Alternator....130 or 200 amp

[Methodical]

My alternator just died. Need help deciding on which alternator to get.

1. Which alternator amperage should I get the stock 130 amp or upgrade to 200 amp or something in between? and Why?

2. If upgrade above stock 130 amp who makes a stock replacement alternator. I hate spending top dollars then having to modify to fit and void any warranties.

3. What would be the benefit of upgrading?

Thanks. Peace

 

[95WhiteVenom]

I thought about the same thing. Mine just died but funds require me to get my stock one rebuilt.
If you want something top quality. PA-performance makes a 200 but you have to get a power wire upgrade kit for it to handle the added power. You can also get the alternator in chrome or several other powder coated colors. For pricing go to their website PA-Performance.com

 

[LoudToy958]

I suggest the same company. I went with the 130, which after speaking to the tech is really about 20amps better than the factory unit from idle on up. I had the provisions for a 200amp, but its a lot of money for something I won't utilize. The pa units require no Mods, and are a direct fit. Most mods are needed on fox cars when doing a 3G upgrade. Our cars have a 3G unit already. No mods.......

If you have a huge stereo, or a lot of external accessories that are power hungry, a 200 amp might not be a bad idea. You DO HAVE TO run the upgrade kit, or there WILL BE a fire or some nice smoke. Seen it a few times in the past. This is with the 200amp unit

Good luck, keep us posted on your decision.........


EDIT: An alternate would be a alterstart unit. They make 160amp units that are pretty nice. I see them selling on ebay all the time. I had one in my old 95Gt, and had no problems with it at all. RC had a chrome one he had some issues with, but most people seem to like them. Lifetime warranty, very reasonable price too........

 

[HISSIN50]

As Shane and Chris know, I have an Alterstart 170 amp unit in my '88. Nice unit if you ask me. It has an advertised 75 amps at idle. 135 bucks.

Good luck.

 

[mackey]

Autozone 130amp Duralast brand. Lifetime warranty.

 

[HISSIN50]

Since I just went through this, I can tell ya that the alternator that Mackey notes above was well liked in terms of how it held up. But it is 185 bucks here. Just FYI (other options were more appealing, but part of that was not having to eat a core since I had a 2G - which was in 3 pieces).