alternator upgrade never answered

[rangertom]

Hey everyone, so i've posted this question numerous times on different threads pertaining to this subject but haven't gotten an answer so i'm making this new thread in hopes it will be seen. Ok, so i have an 84 cutlass supreme brougham with a buick built 3.8L V6 in it and i'm wondering if i can do this upgrade on this engine or not? Does the engine matter when changing alternators ? i already found and bought the 140 amp alt from the pick and pull and had O'reilly bench test it and all is good but i just haven't gotten an answer if i can do this or not and i really want to 😀 .... any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Intragration]

Why do you need to do it? My rationale with anything like this is, is it necessary? Why make a change if it's not? Do you have a massive amplifier or neons under the car? If not, I would forget about it. If you DO have a particular need, then I believe your main concern would be whether it will physically fit. If it's the same size and shape as the original, I don't see why not. But then I'd be concerned with things like wiring. The existing wiring was set up for the original alternator, if you're drawing a whole bunch more current, it may not support the new alternator and you could be creating problems. The desire to avoid unnecessary problems due to unnecessary changes causes me to avoid unnecessary changes.

 

[JBreu]

Sure you can do it.....You might have to get different brackets, but it can be done...Why are you looking to do it anyways? If your not gonna run a aftermarket system, NOs, MSD or other things that need the extra juice, you don't really need it, but it's your car, do with it what ya can and good luck 8)

 

[Evan11]

No new brackets needed, if anything u may have to do a lil dremel work for it to clear. (Put one on my old 3.8) You will need to swap the serpentine pulley for your v-belt pulley. You will need to upgrade your alt wiring to 4 gauge wire, the wire plug will need modded or exchanged(I've seen posts on here showing napa sells the wire plug with a resistor in it ready to go. Search it or contact Ritter. It's a very easy swap. If you need more info, let me know & I'll find all the info you'll need. 🙂 I've got this alt on my 350 Olds now.

 

[rangertom]

thx all, Yes i am going to be running a large amp and spaekers, i also think i wanna go to HID headlights. and i've added some electric goodies and just don't want to run into any problems.

 

[JBreu]

I know it's a moot point seeing as you already scored the alternator.....I went with a 1 wire type so I didn't have to worry about the resistor................ 8)

 

[rangertom]

No it's never a moot point, i haven't gotten the adapter plug yet but i have the battery (idiot) light so no need for the resister. until i install it it's never to late to alter or adjust my plan...lol