Alternator Choice

[Ryan]

Many alternators to choose from. Are they different?

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?parttype=11&ptset=A&searchfor=Alternator

 

[salvageV6]

I bought a brand new 120A Prostart from Pep Boys years ago for about $125.

Been working fine for 8 years or so. :smile:

I think I had to swap the pulley on it that was about it for the install.

Lots of people have had problems with their rebuilt ones I have read.

I also like the stock alternator I replaced the noisy bearing and will use that if one goes again.

If you have a stocker a local rebuild shop may be your best bet or DIY repair.

Link didn't go directly to any alternators just to a zip code page.

 

[Lee Thompson]

140 amp

Just bought a 140 amp (1996 Impala SS ) Direct fit--lifetime warrenty--$130 @ Autozone with exchange.

 

[Ryan]

Sucks... we dont have autozone and pepboys in Hawaii. This is the best deal for this part of the world. Look up a GN on http://www.partsamerica.com
There are a dozen to choose from. Just wonderin whats the difference.

 

[Bent6]

Here's an alternative alternator. MSD billet. It does require some custom fabrication on the mounting bracket and wiring but it looks cool.

 

[salvageV6]

I'd probably try this one.

"Beck/Arnley is your best alternative for alternators
Their remanufactured alternators have all new bearings, bushings, and brushes. Slip rings are replaced or remachined, and cases are polished, coated or plated with no adapters or pigtails. All Beck/Arnley alternators are clocked for specific vehicle applications and then 100% tested. This guarantees OE quality."

$130 is a lot for a rebuilt, but at least it should work and is the right 120A one.

I'd bring yours in if you order one or to compare it exactly to what they have there.

After looking at all the choices the ones without a name brand on them might be good also but I'd want to see the brand first, so going to the store is a must with that list, and a number of them being for the wrong application and all.

I'd still look for a local shop that knows what a 120 Amp. CS144 alternator is with a 6 groove serpentine pulley of the proper diameter. :smile:

 

[Dwayne]

Im also using a 140 amp alt. from an impala ss.......no complaints here.

 

[Alky V6]

Powermaster

 

[Quiky One]

Im also using a 140 amp alt. from an impala ss.......no complaints here.

Those are not direct bolt in. You can't use the back support bolt. Personally I decided not to go with that alternator because of that.

Jason

 

[FastRegalWE2]

Here's an alternative alternator. MSD billet. It does require some custom fabrication on the mounting bracket and wiring but it looks cool.

which MSD is that? I have the one for 3 wire system but cant figure out how to wire it to work on our 2 wire cars.

 

[Dwayne]

Those are not direct bolt in. You can't use the back support bolt. Personally I decided not to go with that alternator because of that.

Jason

.......Are you sure we are talking about the same one ? All I needed to do was rotate the housing. If I remember correctly; the bracket that holds the alt. has 2 "arms" that can bolt to the back of it. One goes to a header stud and the other bolts to the front asc. bracket and I cut that one off....always trying to save weight .....I, and others have used only the bracket that goes down to the header to keep the belt tight and aligned with the rest of the pulleys.

 

[Bent6]

which MSD is that? I have the one for 3 wire system but cant figure out how to wire it to work on our 2 wire cars.

MSD 160amp plug-in. As it comes from MSD, the harness has two wires - purple is the "exciter" wire and the green wire is the "lamp" wire just like the stocker. You have two options on wiring - you can apply a RESISTORED 12v to the lamp terminal of the MSD harness or you can add another terminal to the harness on the switched 12v terminal (see diagram in MSD info sheet) and just wire up a 12v power source that swithches with the ignition - I used the stock boost solenoid as my switched source. If using the "lamp" terminal, you must use a resistor or you will burn up the regulator! If your dash cluster is still stock with the volt idiot light, you can simply hook the stock brown wire the green wire on the MSD harness. Hope this helps!

 

[Quiky One]

Yes I'm sure we are talking about the same one. 140 amp Impala??

Jason

 

[GNBRETT]

These race proven ones are kool. Pricey tho....

Race Proven Competition Alternators

 

[ANDYS87]

I'd go with a Delco-OEM. NOS4GN.com sells them.