any negatives with larger alternator?

**bpopham22** · 03-04-2011, 12:15 AM

So I'm thinking about upgrading alternators to a power bastards or power masters alternator,is there a down side to having more juice? And maybe it will go hand in hand with an UD pulley.

**sjsingle1** · 03-04-2011, 09:23 AM

having a high amp stock size alt is like putting silicone DDs on kelly rippa..........the rectifier .....which is the meat and potatoes of a alt........is WAY to small on the stocker........thats why i went with a AD244 truck alt..........bigger is better

**sjsingle1** · 03-04-2011, 09:24 AM

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139889

**JoshuaGrooms83** · 03-05-2011, 12:48 PM

Did the truck alt on mine just yesterday. went in with no probs. Car runs fine and hasnt flickered yet

**sjsingle1** · 03-05-2011, 01:52 PM

the stock truck alt is 145 amp...you can get a built 200 amp or better if ya need it

**Firebirdjones** · 03-05-2011, 02:10 PM

The trucks came with both a 105 and 145 amp.
The LQ4 6.0 I just purchased out of a 2004 3/4 ton surprisingly has the 105 amp alternator. Thought the heavier trucks would have had the 145 but I'm guessing it has more to do with optional equipment.

**bpopham22** · 03-05-2011, 02:58 PM

Yea I think I'm gonna go with the power bastards one in a few months. I plan on upgrading my stereo so ill need a lil extra juice for the amp

**sjsingle1** · 03-05-2011, 05:39 PM

find a truck with the .......KG3 option............then you will have the 145 amp

**KMdef9** · 03-06-2011, 06:10 AM

Having more amps will def. be a good idea if going with the underdrive pulley. With the addition of a sound system, if you plan on it, it'll help keep those headlights from dimming when the bass hits!

**blackSS01** · 03-06-2011, 06:25 AM

I have a UD pulley but stock sound system so I can't be of much help. I can tell you though that I have no flickering and my juice gauge (which I've heard is kind of a dummy) stays around normal with the UD pulley. If you are going to do a amp/subs/etc and a UD pulley, I would def get a bigger Alt. You seem to have that covered.

**JayTA98** · 03-08-2011, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

find a truck with the .......KG3 option............then you will have the 145 amp

is that one of the codes to look for on the door sticker? What years will have this alternator?

**Firebirdjones** · 03-08-2011, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

find a truck with the .......KG3 option............then you will have the 145 amp

Interesting info. The 105 I have that came with the 6.0 engine is actually overkill for me anyway. I'm sticking all this in a 72 blazer that has absolutely no accessories, unless you count the Sony cassette player with a pair of 6X9 pioneers from the early 80's an accessory

So I really have no need for the larger alternator, not even on my 4th gens. I'm just using it because it's there.

**sjsingle1** · 03-08-2011, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by JayTA98

is that one of the codes to look for on the door sticker? What years will have this alternator?

not exactly sure....but any 2000-5 might be your best bet.....and yes .....look on the door sticker

**sjsingle1** · 03-08-2011, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Interesting info. The 105 I have that came with the 6.0 engine is actually overkill for me anyway. I'm sticking all this in a 72 blazer that has absolutely no accessories, unless you count the Sony cassette player with a pair of 6X9 pioneers from the early 80's an accessory

So I really have no need for the larger alternator, not even on my 4th gens. I'm just using it because it's there.

the stock 105 amp is not enough to run the 4th gens......why do ya think lights flicker and the batt gauge sinks in the red at idle........with my 145 amp truck alt ......that needle stays at 13.5 all day

**KMdef9** · 03-08-2011, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

why do ya think lights flicker and the batt gauge sinks in the red at idle........

Mine doesn't

**Firebirdjones** · 03-08-2011, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

the stock 105 amp is not enough to run the 4th gens......why do ya think lights flicker and the batt gauge sinks in the red at idle........with my 145 amp truck alt ......that needle stays at 13.5 all day

I've never had that issue with either of our 4th gens

**sjsingle1** · 03-08-2011, 06:26 PM

mine did.........but not anymore......still have the stocker.......4 sale.....CHEAP

**bpopham22** · 03-08-2011, 06:30 PM

So that's why my damn lights flicker when I start my car. Geez now I'm getting one ASAP!

**KMdef9** · 03-09-2011, 03:38 AM

Originally Posted by bpopham22

So that's why my damn lights flicker when I start my car. Geez now I'm getting one ASAP!

Could be discharged or bad battery as well.

**Firebirdjones** · 03-09-2011, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by KMdef9

Could be discharged or bad battery as well.

I'd also check all grounds, battery terminals both at the battery and the starter, the stud connection on the back of the alternator and the other end of that wire as well.... etc... A weak connection or any type of corrosion will cause this issue, cause excessive resistance and a host of other things. 4th gens are 10 years old or more.
With everything working properly there really shouldn't be any issue with the stock alternator, unless you have added a ton of accessories, and/or run an underdrive pulley and you're simply taxing the system.