upgrading alternator

[redhotrod]

What can I use to upgrade my alternator, I found out the hard way the 96 impala ss with 6" case doesn't fit right.

 

[6SENSE]

The old school small block alternators fit our application. Ive been using a extra 93amp alt I had from my 84 GMC Suburban (.350 Chevy) after my TR's bit the dust.
Ive never got around to grabbing a aftermarket one. I have a 100amp chrome one sitting around but didnt want to use it for the TR. Alternator is already dealing with enough heat, let alone being chromed. Plus 100amp isnt enough of a difference. Id like to have a 120 amp like the 86/87s. After all the additional electronic add ons I have I would think there would be some benefit. Although I have to say I havent had any trouble with low voltage.
As a side note, Ive had no alternator trouble for a few years now since putting header wrap on my ATR uppipe. Before that I think I went through two alternators in a short amount of time. The problem is/was that the vents are behind the alternator, and it draws heat straight from the uppipe

 

[Andrew Mandery]

I am running a Mean Green Hi output 180 amp. Originally bought the 240 amp but the case was too big. The only mod needed for the 180 was a small spacer between the Alt case and the alt bracket. The spacer was needed at the arc not at the pivot if you get my meaning. Of course, the hi output was pricey.... at least 300. AM

 

[redhotrod]

will the smaller 5.25" case fit? My measurements from bolt to bolt is 6.75". But I see the impalas with the smaller housing are mainly rated at 105 amps(8 amps more than our stock replacement, but with the PWM regulator)

 

[redhotrod]

nope, can't use the smaller housing style either, the mounting holes are way off. I went with the original replacement 94 amp alternator from a hole zone

 

[Andrew Mandery]

My alt casing is roughly 5 1/2 inches so it should work. AM

 

[redhotrod]

The smaller housing I was referring to was from the 96 impala. The mounting holes are wider than our original.