dinoedwards

Alternator OEM is 78amp,,,,I understand going bigger is a little better but how much? RockAuto has a 94 amp same price as 78 amp...I have 1983 Delta 88 with power everything.
I hate that red light coming on sometimes and slow seats and windows????? What do u think,,,,maybe just a new fresh 78 will do the trick?
*******Also,,,what's with this "without a/c" does that mean doesn't use same belt as a/c....mine has 3 belts (1)a/c, (2)power steering,smog and (3)alternator....

joe_padavano

Why do you think bigger is better? If the current alternator satisfies the electrical needs of the car, the only advantage of going larger is that your wallet will be lighter. And ignore anything in a RockAuto application listing, as their catalog errors are legendary.

olds 307 and 403

A 94 amp is a good upgrade if it is built right. I got a Wilson reman 94 amp reman on my 88 Cutlass after the 100 amp CS130 Delco reman died within a year. They could only find a 12SI replacement, the Wilson reman. It needs revved to start charging and I had the belt too tight and wrecked the front bearing. When I switched to the Serpentine setup, I bought a new CS130 105 amp alternator brand new Delco with a lifetime warranty. They were clearing them out and I am betting the new ones have a year warranty. It has worked great except I notice a squeak when rotated by hand. There is a slight squeak when running, that might be it. Also a lot of the new 12SI alternators are actually 10SI alternators with an inferior fan and smaller holes in the case for less cooling, not good for 100+ amps. Good luck.

Olds64

Here's a good thread on alternator upgrades. A higher rated alternator is a great upgrade!

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...pgrade-136378/

dinoedwards

Rock auto has WAI Global 94 amp 100% new under $70
Local auto parts stores have remans that look like they just fell off a truck and most are put together wrong from reports I've read....

So, is this Tip/statement below not true?
Tip: Alternators work best when operating between 30%-50% capacity. Upgrading to an alternator with higher Amp output than required may improve fuel economy and extend the life of your battery and replacement alternator.

dinoedwards

Great article by "MAD Enterprises" SI 9:00 72749 same as Delco 321-269 94 amp

joe_padavano

Again, why? If the current alternator supplies all the amperage needed for the electrical items on the car, what "upgrade" comes with a higher output?

dinoedwards

I hear you Joe but I understand from Max Enterprises to get a better output with better charging to go with 94 vs 78...am I completely wrong> If so I'll just get the 78amp

Ok then WAI Global 94 72949N NEW or BBB REMAN Delco Remy 72949...94 amp???????

Sugar Bear

If the car is stock without a large stereo or other high amp draw I'd use the OE alternator rebuilt by a local independent shop coupled with the largest reserve capacity battery that fits in the tray.

If the red light is coming on it isn't due to the alt size, 78 amp under normal circumstances is more than sufficient.

Think of it this way, the battery is your savings bank of electricity, the alternator just puts back what is withdrawn. The withdraw from a window or seat is for a few seconds, the alternator replenishing is occurring all the time. I've never seen a stock vehicle struggle with a properly functioning alternator of the size you already have.

If you have large electrical demands or will idle for very long periods then I might upgrade.

Good luck!!!

dinoedwards

Thanks,,,really helps.....

Sugar Bear

Welcome. I believe that the local independent rebuilders cost a little more and take a little longer but are worth it in the long run. Over decades I had one problem with an independent rebuild, it wasn't anything the guy could have seen and he took care of it immediately.

Good luck!!!

stellar

In my experience the 78 amp alts hold up better than the 94 amp units. the 94 units seem to have more stator and rectifier failures. If you need the extra amps go with the 94 amp. If not I would stay with the stock 78 amp one.

dinoedwards

Went with reman GM 78 amp works greatt,,,Thx