I was just on the buick turbo site and came across a topic about using a 140 amp alt from a 97 camaro lt1. Now i am going to order a 140 amp alt from powermaster for 150.00 but you can go to your local parts store and get a 140 amp alt for a 97 camaro for 99 plus thats a life time warranty so im looking at that cause its no hassle and all i got to do is swap pulleys and a few misc things. But will it bolt right in or do i need to change out the alt holder brackets If its to much 2 do i will just stick to the powermaster but hoping to use that lifetime warranty and the car i have is a 68 riviera with a 72 455 in it.
Judging from the side view, it looks like it would work. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Remanufactured-Alternator-Driveworks_15030119-P_11_R|GRPALTSAMS_1309471664___#
Just for future info the LT1 was discontinued in '96. '97 was the first year for the LS1 in the f-body. The LT1 alternator is a 140 unit with a generic "large case" GM design that uses a short bolt on 1 side and a long bolt on the other to secure it to the bracket and brace. The L99 (4.3 V8) from the '94-'96 Caprice has the same basic setup, but in a "small case" and is rated at 105 which is better for cars with smaller amp batteries and weaker electrical systems.
you just might need to get the voltage regulator plug from a similar unit at a junkyard to splice into your harness, i think it is different. you could try this unit which is an ac delco rebuild #334-2202, it is a 94 amp 12 si unit which will bolt right in and uses your factory harness. don't have to convert over to a one wire unit like the powermaster either. i recommend a delco since they last. wouldn't buy a unit from autozone. a good local parts store should be able to get you a delco.
Just off the top of my head not only will you need to change the front pulley, but you will need to do some wiring changes. Your car now (if not changed already) has an external regulator and will either need to be rewired or a plug can be bought from Year One to delete it (the external regulator). I am also sure that the exciter/ senser plug on the alternator is different.
For the Impala and the Corvette, that would be true. But...that is not the case with the F-bodies. The only cars to get the LT1 in '97 were the F-bodies. The LS1 was added in '98 when they updated both the Camaro and Firebird front ends. If you guys are hitting the yards to find 140A alternators - look for RPO code KG9. A more plentiful source would be a Series I 3800. Same alternator.....cheaper price in some yards. Look in Pontiac Montana vans....the ones with rear AC and the 3800 will have the 140A version. That is a bolt in swap for the B-body LT1's.
I looked up the ac delco 334 2202 alt but it only 94 amps and i would like the 140 amp one plus why would i have to convert to one wire when the powermaster comes with one and 3 wire conversion. Now i know i want to be careful because when i had a 70 skylark convertible i had a 100 amp chrome proform alt and that alt always left me stranded and im not going down that road again. So i want something i can return to store anytime when and if the alt breaks down
I have put two CS144s on 455 alternator brackets. Without A/C it is straightforward with a longer V belt needed. On an A/C car the bracket will need to be ground to clear the back of the alternator. The downside is the top bracket over the A/C unit, wiill not fit so you will have to come up with a longer belt and grind away at the bracket to make way for the back of the alternator to swing adequately to adjust. A CS 130 on the left and CS 144 on the right On the wiring side you can connect the wire from the idiot light to excite the regulator. I would use a minimum 8 gage wire from the alternator to the battery. The 10 gage wire through the fusible link, is not going to carry the additional charging capability of this alternator.
Good catch GS. I keep getting my years backwards on the f-bodies. I'm coming from the b-bodies so I'm always off a year on one side or the other :grin: And one note is that the stock GM units use the serp belt instead of a v-belt so a pulley change may be needed depending on the setup you're running. If you need any specific info I have a '94 Caprice so I can grab some pics or measurements if needed. I think it's the small case style though.
Just get a 140 amp alternator for an '84 Regal T-Type/GN. It's already setup for the V-belts, and it's a direct bolt in with a minor re-clocking operation. All you'll need is the adapter harness/connector to go from the old harness to the new alternator, and the jumper on the regulator at the firewall. :TU:
I just check it on oreillys and its only 94 amps. Thats not enough for what i need. So im just going to have to stick with the plan for the 140 amp one.
Why not check with Jamie. He builds hi output alternators. I'm sure he could help you. http://www.v8buick.com/member.php?u=226
My bad.........must have been the 120 amp unit from '85 I used. It WAS over 12 years ago. For the '85 unit you'll have to swap the pulley.
Can someone tell me what the advantage is of having a high output alternator. Up sides, down sides? Can't you fry wiring and components with too much output? What's a standard GM alternator output rated at?
Standard in our '69s was 55a I believe. You could put a 1000 amp alt in your car - you only use what your demand is (plus a little for losses due to impedence) and the only way to "fry" wires is if your demand is beyond the spec for the size wire you are using. I just posted this, so I copied and pasted - _______ I drive my car alot and often get stuck in traffic coming over the bridges on the way home - can easily be an hour. I had the same problem where Idling in gear I was barely making any voltage if not running off the battery. I switched to a one wire setup and now in gear at idle (750-800) Im making close to 14v. __________ The one - and three - wire new style alts with internal regulators "excite" or turn on at a much lower rpm than the older units, stay on once energized, and can provide higher voltage at lower RPMs. Belive me, I tried staying with a stock type Alt. and external voltage reg - to the tune of a few hundred in parts - and I still wasn't happy. Jamie who posted in this thread sells alts and starters perfect for your needs and is great to work with. Hit him up and your problems will be gone
Thanks Alan, Yes I know Jamie I bought a mini starter off him. It works great. About my alternator, I also have only one wire going to it "I think". o No: But I still have an external voltage regulator.
