Alternator Help

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bigge31566

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I have a 1983 C10 with a 305 and im swapping motor to about 400 hp 350, What size alternator amp was original on this, I want to change to more amps because of extra lights, stereo, any how more drain on battery, is swapping to a more powerful alternator a problem, and any suggestions o what to use
 

Tyger13us

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I have a 1983 C10 with a 305 and im swapping motor to about 400 hp 350, What size alternator amp was original on this, I want to change to more amps because of extra lights, stereo, any how more drain on battery, is swapping to a more powerful alternator a problem, and any suggestions o what to use

stock is usually 60 amp.......
 

89Suburban

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8T6K5 did a write up on an alternator upgrade in here somewhere, I remember it, but I can't find it :(
 

bigge31566

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If you can find write it would help a lot
 

NOPHO84K30

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You can go to a alternator- startr shop and have it rewound to up the amp im looking to do it to its around a dallor an amp at the shop in phx. Yours may very. Your only limited by the size of the case but should be able to get 140-160 in a reg case
 

8T6K5

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8T6K5 did a write up on an alternator upgrade in here somewhere, I remember it, but I can't find it :(

I used same 140A from early 90's Caprice as HeavyLeft. I did the Big 3 early in the build and alt later on in the build....

Was also avail in most Caddy's of same vintage I believe.... $50 at boneyard....
 

Prof GMC

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Most often depends if you are going to be running ac on your rig along with your stereo system, lights, and who knows what else. You could probably get away with a standard 78 amp alternator from your local parts store. These were common on ac equiped trucks, and cheap. But if your looking for extra charging for off road lights while chilling out with the ac on, then go 100 amps at least. Just my opinion.
 

HotRodPC

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I like the 100amp idea better.

I've seen some examples on here, like Heavylefts, keep in mind, he had the serpentine pully, an 83 is going to need to the V Belt pulley. In that past, I have retrofitted an older Caddy alternator from Pull A Part type lot to my small block. Of course that one was easy. It was a 64 GMC and all I had to worry about was Water pump and alternator. The case was a little different but it was easy to adapt since I didn't have other accessories to worry about.
 

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Mine has the 140 amp from factory and I love it.
 

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