I have the stock 105amp unit. If I go to a 130 or 160 unit is it a direct bolt on - ie: will it fit right into the same space and bolt holes? As I'm going to an 8 rib set-up the pulley will be larger, and I already get a 2-3amp draw from the e-fans when they start up, so wanna deal with this once and for all.

 

fom what i have read this is a bolt on mod. the only thing different is the belt. iwill be going with a 145amp in a couple months myself.

 

Direct bolt on. I didn't change belts. Running for years now.

 

Where do you get yours from? Online or can you just go to napa and ask for a high output alt for a silverado?

 

I had mine custom built by a local alternator shop. When it comes to warranties and replacement parts I really appreciate local businesses rather than having to ship something back to a company, wait a week for a confirmation, wait another week for a diagnosis, then finally get the replacement part in 2-3 weeks.

I had my alternator shop make me a 260 amp alternator. They charge $1 dollar per amp. However, they bolted on a smaller pulley to spin it faster and I'm also their test rat for a new bearing system within the alternator case. When the shop technician load tested my alternator it pinged the needle past 300 amps, which was the highest reading on his meter. I'll NEVER need that many amps, but I like having them. I have a decent sound system, dual Yellow Top Optima batteries and have future plans for a 12,000lb winch. I needed a smaller belt, but the shop made a plug-and-play harness for me that plugged right into the stock truck harness. I had to upgrade my Big Three wires, which should be a no brainer for any high output alternator. Those wires are 1) alternator to battery positive 2) battery negative to engine ground and 3) engine ground to frame ground. I used 1/0 gauge, 2 gauge probably would have been "ok" but I had 1/0 gauge left over from my sound system install so that's what I used.

 

I'll prob just get a GM OEM 160amp unit that comes standard on some of the 2500's. Thnx guys!

 

I went with a DB electrical 200 AMP alt, overdrive pulley and had them powdercoat it black. I had the alternator within 4 days of order and no core charge. Be sure to fuse the Alt to battery wire appropriately IMHO. Mine is a direct bolt-in however belt length will change and upgrading the alt to battery wire is a MUST with anything over 145amp IMHO:

 

Great lookin unit...I might wait til I get the new pulley to decide just how much bigger amperage I'll need with the O/D pulley. Just guessing 160, but 130 might do it...R/

QUOTE=krambo;3984055]I went with a DB electrical 200 AMP alt, overdrive pulley and had them powdercoat it black. I had the alternator within 4 days of order and no core charge. Be sure to fuse the Alt to battery wire appropriately IMHO. Mine is a direct bolt-in however belt length will change and upgrading the alt to battery wire is a MUST with anything over 145amp IMHO:



[/QUOTE]

 

The belt is a little tighter than before, but it is possible to use the same belt. All you have to do is put the belt on the alternator pulley first, then slide it on the idler pulley under the throttle body...

 

92.3 inch belt on your 105 amp alt. and it's a 93 inch belt that comes on the 145 amp trucks, it will be tight but should fit!


What trucks come with the 160 amp versions? I'm looking to upgrade my 105 amp to a 145, but if I can get my hands on a 160 that would be even better.