Average alternator life?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Orange County NY
Average alternator life?
How long do C5 alternators typically last before needing a rebuild or replacement?
Mine is the original...9 yrs old with 50k miles. Should I be concerned?
Mine is the original...9 yrs old with 50k miles. Should I be concerned?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Impossible to guess. Mine is original, 10+ years old and 114,000+ miles.
One thing, it pays to get them rebuilt (re-wound locally). They have data interface, are made in France, and are expensive. Don't get an "auto parts" replacement, it will throw codes.
One thing, it pays to get them rebuilt (re-wound locally). They have data interface, are made in France, and are expensive. Don't get an "auto parts" replacement, it will throw codes.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I agree with being cautious about sourcing a replacement and would highly recommend either a remanufactured Delco (reman BY Delco and sold under a Delco part number) or new. If you chose to have your individual unit remanufactured, stick to a reputable company that will stand behind their work.
HTH
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: TX
So a car with only 13K miles (2003) should not have to worry about this? I have my head lamps dimming sometimes, but I'm not sure if it's the underdrive pulleys or a bad battery connection. The battery tight and clean (looking).
I had someone tell me an alternator could go bad just based on age alone, so I didn't know to believe him or not.
I had someone tell me an alternator could go bad just based on age alone, so I didn't know to believe him or not.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
When I originally posted in this thread in Aug 2008, I had 149K miles on mine.
I now have 161K+ miles. Same alternator.
I now have 161K+ miles. Same alternator.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
