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I am looking for opinions on a NEW (not rebuilt) alternator for my 1984. I would like to know of any that I should avoid or come highly recommended. Many thanks!
I am looking for opinions on a NEW (not rebuilt) alternator for my 1984. I would like to know of any that I should avoid or come highly recommended. Many thanks!
if you still have your original, it's most likely a delco 17si assembly - either a 97A or 108A unit. have you considered just rebuilding your original? besides being reliable, these units are simple and fairly easy for the home shop. here's a link for all the parts you'll ever need -
I have used these people in the past - decent quality stuff, reasonable pricing. just rebuilt my 85's - cost me around $25 - bearings, brushes, hardware kit....
OP - if your alternator is still an original and can be ID'd by the casting information I agree with Joe C -
An original should be an 1105513 (97A), if a GM service it could have an 1101306 (108A). If it's a replacement of any type other than those it then becomes a "crap-shoot" maybe. If there's casting information post it for identification.
Is your intention to keep the car original or just "reliable"? Might make a difference (my opinion) as to a replacement of something other than original.
I would first try to source the parts from an older "local" shop - most would be very happy to maybe sell off the 17SI stuff if they have. Even if yours is an "other than" OE a local shop could likely evaluate the internals and advise. I'm a "local 1st" in nearly all instances.
I am not sure if it is original or not. I've never replaced it, but the car had a long life before me. I am more interested in reliability than anything.
I am not sure if it is original or not. I've never replaced it, but the car had a long life before me. I am more interested in reliability than anything.
Is there a couple older shops in your area that do electrical (starter/alternator) repair? Not a shop that just says they do electrical. You need one that can check major components, stator etc. I'd first try to ID by checking for information either cast on the housing or labels maybe.
Replacing a 17SI for a later more reliable/efficient is an option BUT if the car has no add-on later systems there's an argument that it's not necessary. It would create it's own set of circumstances.
There are several '84 owners who post regularly and I'd think a few of them have likely done changes to the later CS130 so I'd maybe hang around and wait. In the meantime check yours for ID>
From this link above threads/posts use the "search this forum" button and search 17SI there's maybe some good reads:
I am not sure if it is original or not. I've never replaced it, but the car had a long life before me. I am more interested in reliability than anything.
on the front, top mounting ear of the alternator, you'll see a series of numbers - what are they?
(BTW, these are my 85's original) you'll see, as WVZR-1 says, the part number - either 1105513 (97A) or 1101306 (108A), a date code (in my case 7/9/85, although a bit hard to see in the pic), and the current output. if you still have the original, i'd consider rebuilding the original.
If you decide to rebuild yours, a good shop should be able to give you a good test report on the performance of the unit. Here's the report on my rebuild:
This alternator, rated for 108A, put out 145A max! Note the date: 6-20-05. Working just fine!
