Using Bosch Alternators
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Australia
Using Bosch Alternators
Hi all.
Just wanted to run a Alternator question by you guy's.
Over here in Australia, AC Delco is a specialised brand. You cant walk in to a auto shop and buy an AC Delco Part. There are importers bring stuff in but it is allot dearer than Bosch. Generally Bosch is the off the shelf replacement part for everything.
My questions comes down to using the Bosch Alternators.
I have a 86 5L TPI Trans Am. When I got the Car it had a brand new 120AMP Bosch Alt fitted. Latter finding out that the item fitted is made for continuous speed use only but that's another story. The Auto Elect I deal with has assured me that normally that's not an issue and a commonly used part for high power Alt's.
The thing I wanted to bring up is that I have been told that there can be developing problems when using a Bosch alternator on these cars. Apparently your only meant to use the AC Delco units. Apparently the value in the Regulator is different with the Bosch to the Factory fit AC unit and the ECM does not like it. apperently It can also cause reliability problems.
I'm not doubting it, just wondering if anyone has noticed anything and if you think I should look at replacing my new 120 Amp Bosch unit with an AC one or risk it.
Just wanted to run a Alternator question by you guy's.
Over here in Australia, AC Delco is a specialised brand. You cant walk in to a auto shop and buy an AC Delco Part. There are importers bring stuff in but it is allot dearer than Bosch. Generally Bosch is the off the shelf replacement part for everything.
My questions comes down to using the Bosch Alternators.
I have a 86 5L TPI Trans Am. When I got the Car it had a brand new 120AMP Bosch Alt fitted. Latter finding out that the item fitted is made for continuous speed use only but that's another story. The Auto Elect I deal with has assured me that normally that's not an issue and a commonly used part for high power Alt's.
The thing I wanted to bring up is that I have been told that there can be developing problems when using a Bosch alternator on these cars. Apparently your only meant to use the AC Delco units. Apparently the value in the Regulator is different with the Bosch to the Factory fit AC unit and the ECM does not like it. apperently It can also cause reliability problems.
I'm not doubting it, just wondering if anyone has noticed anything and if you think I should look at replacing my new 120 Amp Bosch unit with an AC one or risk it.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 37
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From: Vermont
Car: '86 Vette
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 4.11
Well I don't think anyone in the 'states will have much experience with running something like a Bosch altenator on a GM product. But speaking purely on theory, if your Bosch altenator is a standard automotive application (provides power over a fairly broad RPM range) I can't understand why it wouldn't work.
Delco units are pretty good units and have found themselves on a variety of non-GM products (EFI included). Bosch altenators have proven themselves over many manufacturers (I have personal experience with VW, Porsche, BMW, and Volvo - all EFI). The only small concern would be the output voltage levels, which are similar. Is that what he meant by "value"? ECMs are pretty robust as far as operating voltage goes. Voltage spikes can kill ECMS, but I would be surprised to learn Bosch altenators are worse in this area.
Now high output altenators typically have poor low speed output. That MAY be a problem with your unit. It could result in poor charging if you do alot of idling or low speed driving. Otherwise I think someones blowing smoke up your skirt.
Delco units are pretty good units and have found themselves on a variety of non-GM products (EFI included). Bosch altenators have proven themselves over many manufacturers (I have personal experience with VW, Porsche, BMW, and Volvo - all EFI). The only small concern would be the output voltage levels, which are similar. Is that what he meant by "value"? ECMs are pretty robust as far as operating voltage goes. Voltage spikes can kill ECMS, but I would be surprised to learn Bosch altenators are worse in this area.
Now high output altenators typically have poor low speed output. That MAY be a problem with your unit. It could result in poor charging if you do alot of idling or low speed driving. Otherwise I think someones blowing smoke up your skirt.
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raymondandretti
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Sep 27, 2015 06:43 PM