My alternator is shot, anyone know where to get a new one, Also what brand is recommended?


I have a stereo system which I run about at about 500 watts, also am thinking about installing e-fans in the future?

Thinking I will need a 200 Amp Alt..

 

The Delco 145 amp unit from a newer truck with e-fans is a good direct swap. I ran an aftermarket 200 amp alt for a couple years, then switched back to a factory 145 amp one and so far I haven't seen a difference. The aftermarket ones generally have a higher peak output, but the idle output suffers. I had to keep a small pulley on my aftermarket one to keep the idle voltage up, but then when I spun my motor up to 6000 RPM it spun the alt fast enough to make the rotor come into contact with the stator - and light on fire

FWIW - my stereo setup is capable of 2600 watts RMS, but at normal listening levels I never get anywhere close to that. I also have e-fans, and the only time I have a problem is with the headlights on at idle when the a/c kicks on and both fans switch on high, then I get light dimming that goes away in a second or two. I think you will run into the same problem with an aftermarket one as well...the only real solution, IMO, is to find a way to have the two fans come on at slightly different times so it doesn't shock the electrical system quite as badly.

 

I found this after searching the forum:

http://www.4alterstart.com/pages/sto...putalternators

I called and the guy also recommended the 200 amp. He said its a Delco also...

So you think it would be better to go for the 145?

 

It says this:

THIS ALTERNATOR WILL PROVIDE 110 AMPS AT 800 RPM ENGINE IDLE.

Idle on our trucks is around 650 RPM, so that is not an accurate number. Idle is where you want the current IMO, so I would call and ask what kind of current it makes at 650 RPM, then compare that to a stock one. If the Alterstart unit makes the same or better at 650 engine RPM, then it looks like a good deal. If not, I personally would stick with the stock one.

 

i upgraded to the 145amp like thunder put out above. i'm running ls1 fans and my stereo puts out around 450w. no problems with it. been running it for a year.

 

Sounds good but where can I get the 145 amp at?

 

yea, where to get a 145 amp at.

 

I got mine from the dealer, expensive. They pop up on on the boards here for sale from time to time, eBay might be a good place to look as well.

 

found it on ebay $100

 

I lucked out and picked up a 145amp alternator on ebay for $50, powers my electric fans and small amp without flinching