150A Alternator installed

[Hotsauce]

I purchased this from Rickster quite a while ago, but never got around to installing it till now. Its a fairly easy bolt on installation, done from below. The trans cooler lines do not need to be disconnected. I would advise disconnecting the battery though.

Idle voltage: 14.3V, so no worries about charging at idle. Some high amp alternators don't charge till about 1500-2000rpm.

John C.

[SPAZZ]

I also purchased one through Rickster and suposedly it is 160 amp with a micro pulley to charge at idle..powder coated purple.

no worries at all...I am going to send the stock one in to get wound up to 180amp...either alternator and my RedTop and Yellow top are enough to weld with.

[Joe_Black]

Don't forget the mod on the PlanetIsuzu website where you can get the 180AMP GM alternator. Just as easy and lighter on the wallet too! Always better to get more for less.

[SPAZZ]

don't they require a core exchange for the 180 amp alternator?? where as the 160 amp one does not....prices are always different for a rebuilt one that requires a exchange vice a rebuilt or new one that does not.

[Joe_Black]

Nope, no core at all. Brand new GM Vortec High-Output alternator with lifetime warranty, 180 Amps @ 1800 RPM only $129.00: AlterStart.

[james1_10018]

what do you guys mean no charge at idle ?
Does it mean my alternator isnt charging at idle and hence I am using the battery only ?

[Joe_Black]

You're getting charge at idle, which usually only takes a few amps. Keep in mind the alternator provide juice for the electrical system and charging the battery. The battery is a starting battery, and only provides power if the load at any given time exceeds the capacity of the alternator at a given output. Alternator output increases with RPM, but also realize that load on the engine increases with amperage draw as well. Some folk want higher output from the alternator for such things as winches, sound systems, and portable welders. For normal use though the stock alternator is fine, unless it needs to be replaced. In that case, the $129 180 Amp unit looks REAL good compared to the OEM $$$!

[Tone]

Is the GM Vortec High-Output unit a direct bolt in like the one from Rickster? I need to do this soon as I have now exceeded the stock units‘ capacity with several high drawing amps and more electrical accessories than should be allowed ; ).

Red top is not holding up to the strain either so I am switching to the yellow very soon.

[Joe_Black]

You have to make a couple simple mods to the bracket but that's about it. A monkey with a file could do it, so I'm sure it'd be a no-brainer for you. ;pg; Here's a link to the PlanetIsuzoo article: 180 Amp Alternator Mod.

[Tone]

Cool - the company is in Dallas so I’m gonna try to get it in before the Houston meet so we can put it in - maybe that will stave off replacing the red top as my draw has been more than the stock alternator can keep up with. I’m also adding a PAC8 isolater relay that will disconnect all items I’ve added unless the vehicle is running or in accessory position.

[Tone]

I just ordered one from Alterstart in Dallas - 180 amp, $129.99 plus $22 shipping pretty much anywhere even to Lewisville. Will replace the negative cable as well (recommended) and document the process on the VX this weekend at the Houston meet.

I asked if we could get a group deal - first he said if we bought 12, then he came back and said that was already the lowest he can go. Lifetime warranty too!

Beats the $700+ at a dealer or $400 at many autoparts and I have the old one as a spare! I wonder is these are any better at handling submersion in mud? Lisa, want to test mine?!

[WyrreJ]

Originally posted by Tone
Red top is not holding up to the strain either so I am switching to the yellow very soon.

You might want to consider the blue top "marine" line.

I compared the biggest yellow, the D34 to the blue D34M and spec-wise they seemed identical both at 750 cold-cranking amps and you can easily fit the next step up blue-top, the D31M with 900 cold-cranking amps in the VX, I know this because that's what I have now - just takes a new bracket to go over the top of the battery, about $5 from autozone. Plus, being a marine battery you get an extra set of terminals in case you need to hook something else up temporarily.

[Joe_Black]

The marine Blue Top discharges and cycles differently than the Red or Yellow and wouldn't be very suitable for auto use. As for the extra set of terminals, if you use low-profile studs you can use the side terminals already on the Red and Yellow.

[Tone]

Good info Joe. Does anyone know for sure the output of the stock alt? The article on the wire says 60/70 but that is for a SOHC 3.2. When searching on Alterstarts page, they show the VX as having a 90 Amp which sounds hi to me but then again maybe not.

[Joe_Black]

IIRC 80 amps, but I've seen the 90 amp rating too. It's a slightly larger unit than the 3.2 alternator, so maybe has a handful more windings. Still dinky though. ;pg;