Alternator Amperage ?
#1
Alternator Amperage ?
I want to purchase a chrome plated alternator for my 1972 Olds Cutlass 442 but I don't know how many Amps it is. The one I'm looking to purchase states it's 120Amps. That sounds high. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks
#4
I believe the stock alternator on a midsize GM puts out about 55amps, and some units go up to 85 amps for limos and cars that draw more current. Units from the early 80's had the amp rating stamped on the case.
#5
Thanks guys for the info.
Eric - you said "If Chrome is what I want"......... Is there another choice? I mean, my engine compartment is not show worthy & is not original. I have after market Air Cleaner, Edelbrock Carb, Aftermarket Chrome Valve Covers to begin with. My existing Alternator is all Oxydized & looks like ***** that's why I'm thinking Chrome. Any other choices, let me know. Thanks
Eric - you said "If Chrome is what I want"......... Is there another choice? I mean, my engine compartment is not show worthy & is not original. I have after market Air Cleaner, Edelbrock Carb, Aftermarket Chrome Valve Covers to begin with. My existing Alternator is all Oxydized & looks like ***** that's why I'm thinking Chrome. Any other choices, let me know. Thanks
#7
Eric - you said "If Chrome is what I want"......... Is there another choice? I mean, my engine compartment is not show worthy & is not original. I have after market Air Cleaner, Edelbrock Carb, Aftermarket Chrome Valve Covers to begin with. My existing Alternator is all Oxydized & looks like ***** that's why I'm thinking Chrome. Any other choices, let me know. Thanks
I mean, some people like chrome, and others don't.
Personally, I think it looks gaudy, and makes your engine compartment look like the sketch in the back of a sixth grader's math notebook, but we've all got different tastes.
If I were getting one, I'd go down to the junkyard and buy one, clean the outside, maybe bead blast it if I was feeling obsessive, and use that.
Alternately, I'd pick one up at the local auto parts store in clean, bare aluminum.
If the idea of the aluminum dulling over time bothers you, you could clear coat it, or you could paint it with "aluminum" color paint, or with any other color paint, for that matter.
Either way, no big deal, but I wouldn't pay extra for something that'll just be one more thing I have to clean all the time (and you'll be amazed at how fast that chrome starts to look dirty.
- Eric
#8
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Although I'm not a big fan of chrome engine parts, it can look nice. Then again, I'm not a real huge fan of pink cars...
#9
Thanks guys for the info.
Eric - you said "If Chrome is what I want"......... Is there another choice? I mean, my engine compartment is not show worthy & is not original. I have after market Air Cleaner, Edelbrock Carb, Aftermarket Chrome Valve Covers to begin with. My existing Alternator is all Oxydized & looks like ***** that's why I'm thinking Chrome. Any other choices, let me know. Thanks
Eric - you said "If Chrome is what I want"......... Is there another choice? I mean, my engine compartment is not show worthy & is not original. I have after market Air Cleaner, Edelbrock Carb, Aftermarket Chrome Valve Covers to begin with. My existing Alternator is all Oxydized & looks like ***** that's why I'm thinking Chrome. Any other choices, let me know. Thanks
I took my original 1970 35 Amp alternator and converted it to an 100 amp. Installed new diodes, bearings, and stator. Painted it up and it looks good enough for the girls I date. Parts are readily available on ebay and there is a member on this site that sells parts for our alternators.
d1
Last edited by defiant1; September 1st, 2011 at 10:41 AM.
#10
This car is a sort of a tribute to my first Olds, a '70 Culass convertible, which was painted pink with a roller (photo in my gallery), and which cost me exactly $0.00.
Besides, I "bought it for my wife" :wink: :wink: and she likes pink.
- Eric
Oh, and there has been some discussion here about those one-wire alternators - seems they don't charge well at idle.
Just get the right one for your car (plus a few dozen amps for your modern electrical equipment).
#11
I took my original 1970 35 Amp alternator and converted it to an 100 amp. Installed new diodes, bearings, and stator. Painted it up and it looks good enough for the girls I date. Parts are readily available on ebay and there is a member on this site that sells parts for our alternators.
d1
d1
#12
Alright guys, my question was answered. (See original post for question asked). Now I have to decide if I want chrome or paint. My alternator charges fine, I'm thinking about changing it because of how ugly it looks all oxidized. Thanks for your help.
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