I like to say that I have done some searching for the answers hoping to show that I am not just lazy and throwing questions out there that have been answered a million times...

I believe I need a new alternator in my '83 Z28... LG4 vin "H"... because the choke light stays on, and the choke is acting wonky. From poking around the forums, seems lots of guys get a CS130 or CS144 alternator,
rated at 100 amps or more. AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. all seem to sell units that are 68 or 80 amps, something like that.

Are these really sufficient? I am not running crazy accessory lights or anything, but I would like to have an amp on my sound system, and it seems more is better when it comes to alternators.

I did see this one on Amazon that is rated at 100 amps, and supposedly fits my ride.... Also, I would rather have a direct swap so I'm not changing pulleys or brackets, etc.

Thanks a lot for your help... Bubba

 

Most of the alternators used on thirdgen V8s put out close to 100A stock. They shouldn't have much trouble with normal electrical demands.

 

Thanks Drew- any idea why the different replacement alts are labeled as "61 amps", "63 amps", "87 amps", etc.?

 

amp rating of originally installed alternators depends on engine and accesories,most '83s used 12si alternator:42 amp base up to 94 amp for H.O. with AC,LG4/AC was78 amp.Higher than needed alternator amps is not always good because higher amp versions often don't put out as well at lower RPM.

 

I have noticed that when idle is down on my 86 IROC (stoplight) turn signals will slow even with headlights/driving lights off. So with my stock bolt up in consideration, what alternator would you install? This has been the case throughout my 19-year ownership of my car.

 

-an early version CS144-exact same size and mounting as original 17Si that came on '85-86 TPI-only the regulator plug is different.The cs144 has soldered stator connections and a more powerful PWM regulator for better low RPM output.The early style CS144 was used in a variety of 1986-95 cars usually 108 amp,sometimes 120.Late version CS144,1990-2000,is 140amp,case and fan are different,but I think it might be same mounting.