71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

[Dale P.]

we have tried to get a replacement alternator ( want to save the original
and get it rebuilt adn don't trust it for the long trip) from several auto
parts stores .. "their" computer lists one but each time it is incorrect
... the alternator belt will not line up correctly as it did with the OEM
........ I have given them the GM part number off of the alternator but
when they try to cross it .. it comes up "no match found" .. can anyone
help with this as we are getting ready to leave for the caravan to bowling
green and I have no replacement alternator ....

[Jack Layton]

Re: 71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

Go buy the parts and rebuild it yourself. Fairly easy job. Or take it to the Chevy dealership and have them do it. Probably cost 1 hour labor plus parts. Or find a local rebuilder of starters and electrical stuff for cars, trucks and heavy equipment. Once again, quick and easy. Just be sure to tell the shop that you want no engraving on the outide of the case. Some shops do this to mark their work. STOP walking into local auto parts stores with a smile on your face asking for old Corvette parts. A lot of those guys are part time fellows who have not a clue. They would like to help but lack the basic knowledge applicable to these old Corvettes. Your car is 32 years old. The guy looking you in the face is 22 years old ! Think it over ! He thought the movie "Fast and Furious" was cool, and you are probably still impressed with Steve McQueen and "Bullit". If you mention the word 'Torque" to him he thinks you are upset with him. Yeah, go find the local electrical rebuild shop for the trucks. The guy's hands will be black and nasty from all that bench work but he will have you moving in short order. Not only that but he will probably want to hear about the torque a 454 in an old Corvette will "put out"!
Good Luck

[Mike H.]

Re: 71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

Dale,
Are you using the correct alternator pulley? The correct one has a built in spacer of about 5/8" between the fan and pulley. I doubt the autoparts variety, if it comes with a pulley, would come close to being correct.

[Dale P.]

Re: 71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

We pulled the alternator off of our 68 Vette, #1100111, 63 Amps...do you think this will work on the 71? Also, can anyone identify the #1100111???

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

I went to the locally owned (non-chain) auto parts store and asked them to order in EVERY part they could find for my 72's alternator. Yes, I got a couple of duplicates, but I relatively quickly rebuilt it myself, and drove it 1100 miles without a problem 2 weeks ago.

Or, bring it to a local rebuilder, as stated above, and make sure they don't bead blast or whatever the case. Tell them you just want the inside done, not the outside.

On the flip side, buy the AutoZone alternator, and swap on your pulley and spacers.

Patrick

[Tom R.]

Re: 71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

I've been through the alternator thing and learned a few lessons along the way but one thing I learned was that the casing is adjustable to line up with the mounting. So for example on my 78 the alignment is twelve o clock. The core I brought in was a nine o'clock or something taken from a later C3 model. The parts counter guy quizzed me and I told him to give me what the book says...it being the correct alignment. Once installed...it aligned as needed.

In the meantime, Pirkle is rebuilding an original unit because I have two trips planned this summer and was not comfortable with the original which had 32k miles on it.

It sounds like this is similar to what you're trying to accomplish...but the parts guy can't seem to get the right configuration for your much rarer 454.

[Dale P.]

THANKS TO ALL THE RESPONDED *NM*

[John H.]

Re: 71 LS5 454 365 hp with power steering

Dale -

1100111 shows as used from '80-'82 on millions of passenger car, El Camino, Chevelle, and Monte Carlo with A/C.