Author Topic: Best alternators:  (Read 10885 times)

Offline Stewart G Griffin

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Best alternators:
« on: December 05, 2016, 07:05:33 PM »
1) What are some good quality alternators?


2) What is the best alternator, money no object?

Offline zieg85

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2016, 07:25:51 PM »
For starters and alternators I buy for a vehicle I plan to keep for a long time I prefer Napa stuff
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Offline Da67goatman

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2016, 01:09:18 AM »
Power requirements? 70amp? 140amp? 350amp? 500amp?  That alone will limit your options.  Belt drive also plays a part
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Offline Stewart G Griffin

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2016, 06:04:20 AM »
Power requirements? 70amp? 140amp? 350amp? 500amp?  That alone will limit your options.  Belt drive also plays a part

Stock for a 4.3 and the ribbed belt.

Offline Captain Swampy

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2016, 09:51:40 AM »
I like Remy alternators. I get them from Rock Auto.
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Offline Stewart G Griffin

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2016, 06:58:27 PM »
Power requirements? 70amp? 140amp? 350amp? 500amp?  That alone will limit your options.  Belt drive also plays a part

i think stock alternator for an 86 4.3 was 37 amps.   Are there any disadvantages to going higher?

Offline MrFiveOh

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2016, 08:16:34 AM »
Power requirements? 70amp? 140amp? 350amp? 500amp?  That alone will limit your options.  Belt drive also plays a part

i think stock alternator for an 86 4.3 was 37 amps.   Are there any disadvantages to going higher?

You can get a summit 140 amp alternator, direct fir for $108. I went with DB Electric 140 amp from amazon(Prime) for $127.  I have a pretty hefty audio setup so i went with a bigger alt for that reason.
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Offline hatzie

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2016, 08:57:12 AM »
Power requirements? 70amp? 140amp? 350amp? 500amp?  That alone will limit your options.  Belt drive also plays a part

i think stock alternator for an 86 4.3 was 37 amps.   Are there any disadvantages to going higher?
Depends on the options.  It could be 37-78 Amps.
There's no downside to buying one of the higher output alternators for your rig.  Be sure the ears are clocked so it bolts up.
« Last Edit: December 07, 2016, 05:42:30 PM by hatzie »
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Offline philo_beddoe

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Best alternators:
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2016, 10:00:39 PM »
I like Remy alternators. I get them from Rock Auto.
Swampy, i already had my response in mind as i was scrolling down. I was going to post the exact same! Delco-Remy, rock auto. Made in USA.
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Offline LTZ C20

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2016, 01:43:44 AM »
I get my alternators from the dealer. GM or AC Delco only, not worth my time to mess with anything else.
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Offline hatzie

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #10 on: December 08, 2016, 11:02:48 AM »
I get my alternators from the dealer. GM or AC Delco only, not worth my time to mess with anything else.

I've always had fairly good results from AC Delco Professional Grade remanufactured alternators from Rock Auto.  These are the same units the dealer charges 2x or 3x or 4x the price.  My diesel starters and Military electrical go to a trusted local guy.
I wouldn't touch any of the "New" Asian units.
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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #11 on: December 08, 2016, 10:40:15 PM »
wouldnt a higher amp alt cause more drag on the engine? some wont mind this but stew is constantly trying to the best mpg
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Offline hatzie

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #12 on: December 09, 2016, 02:16:58 AM »
wouldnt a higher amp alt cause more drag on the engine? some wont mind this but stew is constantly trying to the best mpg
Only while the battery is low.
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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Best alternators:
« Reply #13 on: December 09, 2016, 03:25:56 AM »
found this
With a 100amp alternator installed, we do not drive around with the alternator constantly producing 100amps.  When driving a simple car, in example a ’66 Chevelle, with no accessories switched on, stock ignition, and the battery topped off with a charge, the alternator produces only about 3amps to 5amps of current!  (No matter how powerful the alternator, output is limited according to system demands.)

And, in case you are wondering, the amount of horsepower used to spin the alternator changes with output.  When the alternators produce only a small amount of current, the horsepower drag is very small (less than 1/3 amp).  Large amount of output causes more horsepower drag (about 3 or 4 horsepower to produce 120amps output).
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/howitworks.shtml

so if the 34 amp is the same price as a 78 amp and there will be no difference in draw under normal use. then nothing will be effected from the bigger alt.
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Offline philo_beddoe

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Best alternators:
« Reply #14 on: December 09, 2016, 10:00:39 PM »
« Last Edit: December 09, 2016, 10:03:31 PM by philo_beddoe »
Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.  Zechariah 14:1