Alternator Question

[83'Regal3.8L]

Hey all, Thanks for reading. Looking for some knowledgeable advice so I figured I'd post here. I have an 83' Regal 3.8L V6. I'm wanting to either rebuild the alternator or replace it. Delco-Remy, I think it's a 70 Amp 12v. I think it's either a 10si or a 15si maybe. I'm having a hard time trying to identify it but by the case and insides I believe it's one of these. Would it be better to rebuild or just replace the alternator you think? If replace is the way to go which would be a good choice? I'd also like to install a stereo system so should I go up from 70A any if so?

Thanks again

 

[g0thiac]

Hey all, Thanks for reading. Looking for some knowledgeable advice so I figured I'd post here. I have an 83' Regal 3.8L V6. I'm wanting to either rebuild the alternator or replace it. Delco-Remy, I think it's a 70 Amp 12v. I think it's either a 10si or a 15si maybe. I'm having a hard time trying to identify it but by the case and insides I believe it's one of these. Would it be better to rebuild or just replace the alternator you think? If replace is the way to go which would be a good choice? I'd also like to install a stereo system so should I go up from 70A any if so?

Thanks again

I’d replace it, there are people who professionally reman and sell the Delco ones, also you can get something with higher amperage too.

 

[ELCAM]

Adapt it to take a CS style alternator good for 160 -200 amps in the aftermarket, and they can be had with V belt pulleys. Probably not completely drop in might require some bracket tweaking / different hardware.

Or

You can get a high output rebuild kit or a rebuilt modified one like you have that's good for 120 amps.

How much stereo are you going to want?

 

[83'Regal3.8L]

I’d replace it, there are people who professionally reman and sell the Delco ones, also you can get something with higher amperage too.

g0thiac Thanks for the advice. I'm still looking into it some more. Juat have to figure out how much amperage I'll actually need.

 

[83'Regal3.8L]

ELCAM Thanks for the advice. As of right not I'm not thinking to much, something simple. 2x 12's w/1800 watt amp. (I'm not sure about all the details with the amp.) The stereo is a regular cd dvd player that has a flip up screen. But other than that not using to much as far as accessories go. I had the system hooked up once but it kept draining my battery. So I disconnected it. I also had this shop do my valve cover gaskets and they left it a mess, smh. The loom is original and crumbled but there were wires that got knicked a just got placed wherever, etc. So hopefully I can find a short or whatevers causing my voltage light to come on. Battery tests good and so did alternator but this is the reason why I'm wanting to rebuild or replace. Lol sorry for all the info. just a lot on my hands at this time. Someone told me I have to get the inside right before I get to the outside. Don't want to be stuck on the side of the road lookin clean lol.

 

[g0thiac]

g0thiac Thanks for the advice. I'm still looking into it some more. Juat have to figure out how much amperage I'll actually need.

No prob 👌And I’d say maybe a minimum of over 100 amps if you running things like subs.

 

[83'Regal3.8L]

No prob 👌And I’d say maybe a minimum of over 100 amps if you running things like subs.

Ok cool thanks. Yeah not to big just figured if I'm going to replace it might as well make it count lol. I still have work to do before I get to that point. Definitely a work in progress

 

[ELCAM]

If your car has power anything and A/C your going to need 60-70 amps for that. The big subs like that run on an 80-100 amp circuit.

So figure 160 amp alternator, I don't think you can get there with an SI series so figure on moving up to a CS series and 200 amps so you have room for more in the future.

 

[403Olds]

I second the upgrade to a CS alternator. I did it last winter. Just go to RAuto or wherever and get one for an 89 Cadillac with a 307. Should be a direct fit with a Vbelt pulley already on it. then an adapter harness to go to your plug. If you want to help out the charging, extend the little red jumper wire from the plug to the stud on the alternator, and run it to the battery. This will permit the alternator to charge the battery better by remote voltage sense.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Yeah, that is the last year of the 10SI alternator. Even the 100 amp upgrade won't last in that case. The 12SI take 100 amp easy, more open back and a better fan. They fit and hook up the same. The CS series easily allow much higher amps. Here is the difference.