I have a 84 firebird with a 383 stroker. I don't run anything heavy like amps or things that would require large ampage. But I recently heard that the 82-84 alternators had only 67 amps.I would like to buy something more powerful like 100-140 amp. since I have no idea about alternators I thought I would ask you guys what you think a good amp/ brand I should be looking at I dont really wanna spend over $200 for one. I might be leaving out some important details but its a stock distributor and stock starter that will all be replaced later as well thanks guys.

 

Are you using a v-belt system on this engine?
If so, you can take the 140A alternator from the Lumina van I believe it is. It's a serp drive, so you swap on your existing pulley, and you have a VERY CHEAP 140A alternator. I got mine from a salvage yard for $45. I think I simply had to add in a resistor on the sense line, for it to turn on.

Do a search on the electrical forum for 140A alternator, or lumina I think. There may have been other vehicles that had it as well...?

 

yeah thats a good idea about pulling the alternator from the lumina I think my problem is eve worse then this now MY mechanic told me my alternator is strong but for some reason my wiring somewhere is kiiling my battery thank god for warranty, 3rd replaced battery in 4 month's so it has to be some slow draining electrical problem

 

Why screw around? Just get a 94 amp. reman. unit from Pep Boys
for $50 bucks. (came factory on 84 305 ho)

 

Wiring killing your battery - this happened to my brother just a few weeks ago. Here's the advice I gave him:

1) Check all your grounds. Battery to body, battery to engine, engine to body. Make sure they are all existing, and in good shape. This can cause all kinds of strange electrical problems.

2) Disconnect the positive cable from your battery, and hook up your multimeter in series, on the 10amp series test port. Check the battery drain with the car and everything else off (make sure your dome light, underhood light, etc is off)

3) If there is a current, try to identify what it might be. Just think about it first - new remote car starter? New electric fuel pump? New stereo? Disconnect the power to each one (one at a time!), and see if it changes the power draw. If not, try other components. Essentially, have your helper watch the current draw, while you pull fuses. Find out which circuit is drawing the power, then trace out that circuit and find out why.

4) If there is no (negligable) power draw when the car is off, then it's likely a bad power/ground wire for your starter/alternator.

 

hey sonix thanks man. it was bad grounding. it was good advice. you probably saved me 400 dollars by not having to buy a painless wiring kit ( I plan on buying anyways soon) So thanks again.

 

you can run better grounds,buy sume 8-2 guage power wire from a speaker shop and redo the grounds,it helps soooooo much,the stasrter spins easier starts faster sparks better,and overall runs better.im running 2 gauge from neg battary to block.positive batt to alt,and block to firewall