Getting a new alternator...which one?
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Orlando FL
Getting a new alternator...which one?
My alternator is bad and I need a new (rebuilt)one.I see that they are around $200 for the AC DELCO's what about the ones at autozone for $89. Does NAPA have decenrt ones? Also what AMP rating do I need to get 105? Thanks a lot
Rick
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
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Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (1STVETTE90)
My recommendation: https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=189&TopicID=2
Bit more expensive but it is a better alt.
ToniH
Bit more expensive but it is a better alt.
ToniH
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
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From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (1STVETTE90)
replace with stock one from NAPA, and no problems,,, you can always get a bad one tho... but not hard to replace....
my 2 cents is you don't need to go over stock sizing unless you have a large current draw (sterio amps, etc)...
my 2 cents is you don't need to go over stock sizing unless you have a large current draw (sterio amps, etc)...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
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From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (1STVETTE90)
I typed out a reply and it didn't post...crap...anyway, don't fool with the parts store rebuilds...just bite the bullet and get a genuine A/C replacement...you have no idea the trouble and aggravation you will avoid (short version)....good luck
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 233
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From: Sacramento CA
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (1STVETTE90)
When it comes to alternators, you get what you pay for. It's tempting to walk into Pep Girls or Napa and pick up a cheap alternator, but I have had nothing but problems with rebuilt alternators, they only last about a year and then leave you stranded, some people even carry a spare alternator in their car. The stock alternator on the early C4 isn't very reliable, ask me how I know. Do yourself a favor and find a local alternator shop that will either sell you a heavy-duty alternator or will rewind your stock alternator with heavy-duty parts. I bought a heavy-duty remanufactured (NOT REBUILT!) alternator off of Ebay two years ago and it runs like a champ, paid $150 for it and it will last for a long, long time.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
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From: charlotte nc
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (1STVETTE90)
Check the archives and tips for the how to. Ii replaced my 86 with the larger one from a 93. All I had to do was grind 1/16 th off the rear side of the "ear" so that the upper mount fits. Other than that, it's a bolt in. I got mine as a factory reman. unit from Advance auto with life time warrenty. It's been perfect. I have read that the original alternator was simply inadequate for the load it has to carry in a vette and it overheats and blows the diodes. The larger capacity alternator runs cooler and lasts much longer. Good Luck. :cheers:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (dwestsr)
You asked for some advice and here is my $.02 worth:
1. Determine what happened to the old unit. If you had a bearing failure, brushes or the such, it is just normal wear. If you burned out the windings, this could indicate other problems that should be corrected before you place another alternator on the car.
2. You could have a weak battery and the alternator was "killed" trying to keep a defective battery charged up.
3. Did you attempt to charge a low battery with the alternator? This can kill the alternator as the newer cars do not have alternators designed to do this.
4. I would recommend you stay with the a stock alternator assuming you have not added some super, stereo equipment.
5. Go with a NAPA lifetime rebuilt battery. These units are used by local repair shops since they are of reputable quality. Avoid the Auto Zones, Pep Boys, ect as you get what you pay for. Reputable shops will not "touch" these parts when doing repairs for the fear of "returns".
Sorry to be so wordy. My 89 has a rebuilt NAPA lifetime alternator. The previous unit was not bad, just old!
1. Determine what happened to the old unit. If you had a bearing failure, brushes or the such, it is just normal wear. If you burned out the windings, this could indicate other problems that should be corrected before you place another alternator on the car.
2. You could have a weak battery and the alternator was "killed" trying to keep a defective battery charged up.
3. Did you attempt to charge a low battery with the alternator? This can kill the alternator as the newer cars do not have alternators designed to do this.
4. I would recommend you stay with the a stock alternator assuming you have not added some super, stereo equipment.
5. Go with a NAPA lifetime rebuilt battery. These units are used by local repair shops since they are of reputable quality. Avoid the Auto Zones, Pep Boys, ect as you get what you pay for. Reputable shops will not "touch" these parts when doing repairs for the fear of "returns".
Sorry to be so wordy. My 89 has a rebuilt NAPA lifetime alternator. The previous unit was not bad, just old!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
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From: Camden SC
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (Sam Lam)
My vote goes with the local rebuild folks.
Head for the yellow pages, "Automotive-Electric", find the location, check out the shop. Look for some guy with gray hair. They will likely have a good bench check machine. Remove your alternator, select the best shop in your area, and have them evaluate the unit. They should be able to tell you exactly what went wrong, what it will cost, and you should know exactly what you're getting. The local shop I use, in business over 40 years and I trust their work.
As stated above, I too ususally avoid the discount houses. Mike, the guy I use for alternators, tells me O'Reilly is on the fourth contract bidder. The other 3 went out of business. This is second hand information. If you decide to go reman, AC Delco would be my first choice, NAPA the second. If you decide to go chain store, make sure the do not install the pulley with a 2 pound hammer.
Again, if you go local, find a shop you trust.
Good luck with your repair.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Head for the yellow pages, "Automotive-Electric", find the location, check out the shop. Look for some guy with gray hair. They will likely have a good bench check machine. Remove your alternator, select the best shop in your area, and have them evaluate the unit. They should be able to tell you exactly what went wrong, what it will cost, and you should know exactly what you're getting. The local shop I use, in business over 40 years and I trust their work.
As stated above, I too ususally avoid the discount houses. Mike, the guy I use for alternators, tells me O'Reilly is on the fourth contract bidder. The other 3 went out of business. This is second hand information. If you decide to go reman, AC Delco would be my first choice, NAPA the second. If you decide to go chain store, make sure the do not install the pulley with a 2 pound hammer.
Again, if you go local, find a shop you trust.
Good luck with your repair.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 436
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From: Tampa FL
Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (dlmeyers)
I agree. I finally got so tired of the alternator changing game, I went to NAPA for a new exchange, immediaty took it to the local alternator shop, they put heavy duty diodes kit in (looked brazed and not sodered and diodes were larger), and also got a back cover with heat shield (fins). funny, never had one bit of trouble after that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,029
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Re: Getting a new alternator...which one? (dwestsr)
> I have read that the original alternator was simply inadequate for the load it has to carry in a vette
It produces enough power but it is inadequately cooled that is why they blow and that is why I wrote the tech tip I posted the link to (look above my earlier post). I personally lost 5 or 6 alternators, including an Iceberg upgraded version. Since I upgraded to CS-144 I've had no problems at all. This is why GM upgraded the stock alt from CS-130 to CS-144 too in all later C4 Vettes.
Don't listen to anybody who says a solution to your problem is to upgrade to higher output alt. This is no solution as higher output has absolutely nothing to do with how long the alt will last. In fact it is more likely to blow sooner as higher output alt of same type will run even hotter.
The main problem is the design which cannot be fixed succesfully and that is why I will never again bother with CS-130's again. I paid little more for peace of mind and bought a new CS-144.
ToniH
It produces enough power but it is inadequately cooled that is why they blow and that is why I wrote the tech tip I posted the link to (look above my earlier post). I personally lost 5 or 6 alternators, including an Iceberg upgraded version. Since I upgraded to CS-144 I've had no problems at all. This is why GM upgraded the stock alt from CS-130 to CS-144 too in all later C4 Vettes.
Don't listen to anybody who says a solution to your problem is to upgrade to higher output alt. This is no solution as higher output has absolutely nothing to do with how long the alt will last. In fact it is more likely to blow sooner as higher output alt of same type will run even hotter.
The main problem is the design which cannot be fixed succesfully and that is why I will never again bother with CS-130's again. I paid little more for peace of mind and bought a new CS-144.
ToniH
