Choosing an alternator?

[Denee007]

Hi! I have one blank spot left in my engine compartment (except for a lower radiator hose), and that is the need for an alternator. I'll be running AC/heat, electric fan, electric fuel pump, and lights of course, and windshield wiper(should never see rain). NO power windows or power seats. Would a 65 amp be enough (internal regulator?)? or what would be a good alternator for my truck? Can I have too much amps?

[mr48chev]

You can pay for more amps than you might need or ever use if you buy one of the high end aftermarket alternators that is aimed at the guys with monster sound systems

If you didn't want shiny I'd suggest one that came off an 85 Buick Electra and a lot of 83/84 GM pickups.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1468&ppt=C0330

108 Amps and plenty easy to get or get parts for. There are comparable chrome or polished alternators floating around or if you were so inclined you could get one at a wrecking yard and buy the shiny cases and swap the innards into the new case with new bearings and brushes and have a shiny rebuilt alternator ready to go.

I'm not a real fan of the one wire alternators that no doubt someone will throw out as a must have. The only real advantage to them is that you only have the one wire to hide so as not to clutter up the engine compartment.

I saved one off an old 85 Electra I had a few years ago for my 48. It will be buried so far down in the engine compartment with the 292 that no one will see it without hanging over the fender so I probably won't put a shiny case on it.

[Denee007]

I like that alt Mr48! I don't want a chrome alternator, just a nice new one. I have an Oreillys by me that the folks know me all too well! That alt that you have the link to, does it have a the built in regulator? If so then it has the little plug on the side of it too?
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[OrrieG]

I used the 65 A internal regulated one that came off the donor truck that has the same stuff (AC, elec wiper,etc) as I am running. Figure easy upgrade if it is not enough. Before I ran the original 36 A generator!
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[1project2many]

I like to use a 12SI alternator rather than the 10SI found on earlier vehicles. It has a better regulator, more holes in the case for cooling, better charging at low speed and an improved fan. And it's usually not too expensive. There's a 94A version that works well. Applications include some cop cars, later Jeep CJ's, and the 85 Olds Calais.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...209&cc=1217067

[Denee007]

Tomorrow I'll go to O'reilly's and see about the alternator mr48chev posted, and whatever else, like the 12si alt 1P wrote about. I'd rather buy from the local auto parts store to warranty reasons. I hate boxing things up to mail back!
Thanks everyone!

http://www.jegs.com/i/Powermaster/713/7294/10002/-1

[Atomsplitter]

Try a 94-96 Impala or Caprice.
They run a 140amp alternator, more than you'll ever need!