Please explain the difference between 80/105/140 amp alternators
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Yakima WA
Please explain the difference between 80/105/140 amp alternators
I posted in general section about looking for a new alt. I would like to know what, exactly the benefit, if any, there is in buying a higher amp alternator? Are they more reliable, wear out slower, handle more drain, ie- stereo, A/C on, etc. Reason I ask is: I was in traffic w/A/C on & stereo bumpin' the other day, & my voltage indicator went down to 11.8- I revved up & it went back up to 13.5-13.7- Battery is less than yr old (Optima red-top). Alternator is about a yr old too. (just a Pep-boys rebuild though).
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Re: Please explain the difference between 80/105/140 amp alternators (dbwade36)
:cheers: What year is your Vette?
What is/was the output of the stock Alt?
Obvious answer to your question is that the difference is in the output! These things demand such high electrical power to keep everything running that the battery is almost like a temporary reservoir with enought power to kick the engine over and start it...then the alt keeps it going!
Some will argue that my analogy is too simple and perhaps it is. I woul use the highest amp output that the rest of the electrical system can handle. I think and I stand to be corrected, that the 105 was used in and around 1988.
Heat kills the alternators...if you experience the alt dipping into the 11's, you are asking for trouble and I would take action pretty quickly. 13.7 is fine to keep everything working, put prolonged operations at 11 + could cause you to shut down
Just MHO
Jack
What is/was the output of the stock Alt?
Obvious answer to your question is that the difference is in the output! These things demand such high electrical power to keep everything running that the battery is almost like a temporary reservoir with enought power to kick the engine over and start it...then the alt keeps it going!
Some will argue that my analogy is too simple and perhaps it is. I woul use the highest amp output that the rest of the electrical system can handle. I think and I stand to be corrected, that the 105 was used in and around 1988.
Heat kills the alternators...if you experience the alt dipping into the 11's, you are asking for trouble and I would take action pretty quickly. 13.7 is fine to keep everything working, put prolonged operations at 11 + could cause you to shut down
Just MHO
Jack
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Re: Please explain the difference between 80/105/140 amp alternators (dbwade36)
My advice: have alternator tested at a real auto parts store. Then, if necessary, replace with 105 amp Delco rebuilt.
Dan
Dan
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Re: Please explain the difference between 80/105/140 amp alternators (brdd)
My advice: have alternator tested at a real auto parts store. Then, if necessary, replace with 105 amp Delco rebuilt.
Dan
Dan
But i have seen alternators that when cold tested well, but once up to temps under the hood, broke down.
I had an experience that when stopped in traffic, alt would drop down into the 12's, but if i opened the hood it would come back into the 13's.
We have had a lot of debates here about operating temps and I have always come down squarely on the side of the lower the better! Not only to prolong engine life but also the life of the engine accessories. I run a 160 thermo and temps are below 175 at speed regardles of outside temp. Alternator and other accesories prefer that, as does IMHO, the engine
Everyon has their OPinion
:D
:seeya
:steering:
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