Alternator swap question
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
Alternator swap question
Why exactly is it that people want whats called a 3g, over the stock alternator? I anticipate better power output. Seeing as how I am putting kc lights, winches, and compressors on my pickup I am going to need this. Now why couldn't I just purchase a 100-200 AMP alternator from like Summit Racing and install it? I assume it is double almost stock output, yet I don't need to fool around with all the conversion business?
Please help me out here.
Please help me out here.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,802
Likes: 1
The 3G alternator, at least the one that everyone goes after with that swap, is rated at 130 amps from the factory, and some actually crank out more. Yes, you can achieve the same or better power output with an aftermarket alternator, but it's not cheap, and while you do have a warranty you still have to wait for the replacement to come in the mail - with a factory j/y unit you can have one in your truck and two on the shelf in the garage, and still be $100 ahead in the whole game.
Also, FWIW, many aftermarket high-output alternators are actually 3G alternators with different windings and rectifiers - 3G really identifies the type of the alternator, or the design of it if you wish, it is not a brand name or anything...
Also, FWIW, many aftermarket high-output alternators are actually 3G alternators with different windings and rectifiers - 3G really identifies the type of the alternator, or the design of it if you wish, it is not a brand name or anything...
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,802
Likes: 1
Yup, a good-condition junkyard alt can be had for as little as $10 sometimes, and if you get several at once you can mix and match to make a real nice one, or you can just keep the others as spares. Also a factory 3G alt will have a very good power output at idle immediately upon startup, whereas some aftermarket 1-wire alternators require you to revv the engine up high before they turn on.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 2
From: CASA GRANDE AZ
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Muskegon Mi
You could totally pay POwermaster 200 bucks for a good alternator if you want. I pulled my 3g for 20 bucks, and it's 170 amps. I even got the fuse and all the wiring. It took me longer to bolt it up than it did to wire it.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The main reason for me was the stupid charging plug that kept melting and shorting out both the alternator and the battery.
I was one of the fortunate ones and didn't have a fire.
I was one of the fortunate ones and didn't have a fire.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,802
Likes: 1
What was your donor vehicle? AFAIK 170-amp 3G alts ain't common at all, just 130s and the small-case 95s...
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