Was there ANY high output 3rd gen alternator that didn't burn the rear bearing up?
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Was there ANY high output 3rd gen alternator that didn't burn the rear bearing up?
Just wondering if there's any alternator out there that didn't burn up the rear bearing. I have the 85-86 style alternator, and have been through a few "lifetime warranty" pep boys ones, all died because of the rear bearing. I posted a while ago about upgrading to an 87-92 style alternator, and a few people told me that it burned up the rear bearing, too.
So are we basically screwed in alternator choice? Do we have to dump $400 for an aftermarket high-output alternator?
I'd be satisfied with a +100 amp'er, like from an f-body with air conditioning...
So are we basically screwed in alternator choice? Do we have to dump $400 for an aftermarket high-output alternator?
I'd be satisfied with a +100 amp'er, like from an f-body with air conditioning...
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Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: Was there ANY high output 3rd gen alternator that didn't burn the rear bearing up?
Originally posted by TomP
Just wondering if there's any alternator out there that didn't burn up the rear bearing. I have the 85-86 style alternator, and have been through a few "lifetime warranty" pep boys ones, all died because of the rear bearing. I posted a while ago about upgrading to an 87-92 style alternator, and a few people told me that it burned up the rear bearing, too.
So are we basically screwed in alternator choice? Do we have to dump $400 for an aftermarket high-output alternator?
I'd be satisfied with a +100 amp'er, like from an f-body with air conditioning...
Just wondering if there's any alternator out there that didn't burn up the rear bearing. I have the 85-86 style alternator, and have been through a few "lifetime warranty" pep boys ones, all died because of the rear bearing. I posted a while ago about upgrading to an 87-92 style alternator, and a few people told me that it burned up the rear bearing, too.
So are we basically screwed in alternator choice? Do we have to dump $400 for an aftermarket high-output alternator?
I'd be satisfied with a +100 amp'er, like from an f-body with air conditioning...
There is also an Iceberg kit (see Summit/Jegs, ~$50) for these alternators that contain a new rear case half (along with diode bridge and other stuff). That case has the larger rear bearing also.
RBob.
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: The famous 700R4
Axle/Gears: No idea
My stock 105A -AC Delco- 1988 alternator was replaced at 100.000 km. (62.500 m) (1993) in Canada.
The second (stock AC Delco 105A too) was "overhauled" in Chile at 170.000 kms in 1999. Today, at 220.000 NEVER problem with it (I think the bearing is in regular condition but charge is O.K. = 13.8 V).
My "limited" conclussion is only one: For alternators, only original AC Delco at normal prices.
At least, is my opinnion.
Denis V.
The second (stock AC Delco 105A too) was "overhauled" in Chile at 170.000 kms in 1999. Today, at 220.000 NEVER problem with it (I think the bearing is in regular condition but charge is O.K. = 13.8 V).
My "limited" conclussion is only one: For alternators, only original AC Delco at normal prices.
At least, is my opinnion.
Denis V.
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Car: 4 Mopars total
Engine: Pentastar power
Transmission: T/F and New Process
Axle/Gears: Three 8 3/4's & one 9 1/4
Well, you have stated the cause of your problem already. "Lifetime Warranty" Pep Boys alternator. They are junk! Either spend the money and get an AC Delco part, or take the time and rebuild it yourself. Its very easy to rebuild alternators...and cheaper too.
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Car: 1995 Corvette
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 6 spd Manual
Axle/Gears: Dana 44, 3:45:1
The police interceptor's (model year 1990 is what I got mine from) came with a high output, larger alternator (i believe it was 120 amp).. Uses an adapter piece to mount to stock alternator/ps bracket. Works good and fits just fine (had to re-clock it though)...
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Thanks for the info, guys! Maybe I will try rebuilding it myself one of these days. I take it the wires on the stator don't usually go bad? Oh; duh, I could probably check 'em with a meter, right?
Only kits I've seen on the 'net are through expressautoparts.com ... choose your car, then go under electrical, then you can buy an alternator bearing and rectifier and etc... plus Summit sells a kit. Can't find a pre-put-together kit on expressautoparts.com though...
Only kits I've seen on the 'net are through expressautoparts.com ... choose your car, then go under electrical, then you can buy an alternator bearing and rectifier and etc... plus Summit sells a kit. Can't find a pre-put-together kit on expressautoparts.com though...
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: The famous 700R4
Axle/Gears: No idea
I bought mine at www.partsamerica.com:
1 GMA03 ALTERNATOR REPAIR KIT "Victory Lap" (manufacturer) = $ 46.49 + shipping/handling.
1 GMA03 ALTERNATOR REPAIR KIT "Victory Lap" (manufacturer) = $ 46.49 + shipping/handling.
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