My Z needs a new alternator. I've checked the prices around town, and also with Jason Cromer. The in-town places are kind of pricey, but I need to get a new one tommorow. My question is: Are there any other Chevy alternators that are identical to the LT1 version and may be a bit cheaper? I've heard that in the past it was cheaper to order certain parts for a base model Chevy than a 70 Nova SS (or so my dad tells me). Basically are there any alts that will bolt right up and work perfectly for a bit of a cheaper price?

 

Don't buy electrical parts from anyone other than the OEM source. As far as your alternator is concerned, http://www.gmpartsdirect.com has part number 10463446 which I believe fits your vehicle for $108.59. I don't however know what shipping will cost or their policy on defective returns or warranty.

And if you haven't replaced the belt and tensioner in a while, go ahead and replace them too. I've seen too many tensioners wreck too many alternators.

I hope you don't need part #10463680. It's $134. If yours is OEM, the part number is on the case but it's hard to find and takes some rubbing to read it.

Dave

 

What's wrong with the alternators from places such as Napa or Carquest? Don't most of them come with a lifetime warranty or something? They seem to be quite a bit cheaper, and they probably have what I'm looking for in stock. I called the local GM dealer and they wanted over $200 for the thing.

 

I have never had a problem with alternators that come from places like NAPA or Advance Auto Parts. I have a stock replacement from Advance Auto on my 88 IROC that used have a stereo in it and it has run great for 5+ years now. I have also put one in a Blazer that is still fine and that was 6+ years ago. If I remember correctly, both of the alternators have a lifetime warranty like you said. Just my $.02

Matt