General Maintenance & Repairs Leaks | Squeaks | Clunks | Rattles | Grinds
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Replacing the stock alternator

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 14, 2023 | 03:50 PM
  #1  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default Replacing the stock alternator

I did the big 3 and popped in a rebuilt Duralast Alternator - only because it was free on a lifetime warranty. I haven't driven it yet, but at idle I can see it drop to 12V and jumps back up.
Can someone confirm that this will work in the `99 Trans Am: Looks like a 250 A, 6 rib, 4 pin alternator.

1999 Cadillac Escalade

Base Sport Utility 4-Door
5.7L 350Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2023 | 07:07 AM
  #2  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Originally Posted by TA_Freak
I did the big 3 and popped in a rebuilt Duralast Alternator - only because it was free on a lifetime warranty. I haven't driven it yet, but at idle I can see it drop to 12V and jumps back up.
Can someone confirm that this will work in the `99 Trans Am: Looks like a 250 A, 6 rib, 4 pin alternator.

1999 Cadillac Escalade

Base Sport Utility 4-Door
5.7L 350Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated
I scored a Powermaster 48237 alternator that can source 220 Amps!! Should be going in soon.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2023 | 09:12 AM
  #3  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

So ... first time driving this car to work in over a month and I was watching my voltage gauge jumping around from over 13 down to 10. At one point - my check gauges light came on half way to work (20 miles). No rhyme or reason why it drops unless the crap Duralast is the culprit; I can't imagine an alternator doing that. It seems to be a connection issue. I have a new exciter pigtail that I'm going to put in today along with the powermaster. Hopefully my woes might help someone. Glad to have a boss that's cool with me working remotely today!
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2023 | 03:57 PM
  #4  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Don't get a Powermaster 48237 alternator even though summit racing says it fits.


Reply
Old Aug 22, 2023 | 07:14 PM
  #5  
senicalj4579's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 24
Default

My powermaster fit great in my old 01 Camaro. Bad *** alternator. Not sure what the problem is with your situation.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2023 | 08:35 PM
  #6  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Originally Posted by senicalj4579
My powermaster fit great in my old 01 Camaro. Bad *** alternator. Not sure what the problem is with your situation.
Was it the 48237?
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2023 | 10:26 PM
  #7  
slothman's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 286
Likes: 94
From: AZ
Default

that line could easily be moved out of the way by 1/8" ...
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 12:10 AM
  #8  
RPM WS6's Avatar
LS1Tech Administrator
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,629
Likes: 2,550
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Default

Originally Posted by TA_Freak
Was it the 48237?
48206 is the one that will fit without issues, it's a direct OE replacement (165amp).
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 12:37 AM
  #9  
98CayenneT/A's Avatar
TECH Junkie
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,913
Likes: 366
From: White Bear, Mn
Default

Truck alternator from a 2003 - 2004 is a direct swap, 145 amp and cheap at any junk yard or order it online. Code "kg3" is what the junk yards call it for the 145 amp
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 07:29 AM
  #10  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Originally Posted by slothman
that line could easily be moved out of the way by 1/8" ...
I thought about prying it or removing the line and bending it ... or getting abusive with it to get 1/8" and elected not to. I wouldn't like knowing I'm only 1/8" of a fireworks show - especially for an oversized alternator with no rear support.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 07:31 AM
  #11  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
48206 is the one that will fit without issues, it's a direct OE replacement (165amp).
That one actually shows to not fit per summit - but should I trust them after the 48137 shows to fit? I've got a 48242 coming in. It's a 165 amp.

Actually that 48137 would have been fine if the charging post were elsewhere.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 09:15 AM
  #12  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

I thought I'd chime in here. I spoke to Ed over at Powermaster and that alternator can be clocked so that the charging post isn't on those lines. I appreciate that stellar support. I'd much rather go with that unit - so I'll be doing some clocking later!
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 01:31 PM
  #13  
RPM WS6's Avatar
LS1Tech Administrator
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,629
Likes: 2,550
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Default

Originally Posted by TA_Freak
That one actually shows to not fit per summit - but should I trust them after the 48137 shows to fit? I've got a 48242 coming in. It's a 165 amp.
Interesting; you are correct about what Summit's site shows. I wonder if Powermaster part numbers have changed over the last decade? I just looked back into my records from 2012 and found that the number I posted above was correct for LS1 F-body, back then, but it seems to be different now. So I will remove my reply in the other thread, just in case this number is no longer valid for this application. Odd that they would change part numbers though.

Please let us know if the 48242 is correct once you get it.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 07:02 PM
  #14  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
Interesting; you are correct about what Summit's site shows. I wonder if Powermaster part numbers have changed over the last decade? I just looked back into my records from 2012 and found that the number I posted above was correct for LS1 F-body, back then, but it seems to be different now. So I will remove my reply in the other thread, just in case this number is no longer valid for this application. Odd that they would change part numbers though.

Please let us know if the 48242 is correct once you get it.
That is interesting. I'll be getting the 58242 tomorrow. Over the next few days I'll pull the 48137 and see about clocking it first. I'd much rather go with that unit.... being 220 A. I'll just ship the 58242 back. Either way, it's gonna be a hell of an upgrade.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 09:00 PM
  #15  
senicalj4579's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 24
Default

Originally Posted by TA_Freak
Was it the 48237?
Mine was the 165a so I guess not.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2023 | 09:51 PM
  #16  
KB96Z28's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 14
From: STL
Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
48206 is the one that will fit without issues, it's a direct OE replacement (165amp).
This is exactly what I installed on mine a few months ago. Perfect fit, direct replacement.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2023 | 09:17 AM
  #17  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Yeah ... that 165a looks to be just like stock in size. The larger 220a took a bit more work getting it in. That's one reason why I'm going to stick with it. I'd hate for my sweat to be for not! It'll be worth another 55 amps too!
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2023 | 01:55 PM
  #18  
RPM WS6's Avatar
LS1Tech Administrator
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,629
Likes: 2,550
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Default

Originally Posted by TA_Freak
Yeah ... that 165a looks to be just like stock in size. The larger 220a took a bit more work getting it in. That's one reason why I'm going to stick with it. I'd hate for my sweat to be for not! It'll be worth another 55 amps too!
165amp is plenty for most any electrical demand that a 4th gen F-body will see (unless you have some kind of insane audio system). Those extra amps won't be used or needed with stock/near stock accessories.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2023 | 03:00 PM
  #19  
TA_Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 144
From: Woodstock, GA
Default

Originally Posted by RPM WS6
165amp is plenty for most any electrical demand that a 4th gen F-body will see (unless you have some kind of insane audio system). Those extra amps won't be used or needed with stock/near stock accessories.
You're right about that. I do have a pretty good system. It's a Rockford Fosgate 5 channel 600W rms .... so it'll be sucking 40-50 amps when I'm hitting it hard.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2023 | 07:51 PM
  #20  
sjsingle1's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,755
Likes: 292
From: Fort Worth TX
Default

so how do you clock a PM alt?
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:02 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE