. I’ve been trying to avoid Autozone etc brands. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,388
Likes: 2,741
Hi All
Does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement alternator. I don’t need any upgrades, just need one to replace the stock one. So far I’ve tried two AC Delco. One had a loud whining noise and the other did not match up to my brackets. I also tried a Bosch , but the electrical connection was different. I’ve been trying to avoid Autozone etc brands. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement alternator. I don’t need any upgrades, just need one to replace the stock one. So far I’ve tried two AC Delco. One had a loud whining noise and the other did not match up to my brackets. I also tried a Bosch , but the electrical connection was different. I’ve been trying to avoid Autozone etc brands. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 6
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 75
Likes: 57
From: OOOOKLAHOMA where the wind comes sweepin down the plain
I just installed a WAI from Rockauto - working great.
Now I did upgrade to a 140amp and it was a super easy upgrade.
You could also rebuild the one you have, not too difficult really.
Now I did upgrade to a 140amp and it was a super easy upgrade.
You could also rebuild the one you have, not too difficult really.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 35
Likes: 7
When I replaced the alt on my 85, I read that the C4 88 or newer alternators work well on the 85 and are a new design which is smaller and more efficient then the 84 - 87 alts. You do have to get an adaptor to connect the 88 alt to the 85 wiring which are easily available. There is a little bit of fudging to mount it is but very doable. I got mine from Rock Auto.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 387
Likes: 148
From: Langton, Ontario, Canada
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Take your alternator to a starter and alternator rebuilder shop in your neighborhood. Tell them you want a replacement, and don't fall for any cheap Korean knockoff. Tell them you want a good quality alternator that will replace exactly what you want. I am positive you will be pleasantly surprised with the product and the price.
