Alternator
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Get yours rebuilt!!! 
You cannot use just any alternator on the C5. Read here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-issues.html
You cannot use just any alternator on the C5. Read here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-issues.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,072
From: Wisconsin
If you got bought the correct part number replacement alternator from GM, wouldn't it work?
Dealerships must have replaced a lot of C5 alternators over the years.
Dealerships must have replaced a lot of C5 alternators over the years.
Last edited by JR-01; May 19, 2017 at 10:15 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
To save money, many OE and aftermarket suppliers supersede parts numbers to corresponding parts that interchange. Many GM vehicles use the same STYLE of alternator the C5 utilizes - shape, mounting points, etc - but the replacements do not have the provisions for the C5's PCM duty cycle. It's very specific to the C5.
It would be a crap-shoot even going through a dealer network.
Your best bet if you cannot get a rebuild is to check with a Corvette-specific recycler or through a Corvette-oriented vendor like Cultrag.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,072
From: Wisconsin
No. Not in every case.
To save money, many OE and aftermarket suppliers supersede parts numbers to corresponding parts that interchange. Many GM vehicles use the same STYLE of alternator the C5 utilizes - shape, mounting points, etc - but the replacements do not have the provisions for the C5's PCM duty cycle. It's very specific to the C5.
It would be a crap-shoot even going through a dealer network.
Your best bet if you cannot get a rebuild is to check with a Corvette-specific recycler or through a Corvette-oriented vendor like Cultrag.
To save money, many OE and aftermarket suppliers supersede parts numbers to corresponding parts that interchange. Many GM vehicles use the same STYLE of alternator the C5 utilizes - shape, mounting points, etc - but the replacements do not have the provisions for the C5's PCM duty cycle. It's very specific to the C5.
It would be a crap-shoot even going through a dealer network.
Your best bet if you cannot get a rebuild is to check with a Corvette-specific recycler or through a Corvette-oriented vendor like Cultrag.
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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That is a great article in post #2. If you can't get your alternator rebuilt, hopefully you can find a well functioning used one.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
May be the answer. Call Marc at VetteNuts. 615-896-6100
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,072
From: Wisconsin
So the moral of the story is don't trust generic parts stores and get one from a GM dealership or Corvette parts vendor. That would be easier than trying to find a trusted expert to rebuild yours. Sometimes you have to pay for peace of mind..........or buy one from Amazon or Rock auto and if it doesn't work, just send it back.
Looks the same so otta work................................. Can you say "Corvette Tax".Last edited by JR-01; May 20, 2017 at 10:02 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
If you are going to take the rebuilt route, take a look at this post. It has info on the right regulators for both, 97-01 and 02-04. The price is around $30.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
I haven't had to go through this myself but have been told many times, in person and through this forum to be very careful replacing your alternator, preferably getting your original rebuilt. If I couldn't get the original rebuilt then I would go with Marc at VetteNuts as suggested above by another poster. He has proven his worth to members of this forum many times. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
The only time I ever considered selling my C5 in 17 years was 3 years ago when I went through 5 alternators trying to find one that would work correctly. It is my only car and I could not afford the downtime it took to find one fully compatible (and cost was not an issue)!
I tried (3) from O'Reilly's - one of them worked without throwing codes, but the case cracked. I tried a $600+ unit from Billet-Tech, but kept getting Charging Faults and no decoupler (needed on A4).
Finally as a Hail Mary, I bought a Tough-One (rebuilt) from Advance Auto - cheapest of the bunch ($110). It has outperformed even the two GM Valeos I had previously. Just luck of the draw, but it tells me that someone who knows what they are doing "could" rebuild my original if they offered that service.
I tried (3) from O'Reilly's - one of them worked without throwing codes, but the case cracked. I tried a $600+ unit from Billet-Tech, but kept getting Charging Faults and no decoupler (needed on A4).
Finally as a Hail Mary, I bought a Tough-One (rebuilt) from Advance Auto - cheapest of the bunch ($110). It has outperformed even the two GM Valeos I had previously. Just luck of the draw, but it tells me that someone who knows what they are doing "could" rebuild my original if they offered that service.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 945
Likes: 23
From: Uniondale IN
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16
Midwest Auto Electric in Ft. Wayne IN rebuilds starters, alternators and dc motors. They have been in business a long time. Have had them rebuild an alternator for me years ago. Was very happy with the result.
www.midwestautoelectric.com
www.midwestautoelectric.com