1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Alternator Question ?

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Old 03-18-03, 08:40 PM
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Arrow Alternator Question ?

I was testing my alternator the other day and it was at 42 amps or volts, not sure which one. But I know that is a little low considering the sound system I have in my car. Its a rebuilt alternator and I have gone through 5 of them. And My shop teacher said maybe it would be good to but a bigger alternator on, maybe one that puts out 150 amps/volts?

So I am just wondering if any of you guys know of a bigger alternator that would bolt in without too much modification. Thanks
Old 03-18-03, 08:46 PM
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What does your volt gauge read inside your car? it should read around 14 volts when moving.
Old 03-18-03, 08:51 PM
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well when the engine is warm it shows about 13, 12.5 when the engine is cold. Like I said its a rebuilt alternator so it could be that but it would be nice to have a little more power
Old 03-18-03, 08:54 PM
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While moving? Hell, mine reads 14 volts at an idle. Its my 2nd new alternator. Voltage regulator went out in the first one.

~T.J.
Old 03-18-03, 09:21 PM
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you have any suggestions on a bigger alternator. The one I got was from napa and its a rebuilt, I know its not as strong as a new one but I dont have the money for a new one. Let me ask you though where did you get your new one, or is a rebuilt
Old 03-19-03, 02:54 AM
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get one from a 91 motor .they are 80 amps !! and they bolt up the same! $30.00 plus shipping and its yours , and it warrantied too! i have a system in one of my cars, i had the same problem! the 80 amp alt fixed it!
Old 03-19-03, 02:56 AM
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Mine is a rebuilt stock replacement with a lifetime warranty .

~T.J.
Old 03-19-03, 03:01 AM
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ok.... I got a question about alternators...


I'm going to be converting the headlights from sealed beam to H3/H4 replaceables, and then to true H.I.D.

I'm also going to be running true H.I.D. fogs.

There will also be some serious audio/video being run off of this.

Will an Optima Yellow Top and this 80Amp alternator be enough? Or do I need to try and find something that's more along the lines of the 150amp ones that the Big Block Chevy guys run?
Old 03-19-03, 03:04 AM
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no the optima and the 80 should be enough for what you want to do!
TJ has the right idea though, lifetime warranty, you cant beat that!
Old 03-19-03, 06:26 AM
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680RWHP12A


You failed to let them know the plugs are not the same,


On BOTH of my 7s I want to polish out the alts,and have this local shop rebuild the alt for 100 amps,

I dotn think you will need 150.My dam Caddy dont take 150 and Its loaded with power.
Old 03-19-03, 10:41 AM
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Originally posted by 680RWHP12A
get one from a 91 motor .they are 80 amps !! and they bolt up the same! $30.00 plus shipping and its yours , and it warrantied too! i have a system in one of my cars, i had the same problem! the 80 amp alt fixed it!
Yea, i have a 89 80 amp alt in my car, its a big help, sound system and black magic fan put quite a load on the electricla system. works great, and its basically a bolt in. If your gonna swap to the 89-91 type you will need the plug, as its different, but its like a 20 minute job, if that.
Old 03-19-03, 11:17 AM
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Can you buy the pig tail from the store?
Old 03-19-03, 03:28 PM
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Hey 680, how many alts do you have for sale and how much shipped to 77573?

Chris
Old 03-21-03, 01:02 AM
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I went to the wrecking yard today at got a alternator off a 86 rx7, does it seem like it will work? Do all the second gen alternators put out the same output?
Old 03-21-03, 05:15 PM
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no, the 86-88 ones are like 70 amps, but they will go right in, and use the same plug. the 89-91 are 80 amps but require changing the plug.
Old 03-21-03, 07:44 PM
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going back to your orginal post, it would be 42 amps, not volts, 42 volts and there wouldnt be anything eletronic in your car still functioning, including light bulbs
Old 03-21-03, 07:47 PM
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Originally posted by RotorMotorDriver
Mine is a rebuilt stock replacement with a lifetime warranty .

~T.J.
dunno where you got it from, but if you get a starter or alternator from autozone/advance or whereever, you will need the lifetime warranty, youd be replacing them all the time.... I have zero faith in there rebuilt stuff anymore, maybe they are better than they used to be but 4 starters in 3 months? took it back got my money back, went to junkyard and got a starter had a local guy do the rebuild, and guess what it still works 4 years later, its now on my 88 vert...
Old 03-22-03, 12:06 PM
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Oh, how could I have missed this??

The Ultimate Alternator Upgrade Thread....
Old 03-22-03, 12:32 PM
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hey are the alternator from 89 to 91 fit a 1984 gsl 12a
Old 03-22-03, 04:13 PM
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Originally posted by MIKE-P-28
dunno where you got it from, but if you get a starter or alternator from autozone/advance or whereever, you will need the lifetime warranty, youd be replacing them all the time.... I have zero faith in there rebuilt stuff anymore, maybe they are better than they used to be but 4 starters in 3 months? took it back got my money back, went to junkyard and got a starter had a local guy do the rebuild, and guess what it still works 4 years later, its now on my 88 vert...
B&B, and Ive alredy had to get two others cause the voltage regulators keep going out in em. This is my thrid, and I think I need a new one again . My voltage is dropping below 12 volts at an idle again, and I just got a brand new battery hoping that would solve it (see electrical system upgrade question thread)

~T.J.
Old 03-22-03, 07:14 PM
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Did you follow the directions EXACTLY? I've done this conversion only once and it lasted YEARS with a USED alternator. Sometimes buying cheap gets you exactly what you pay for, too............
Old 03-22-03, 07:15 PM
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Originally posted by justrx8

hey are the alternator from 89 to 91 fit a 1984 gsl 12a
yes...read the link.......
Old 03-22-03, 08:24 PM
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mwhahahaha my thread is back yet again I did my swap in like june and here it is march and its still going along just fine with the fuseable links still in tact. I've yet to run a larger gauge wire from the battery to the fuseable links as it specifys in that thread. Doens't seem to be any problems, but I do plan on running something (probably 10ga) when I replace my battery cables next weekend.
Old 03-22-03, 08:29 PM
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Originally posted by 680RWHP12A
get one from a 91 motor .they are 80 amps !! and they bolt up the same! $30.00 plus shipping and its yours , and it warrantied too! i have a system in one of my cars, i had the same problem! the 80 amp alt fixed it!
Where does one get a reliable 80 amp alt at this price?
Old 03-22-03, 08:31 PM
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From robert, obviously....he's pitching us, right then.....shamelessly too, I might add...mine was used, too, and it was great right up to the accident...


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