Alternator Questions

[Russ130]

Not sure where to put this so I'll put it here for now. My alternator is on the way out. Good news is I have a lifetime warranty on it and it will cost me zero to fix it. The bad news is it is a 63 amp version and I would really like to step up to a higher amperage so I can run more accessories and I may install a newer plow that needs a better alternator. The good news is they will let me upgrade and still have a lifetime warranty I would just pay the difference between the 2 models if any. The questions are what vehicle can I say I want an alternator from that has a v-belt and has the same mounting as my 78? Is there an upgrade kit that I can install in the new alternator that will boost the amperage up? If neither of these is really an option where can I get a good high amperage alternator that will fit my older 78 chevy?

[joesgarage71]

 93 caprice will be a 105 amp. remove the pulley from the old and install it.
http://www.novaresource.org/alternator.htm

[Russ130]

Not really the answer I'm looking for since I don't want to get into modifing brackets and wiring. Not a bad thought though, I just want something that is direct fit.

[bfofish]

What motor do you have ??
I will guess you have a 350. I have used an alternator from a late 70's 350 diesel motor(olds or caddy)on a chevy 350 and it bolted right up,and it has the v belt pulley.
They will put out over 100 amps plenty of juice to run a big stereo,lights and a snowplow.

[Blazin]

I just had my alternator rebuilt to 140 amps by a place for less than it cost to buy a brand new 95 / 105 amp. 95 and 105 amp are the same alternators, just the 105 amp has a bit smaller pulley. Cheapest 95 amp I could find was $122.00 I had mine rebuilt for $90.00. Even after that I had issues with running my plow. I have installed a second battery and so far so good. Just tonight though cleaning up the yard. We shall see next snow storm.

[78 Chevyrado]

it may not be enough for you but I have a 78 amp from a "1983 CHEVROLET C10 V8 5.7 Liter"  on my '78. it has the same single belt pulley, just slid right in, no mods.   I got the 78amp because with the old 63amp the headlights would dim when stoped at redlights and that irritated me.  Also the guage would dip low.  The 78amp fixed me right up, but the only thing I've added is a stereo and a 500w amplifier.  works for me

[Russ130]

Yeah I think 78 amp will be enough for now. When I do get a newer plow I'll go the dual alts. and battery route. Currently I'm not running very much electrical just a few extra lights. To be honest the 63 was sufficient for that and since I'm changing every light over to led I think I will need even less. I just figured why I am at it that was a good time to upgrade especially if it was for free.  With all the reading I've been doing I now realize that upgrading my wiring is going to be more benificial to me than upgrading the alt. So I'm off to the local stores to aquire the wire I will need. I'm going to start by getting 4 ga. wire to go to the battery which will go to a junction block first then to the battery. I plan on building and installing a relay center which my ignition, stereo and headlights will run from. I also plan on adding a few extra ground straps and beefing up the main battery cables as well. By doing all this I hope to accomplish a few things. First better longetivity for the alt., second better performance due to having more power to the ignition, third brighter headlights also because more power. But thanks for the help and if anyone has more insight it is always welcome.