Stock Z34 Alternator

[MN Z34]

Can anyone tell me how many amps the stock alternator on a 1992 Z34 cranks out. I just installed a new sound system, and my lights dim on hard bass notes. Also, does anyone know if a better alternator is the way to go, and if so, where can I find a decent alternator that puts out about 140 amps?

[SappySE107]

100-105. I know there are 140-160 amp alts but I don't know where to get one. I believe it was jmgtp that did a test with different things turned on. AC/Lights/Brakes/Radiator fans all on at the same time maxed the amp output. A larger alt would be a good idea for even a stock engine.

[sd_iconoclast]

JC Whitney lists a 140 amp "iceberg" alternator rebuild kit for '87-94 GM cars and trucks. It converts yor alternator to 140 amps and also includes a new housing that supposedly makes the alternator run cooler. The 140 version runs about $100. I jave not tried it, but I just ordered the 85-105 amp version today.

[MN Z34]

Thanks!

[blk92z34getrag]

Bump, because I'm interested in finding a high-output alternator as well... I'll look at that rebuild kit too.

[sd_iconoclast]

I just got my rebuild kit today. I am not sure that it really is a rebuild kit. It contains a new rectifier, but no new regulator. It also has brushes, new bearings, and new rear housing with cooling fins on it. Maybe I have to get the rebulator separately.

[Lyle's GTP]

3.4 alternator

Hey, it's your lucky day, well sort of. Your alternator probably puts out probably 120 amps max and about 60-70 amps at idle. I have a 94' grand prix gtp and I did the high output alternator thing. I had one custom built here in Edmonton for about $350 CDN it puts out 170 amps which is really good. But here's the deal, do to the cramped mounting conditions you can't physically put a larger case alternator in there, "which would be ideal" like something out of a semi or some other industrial equipment. So you have to gut your small case and put in new parts, New windings, stators, rectifiers, etc. Which is all good except do to the new heavy windings "which is the key part" the output at idle (600-700 rpm) is severly affected. By this I mean the voltage is lowered to 11.5-12.5 and the amperage drops to about 35 amps (at best). However at 1200-1500rpm all is good you get all the amperage you need and 14.5+ volts. But your nice power accesories like the high voltage at idle, power windows and heater fan are badly affected. Same thing for the audio system, if you are crusin' your favorite strip checkin' the hunnies blazin' the tunez, you are not always up there in revs so your high output alternator is worse than your stock one, now it's a toss up. But if you are interested, check out some auto electric places they do this type of work or I've seen them new on ebay as well, for good prices. Sorry man but it's just this 3.4l dohc, any other car you could drop a nice big beast in there. Like my buddy, we found a pro shop crazy enough install a 160amp AC Delco 21SI semi alternator in his 4 cylinder mazda MX-3. It worked awesome, except we had a 2000 watt system in there and if you were at a stop light and you hit a nasty bass note, the load of the alternator would stall his car. But if you have any specific questions about any part of your vehical electrical system or you sound system, caps, batteries wire size that sort of thing, just email me.