Best alternators:

[fussfeld]

1) What are some good quality alternators?


2) What is the best alternator, money no object?

 

[Rusty Nail]

I use O'Reilly lifetimes. I think they are "Ultima" brand.


Great alternators don't have to cost a ton. Pick up that pigtail thingy for 18 bucks, plug it into a mid80s 105amp Corvette alternator, change the pulleys and call it good for a Ben. Bolt in, direct swap... It's that easy.

 

[87scotty]

I would think dealer parts would be the best. but idk never bought anything from chevy.

 

[MikeB]

I use O'Reilly lifetimes. I think they are "Ultima" brand.

Me too. Same with my truck's PS pump and radiator. If I ever have a problem, all I have to do is stop by the store and they'll give me a new one. No third degree, no arguing over shipping cost, and no waiting.

I also like AC/Delco rebuilt alternators and starters. I've had one of their 12SI alternators on another old truck for going on 17 years.

FYI, an alternator rated above 78 amps is gonna need at least an 8 gauge wire, in case it ever has to charge a dead battery. That's the wire connected to the alternator stud. I'd guess that your truck uses 10-gauge wire, which was good for factory-installed 63 amp or 78 amp alternators.

 

[fussfeld]

Me too. Same with my truck's PS pump and radiator. If I ever have a problem, all I have to do is stop by the store and they'll give me a new one. No third degree, no arguing over shipping cost, and no waiting.

I also like AC/Delco rebuilt alternators and starters. I've had one of their 12SI alternators on another old truck for going on 17 years.

FYI, an alternator rated above 78 amps is gonna need at least an 8 gauge wire, in case it ever has to charge a dead battery. That's the wire connected to the alternator stud. I'd guess that your truck uses 10-gauge wire, which was good for factory-installed 63 amp or 78 amp alternators.

This is good to know.

 

[NOPHO84K30]

i put a 200 amp.. power master in mine seems to work great.

 

[kdo58]

I have a 140 power master 10 years so far.

 

[77 K20]

I just bought a DelcoRemy rebuilt one (12si) as an upgrade for my truck. Sounded like they take the time to rebuild them right. I was looking at the powermaster ones but could order several of the Delco ones for the same price.

http://www.delcoremy.com/The-Latest/2013/June/Reman-vs-Imitation

 

[fussfeld]

i'm probably going to go with an ac delco or remy delco unit.

i'm just putting this in here for notes:
http://www.chevyhardcore.com/tech-s...ng-system-and-keep-your-battery-at-the-ready/

 

[fussfeld]

Need more help:

The engine is based on an 85-86 4.3 so, i have the hybrid belt setup of serpentine for the water pump and alternator, which i believe is 5 rib? And the pulleys for those are i believe 4 grove?

Everything else is conventional v-belt.

Everything AC Delco and Remy list for a 86 4.3 is V-belt.

All the parts stores also pretty much show a V-belt (yet if you look up alternator belt on their websites, it shows ribbed type belt..............)

Can anyone come up with a part # that will work? The plug is in the 12:00 position and i want to keep it under 78amps preferably 63.

 

[fussfeld]

i came up with AC delco # 321-357

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-AC-Delco-321-357-Alternator/dp/B000QGWNOE


Further research indicates that the 87's had an identical setup as an 86 and true serpentine didn't start until 88?

 

[87scotty]

i came up with AC delco # 321-357

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-AC-Delco-321-357-Alternator/dp/B000QGWNOE


Further research indicates that the 87's had an identical setup as an 86 and true serpentine didn't start until 88?

Yep thats the way my 87 is