[Nzyme]

Hello everyone, long time no posts. I own a 97' 3.1 with 119k.

My lights are dimming at random times and i'm pretty sure its the alternator. I just got a new battery this year and a tune-up a few months ago. I'm going on a trip to OH (about 700 miles round trip) for a show and I need to replace this before I go up there (July 31st). Yes, I have procrastinated a bit too long, but I want to make sure to get this done correctly.

What brands would you recommend/avoid?
Also are there any high output alternators that will fit my car? Price really isn't an issue but I'd like to stay under $250 if possible. I have no idea where to even start looking.

Also, as far as installation goes, it seems like it would be pretty easy. What tools will I need - and is it as easy as it looks? I know from the past that just about everything is ridiculously hard to maintain on my car. Would it be better just to pay a professional? I am fairly technically sound, but anything super-complex won't be worth it.


Thank you for any help in advance. I think i'll be on this site a lot more.

[nitehawkjcb]

I'm sure there are high output alternators, but I couldn't tell ya where to find them

And yes, it is very easy to change the alternator, you'll probably just need a 10mm and a 13mm socket, ratchet, and maybe a 15mm socket to loosen the tensioner to take the belt off the alternator

[cak387]

http://www.dbelectri...97-98-8156.aspx

I just did a quick search and found this. I don't know the quality of them though.

Some of the best alternators you can buy are the mechman ones, however, it doesn't look like they make one for you after doing some cross referencing.

[Chris7130]

wow 220? What is stock?

Talonted1990 is selling a 160. Decent price it seems. I almost bought it from the guy on here he got it from haha but held back because of funds and yet still holding back because of funds.

http://mymonte.com/d...90s-parts-sale/

talonted1990, on 17 July 2011 - 03:38 PM, said:

160 amp Ohio Generator alternator- bought from member on here-I never installed it- $100 shipped

[Batman96LS]

unless you have a big stereo system in the car all you really need is a stock replacement. head down to the parts store...they can test your old one to make sure it' bad and get you a new one for under $150 with a lifetime warranty and disposal of your old one. no reason to throw over $200 at this thing though.

[Flop]

Hello all. I wanted to begin a new topic about the alternator, but I think it's better I will ask you here. I bought the original GM alternator, but the old wires with connector are lost long ago. Connector has 4 pins. And I do not know which wire goes in what plug. Could you explain, draw or take pictures the correct order of of wires to the alternator?

Canadian 1996 Lumina LS 3.1 ("Russian Luminka")

[nitehawkjcb]

Damn. I have no idea which wires go which way, especially on a 3100. It sucks that you don't have the old wires in the connector.

[Flop]

Wires have different color. Maybe anybody can look at their connector and says me that red goes to the firth, black to the second pin and etc for example.

[nitehawkjcb]

I'd love to, but I no longer have a 3100:(

Could you take a pic of the alternator area?