Hi all,

So I'm looking for a new alternator as mine is toast. I've gone to both Oreilly's and Advanced so far and neither of them have an alternator with the correct pulley. Is there a reason for this or was mine changed as some point? All of their results only come up with a v style pulley when it has A/C. I'm pretty sure the one in my Berlinetta was factory. It is a serp belt with A/C at however many amps it was rated for.

Another question, I was also considering getting a higher amp alternator so I could through in a new sound system. Only issue I'm having is getting one that fits properly. Since I'm not able to find much with these stores I don't know what to look for online. Does it NEED to fit exactly OEM shape and size or can I just get any alternator and through it in there as long as the belt pulley is the same? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

What year is the car? 85/86 was the changeover from all V-belts to a micro-V (serp) belt to drive the alt. 86/87 was another changeover from the older SI alt to the CS alt, and 87/88 they went to full serpentine. So there is some confusion on the part of parts databases about what goes where. It doesnt even end there because GM changed all the braces on serpentine accessories after 88.

But anyway, your best bet is to go on Rock Auto, and look up your appllication, then match the pics. They aren't always % accurate photos but you'll get close. Alternatively you could just zip off the pulley and changeover. At the store I worked we had an electric impact behind the counter for doing exactly that. took maybe 20 seconds to swap pulleys.

 

Also don't forget to go here - https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/afte...t-codes-3.html and get a 5% off code.

 

I agree with Drew. Look at RockAuto.com and compare the pictures to what you have currently. I'm guessing that the alternator should either be 100 or 105 Amps as i'm looking for 1 for my car as mine is getting weak. If you are thinking of doing a big stereo system or multiple amplifiers, then consider a more powerful alternator like a 140 or higher amperage alternator to keep up with the demands of everything. Also, if the system is going to have multiple amplifiers then consider a capacitor as well to help store extra power for when the system is really kicking.

 

Thanks guys!

Yeah it's a 1985. but they must have made the change in my car already. Definitely looking for something higher amperage, but with the higher amp alternators is there anything I need to look out for? I know they build OEM spec ones now adays but those are super pricey. If I were to pull one from a truck or find a High Amp one that doesn't meet the exact OEM spec is it just plug and play or how does that go? I'm going about all of this for the first time if you couldn't tell.

 

If the electrical connections look the same and are "clocked" (positioned correctly/same as your current alternator) it should be a direct bolt in. The extra amperage shouldn't hurt your car as the alternator only puts out what your car is demanding from it. Just make sure that the bolt holes and electrical connections are in the same place as yours is the main thing.

 

Awesome! Thanks again

 

not a bad price for a reman 94 AMP,........


https://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...84101_939528_0


Here are the other GMs that you might find this alternator in:
BUICK REGAL 1986-1987
CHEVROLET C10 PICKUP 1983-1986
CHEVROLET C10 SUBURBAN 1986
CHEVROLET C20 PICKUP 1983-1986
CHEVROLET C20 SUBURBAN 1986
CHEVROLET C30 PICKUP 1983-1986
CHEVROLET CAMARO 1985-1986
CHEVROLET CAPRICE 1985-1987
CHEVROLET EL CAMINO 1983-1987
CHEVROLET IMPALA 1985
CHEVROLET K10 PICKUP 1983-1986
CHEVROLET K10 SUBURBAN 1986
CHEVROLET K20 PICKUP 1983-1986
CHEVROLET K20 SUBURBAN 1986
CHEVROLET K30 PICKUP 1983-1986
CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER 1983-1986
CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1985-1988
GMC C1500 PICKUP 1983-1986
GMC C1500 SUBURBAN 1986
GMC C2500 PICKUP 1983-1986
GMC C2500 SUBURBAN 1986
GMC C3500 PICKUP 1983-1986
GMC CABALLERO 1985-1987
GMC JIMMY 1986
GMC K1500 PICKUP 1983-1986
GMC K1500 SUBURBAN 1986
GMC K2500 PICKUP 1983-1986
GMC K3500 1983-1986
PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1985-1986
PONTIAC FIREBIRD 1985-1986
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 1985-1987
PONTIAC PARISIENNE 1985-1986

 

Old thread, but I wanted to give an update as I hate when people don't.. :P

Ended up getting an alternator for a 305. Has higher amps and the right wiring which is compatible with what was stock. Hooked it up and it's running great (well, besides the other plethora of issues)

 

All you can do is just keep knocking the "bugs" out 1 @ a time; Now that it's running good you drive it without worry & can focus with those other "issues" instead !