Anyone upgraded to the 170 amp alternator?

[camcamaro1991]

Has anyone upgraded to the 170 amp alt? Its only 20 more amps over the standard unit but every little bit helps. If there any GM techs on here, any feedback is helpful about reliability or warranty issues.

 

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/gmc/sierra-1500/22949467/2015-year/denali-trim/6-2l-v8-gas-engine/electrical-cat/alternator-scat/?part_name=alternator

Edited March 5, 2016 by camcamaro1991

[Chris]

For that price you can buy a nice higher amp one in anodized billet aluminum from DC Power

[camcamaro1991]

Keep in mind the dealers around me are strict, I don't want any issues come warranty time. Not worried about price, can get it at cost. I prefer OEM, I have ran aftermarket alternators in the past. I would save more coin by swapping the voltage regulator & bridge rectifiers, I am not afraid of taking them apart.

Edited March 4, 2016 by camcamaro1991

[newdude]

What reasons are you looking to switch for? It is plow prep only (regular cab truck) from GM that is why you could not get it when you ordered.

Edited March 4, 2016 by 15HDriver

[camcamaro1991]

More power, I have seen every generation GM Truck, Camaro, Vette owner upgrade their alt. this is no different than any other. Previous GM history most these upgraded alt...offer more power, and are normally better at heat dissipation, if anyone has pics side by side, or graphs of the RPM to power output that would be very helpful esp... vs the stock 150.

 

where did you find the info about it being a plow prep only?, ACDelco and GM list it as a upgrade over the stock 150amp alt, for all 3, 4.3,5.3, & 6.2 EcoTec3 engines.

Edited March 4, 2016 by camcamaro1991

[jhplak325]

Says right in GM's sales info for the 2016's that the 170 amp alternator is only available on regular cab with plow prep.

[Spurshot]

Any particular mods that you have require more current? 150 amps is a lot of current.

[camcamaro1991]

Says right in GM's sales info for the 2016's that the 170 amp alternator is only available on regular cab with plow prep.

As far as options when ordering go its available for the snow plow package (I will edit the title and remove my first question). 2nd question I did ask if anyone has "upgraded", I can go order on off Amazon for $200 right now.

[camcamaro1991]

Any particular mods that you have require more current? 150 amps is a lot of current.

150 is a lot yes, yes I plan to add power consumers on my truck. I love JUICE, no mods as my truck is on order. I think my 2013 is only a 140 amp. I have driven handfuls of 2014/2015/2016's as loaners when mine is in the shop. I typically get them for about 1 week each, so its test time when I get a loaner using some 110 stuff at idle/running around it needs some help, esp when running A/C and vented seats in stop and go traffic.

 

I have looked online for all the Denso info... I cant find any RPM to power output graphs for the 150 or 170 amp rated ALT's. GM does state it fits all the EcoTec3 engines. To option it with the truck requires the reg cab snow plow package, included with cab lighting previsions, so hence the high powered LED light bar guys which there seems to more and more now, I am sure some guys could use a bump, even if they added the kicker subwoofer sound gate kit.

 

GM - 22949467

Denso - TN104210-6870

Edited March 5, 2016 by camcamaro1991

[Spurshot]

Just my direction on LED lights...I chose lights that were in the 20-35 watt range which have high quality components and optics. These lights are more efficient in converting energy to light and focusing it where you need it. They cost more, but I don't worry about having enough current and I have plenty of light for at least 80 mph and wide coverage as well. All with only 80 watts or 6.6 amps. Then my HID headlights reduced the draw by about 40 watts or 3.3 amps. So, my total added draw is 3.3 amps.

[Spurshot]

Just my direction on LED lights...I chose lights that were in the 20-35 watt range which have high quality components and optics. These lights are more efficient in converting energy to light and focusing it where you need it. They cost more, but I don't worry about having enough current and I have plenty of light for at least 80 mph and wide coverage as well. All with only 80 watts or 6.6 amps. Then my HID headlights reduced the draw by about 40 watts or 3.3 amps. So, my total added draw is 3.3 amps.

I forgot the fogs. They added about 30 watts, call it 3 amps.

 

So, I'm at about +6 amps for

5000-6000 lumens for the pair of headlights

4400 lumens for wide driving lights

4400 lumens for pencil beam driving lights

3200 lumens for wide fog lights

 

17000-18000 lumens vs OEM ~4000-5000 total lumens

[SCHJT]

I have a 370. JS Alternators in South Carolina 

[Stan Voth]

I'm seriously considering it for my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3V8......but dont want burnt wiring or other troubles down the road.

Having now read everything available online about additional amperage alternators vs OEM (mine is a 150amp), the general consensus seems to be that switching from a 150 amp to a 170 amp alt will not hurt a stock vehicle with stock accessories/equipment. If anything, the switch would/could prolong the life of the vehicles battery due to the availability of voltage rather than the battery needing to draw from its built-in reserve to cover any increased demand.

I'm also considering upgrading my headlights, taillights, and interior dome-courtesy lights to LED's. An Alternator upgrade may help with this as well.......but then I read how an LED bulbs actually draws LESS power than stock bulbs !  Arghh!...will do more research on this topic before melting my light housings.

If ANYONE reads this and has some input, I'd appreciate it.

[CajunFries]

P/N 84347903. It’s a 215 amp from cars with LT4. It’s slightly bigger but still fit and work. 
 

No personal experience with it but I’ve seen other people use them. 

[MikeBMW]

I put in a Mechman 250 Amp alternator with no issues.
It wasn't cheap but it was plug and play - just swapped out the stock one easily.
The volt gauge hovers between 14-15 while running and no errors or codes from my Autel Maxisys in relation to the swap.
Also, my electrical system check shows no errors.
The tag that came with it shows 213 amps at 800 rpm and 281 at 1800 rpm.

https://www.mechman.com/alternators/cadillac/cts-ctsv/6-2l/2016-2019/250-amp-high-output-alternator-for-gm-truck-14-22/

Edited February 25, 2024 by MikeBMW