So as long as I've had my FC, I've been annoyed by the fact that the alternator doesn't seem to charge particularly well at idle (reman F-Body alternator). I've also killed... 3 of them (1 my fault, 2 that weren't). Not shocking from an Autozone reman, but still, annoying.
Lately, I'd noticed my current alternator starting to get weak at idle (dropping 1-1.5 volts when I had the headlights on and hit the brakes at low RPM). That's annoying, and not exactly healthy for my fuel pump/electric water pump.
I did some research, and it turns out that the Escalade alternator uses the same side mounts (though it does not have a rear mount like the F-Body, not an issue really, especially since my relocated alternator mount doesn't use that at all). It has a slightly larger case, but F-Body guys report they fit fine. The best part? It's 160 amp, and rated for ~80 amps at idle, vs 102 peak and 30 amps at idle like the stocker. The unit I used is off of a 2007 Escalade, and it has a 2 pin plug. These run to the ECU and alternator control box. The catch? Well, my ECU doesn't control it, and I don't have an alternator control box. The best news? Per GM's information, without those hooked up, the alternator regulates internally to 13.8 volts.
Tested it last night, and I now have 13.8 volts, PERIOD. Idle, 5k RPM, lights on, lights off, brakes on, brakes off, whatever. 13.8 volts.
Here's a couple pics of the 'hoss.
[smg id=3383]
[smg id=3384]
