Alternator Options

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Jun 25, 2025 | 09:24 AM

RoadkingC6

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 1,429

Likes: 113

From: Brick NJ

Alternator Options

Hello, looks like it's time to replace the alternator in my 2005 Base Vette, i looked at Rock Auto and they show several new Alternators GM, Valeo, Denso and WAI Global. They are all 145 amp, the GM new not rebuilt is the most expensive, but also the only one to show the voltage output as 14 volts the others show the output at 12 volts, I thought all alternators put out 14 volts, i'm leaning towards the GM alternator the price is $412.00 plus tax and shipping, the price difference is around $50.00 higher than the others not a huge difference but i was wondering if anyone has suggestions on which they would go with, also the tensioners and belts were replaced last summer.

Jun 25, 2025 | 10:18 AM

djfury05

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 861

Likes: 78

If you're going to spend that much you might as well get a Mechman 170 amp and improve the whole car's electrical system. I love mine, never any voltage drops now.

https://www.mechman.com/s-series-bil...lack-anodized/

Jun 25, 2025 | 10:35 AM

abc63

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2024

Posts: 25

Likes: 3

Yep, Mechman all the way and don't look back.

Jun 25, 2025 | 11:15 AM

RoadkingC6

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 1,429

Likes: 113

From: Brick NJ

I was just on the Mechman site,they say there's no clutch on their alternators and there may be a minor squeak when you shut the car off but it's hardly noticeable and has no effect on performance, how noticeable is the squeak? the price for the S170 is $467.10 so your right it's just a little more than a GM New Unit.

Jun 25, 2025 | 04:12 PM

baxsom

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 5,284

Likes: 235

From: Rockledge FL

Get the mechman from Brett here. His company specially builds them to match with the corvette charging system and they don’t need a separate ground wire

Jun 25, 2025 | 05:03 PM

Dzv69

Drifting

Joined: May 2019

Posts: 1,746

Likes: 673

From: Lakeland, Florida

Another recommendation for the Mechman 170. I have one on my 2012 Grand Sport manual trans, love it !!!

Jun 25, 2025 | 05:58 PM

DSOMC6

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 11,893

Likes: 107

From: God's Country, ID

Mechman paired with Sac City Big 3 has worked excellent for me.

Jun 26, 2025 | 02:08 AM

Dano523

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 12,502

Likes: 3,631

Read, since problem may be easy fix with a new set of brushes for a few dollars if they are just worn out, or even free if problem is brush housingsare packed with debris and brushes are just binding and quick clean up of slip rings isntead,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nator-fix.html

If push comes to shove, rebuild kit for new brushes/new slip ring are less than $10, and regarding the bearings most of the time still in great shape/just need to be re-greased. The voltage regulator, unless you where using the alternator as a welding, it will be fine, and just need to clean up its and body contact points.

Short of that, and have upgraded stereo with amplifiters pulling more power, or just have to run the HVAC in stop and traffic, then look into the mechman 170amp billet alternator.
The Oem Valeo alternator puts out about 14amp at idle (radiator fan pulls 18 amps when running) while the mechman billet with twice as many poles, put out over 45+ amps at idle isntead. Hence problem is not so much the max that alternator can put out full tilt, its all about what is can do when motor is just idling instead.