What Alternator to buy

[nick368]

I think I'm in need of a new Alternator and want to check to see what is the most reliable and does it make a difference which one I buy?

 

[87NAT]

I bought a 140 amp 1996 Imapala SS alt. Bolted right up.:smile:

 

[jpwalt1987]

I just bought a stock replacement from Advance Auto. It works just fine. Good warranty too.

 

[Pronto]

Gyrhead & Sons Restoration Parts (888)727-8748 - Leader In AC-Delco, Motorcraft, Moog and More!

Got mine here.

 

[whitehot1]

+1 for the 140amp 1996 impala ss alternator.

Bought it at autozone with a lifetime warranty and is normally stocked, they could get the stock 120amp alternator for me but would have to order it.

I had to change to a larger wire terminal for the battery connection on the back of the alternator and was unable to use the inner lower mounting brace bolt hole it has no effect and not really needed anyway, other than these 2 small changes it bolted right in and works fine.

 

[SS_Sean]

Do a search on my name. I detailed a conversion to a one wire alternator setup, eliminating the exciter wire that runs through the dash. Might save you a headache down the line. Certainly did for me!

 

[GNBRETT]

I like this one: March Performance 9650 - March Billet Alternators - JEGS 140 amps.

You need the fan tho as well: March Performance 222 - March Billet Alternators - JEGS

Will set you back a few bucks but they are nice for sure.

 

[ChavoLC2]

Kirban's

Bought the one from Kirban's works just fine.

 

[KevinB]

My autozone alt does fine. Lifetime warranty is nice too. I had the excite wire wired wrong and fried the regulator. Autozone replaced it, no questions asked.

 

[nick368]

Probably a stupid question, but would 140 amp do my electrical system any harm vs. the stock 120 setup? Also what are the benefits of 140 vs. 120, anything significant

 

[G-Force]

eBay Motors: Reman Alternator 1987 Buick Regal 3.8 L Grand National (item 360036052800 end time Apr-22-08 17:11:13 PDT)

This seems like a good buy.

 

[vacuum 6]

Bought the one from Kirban's works just fine.

2nd that

 

[Victory]

Good timing on this thread. I am in the market for one and was planning to get this one (I want a chromed one)--> 1973-1986 Buick Regal - Proform Alternator - Chrome

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[NASSTY]

2nd that

Me too, also it is brand new, not rebuilt.

 

[corymc]

My autozone alt does fine. Lifetime warranty is nice too. I had the excite wire wired wrong and fried the regulator. Autozone replaced it, no questions asked.

me too

 

[nick368]

I just bought the alternator for the Chevy Impala SS. My question is there were 2 sizes. Both were 140amps. The sizes were 130mm and 144mm. I bought the 130 size. Is this correct?????

 

[Big Turbo Scott]

Probably a stupid question, but would 140 amp do my electrical system any harm vs. the stock 120 setup? Also what are the benefits of 140 vs. 120, anything significant

There is no harm in upgrading to a lager amperage unit. The benefit is the larger one one will give you some "headroom" when it comes to electrical draw. IE: large stereo with six amps that produce 10000 watts or christmas lights hung from your interior will tax the alternator more than say a stock car. If you could add up all the current draw from all the electrical components (Headlights,stereo,ignition etc) if they were all on at once then you would need an alt that could produce atleast that amount of amperage and then some for "headroom" for saftey sake and future upgrades...Hydraulics for some three wheel action or 500 neon lights under the car. Ha Ha!

hope this helped

BTS

 

[nick368]

I just bought the alternator for the Chevy Impala SS. My question is there were 2 sizes. Both were 140amps. The sizes were 130mm and 144mm. I bought the 130 size. Is this correct?????

 

[TheYak]

I just bought the alternator for the Chevy Impala SS. My question is there were 2 sizes. Both were 140amps. The sizes were 130mm and 144mm. I bought the 130 size. Is this correct?????

I'm looking into one of these too, anyone know which is the correct one??

 

[whitehot1]

I believe the 130mm alternator is 105amps and the 144mm is 140amps.

This is the one i have and is normally stocked in the store. Makes it convenient if you ever do have a problem.

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