Alternator Replacement

[jpoole]

Hi, I have a 83 Hurst / Olds vin9 and need to replace the alternator. I have seen posts on upgrading to new style alternators with more power etc. Does anyone know the part number or what the direct swap is and is there a wiring harness needed to swap?

Thanks

 

[DoubleV]

I looked into doing that myself but kept hearing contradictory info on EXACTLY what needed to be done in my specific case ( should be the same case as yours ). In the end I just got my stock 78 amp 12si rebuilt to 94 amp specs so no messing around with converting. Most applications don't require 130 amps anyway so that's a good way to go IMO.

 

[olds307 and 403]

My BIL did that upgrade on his 86 Monte years ago, kept up with his big stereo. It is nice to have a worthless car, I can do whatever I want with it.

 

[jpoole]

I spoke with Powermaster and they offer a chrome 17290 and natural 7288 120 amp direct bolt in alternator with out harness. It is based off GM 17SI style alternator. Make sure to get v belt as they have alternate with 6 grove belt pulley. Only problem is they are $200 & $150 respectively.

 

[RegalBegal]

I swapped in a CS144 from a 92 Eldorado in place of the 15SI. I just had to re-clock it, swap the pully, run a larger gauge charging wire (8 I think) and change the idiot light plug. Easy stuff, works great.

 

[DoubleV]

I spoke with Powermaster and they offer a chrome 17290 and natural 7288 120 amp direct bolt in alternator with out harness. It is based off GM 17SI style alternator. Make sure to get v belt as they have alternate with 6 grove belt pulley. Only problem is they are $200 & $150 respectively.

I'll admit, I'm not up on alternator lore but as far as G-body's go, you had the 10si and the better 12si. Never heard of a 17si. Yes, a 12si CAN be made to put out more than the 94 amps which was max available from the factory, but in doing so it would create alot more heat which the 12si design isn't very good at keeping cool.

I just had my 12si 78 amp alternator rebuilt to 94 amp specs. Cost $60. I don't need a bazillion amps to run my accessories though ( and neither do many others ).