Alternator help
Alternator help Hey guys,
I need some help picking out an alternator that will work with my setup. I have a 5.3L from a 2005 Silverado, and LS4 low profile harmonic balancer, and a 2001 LS1 harness. I'd like to go with a higher output truck alternator for reliability. Will any LS truck alternator work or do they come with different pulleys and plugs?
I need some help picking out an alternator that will work with my setup. I have a 5.3L from a 2005 Silverado, and LS4 low profile harmonic balancer, and a 2001 LS1 harness. I'd like to go with a higher output truck alternator for reliability. Will any LS truck alternator work or do they come with different pulleys and plugs?
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 11
I think you need to stick with a 2004 or earlier alternator for the 4 plug harness. Maybe 2005. Sometime around 2005+ they changed to the 2 pin alternator that is controlled by the ECM. I would opt for the 145 amp version which I think is an AD244 alternator.
Also in that time frame they did make a DR44 alternator with the 4 pin plug and it is 160 amp. I converted a later DR44 160 amp alternator that had the 2 pin regulator to the 4 pin regulator. It is working out very well in my car.
Also in that time frame they did make a DR44 alternator with the 4 pin plug and it is 160 amp. I converted a later DR44 160 amp alternator that had the 2 pin regulator to the 4 pin regulator. It is working out very well in my car.
I just picked up a PowerBastard alternator and I can't be happier with it. Voltage never drops below 14v and I'm running an under-drive pulley. It's not cheap....
https://www.powerbastards.com/products.asp?cat=125324
https://www.powerbastards.com/products.asp?cat=125324
Do you have the alternator bracket (PS pump, water pump, etc) that will line up with the LS4 Balancer? I'd go with whatever alternator fits that. Unless space is very tight, you might be best off switching to the truck balancer.
FWIW, I just checked my GP GXP alternator (LS4) and it has a 2-wire plug on it.
FWIW, I just checked my GP GXP alternator (LS4) and it has a 2-wire plug on it.
Last edited by 1981TA; Jun 9, 2015 at 06:53 PM.
