Topic: Motor is on its way.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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OK, so now I'm getting really antsy. I need some advice from you folks. The other restoring jobs I've done (67 and 69 camaros) I've stuck with the stock motor and components. The new motor for the vette is a 330 horse 360 torque model. Granted, nothing special but it will give me a little oomph. Unlike the camaros, I'm keeping this car. That's why, when I replaced the suspension and brakes, I went with updated versions for replacement...better ride and handling blah, blah, blah. So now I'm looking to replace stock with higher amp alt, electric water pump and electric fan. Question is which parts work well for you.
Something else, I've been unemployed and now going back to school. Time isn't a problem but money is. That means I'm willing to get a new mechanical pump and stick with a standard fan instead of getting crazy with the cost of the electric versions or getting poor quality less expensive electrical components.
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Be careful about higher output alternators. Beyond about 100-105 amps you may need to modify the wiring harness since it was never intended to work with amperages much above that. You don't want to fry the wiring, though any alternator only puts out whatever amperage is necessary up to its maximum. Some folks wire their alternators directly to the battery to avoid that problem. Your original alternator is somewhere around 63 amps so you would be OK with a jump to 100-105.
I can't speak to electric fans and water pump as I don't use those, but if you do, the move to the higher output alternator is a good one.

Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Well David, If you're changing out the motor there are always incidentals that add up fast. If it were me, I'd save the money and hold off on the alternator until such time that you need to upgrade the cooling system with fans or elec. water pump, or both, you really don't need the extra juice yet unless you've got a HUGE sound system and all of those things are fairly accessable for replacing anytime. It's fairly common to let the excitement get the better of you, and we find ourselves buying things prematurely that we don't need or worse yet, can't even use. Don't ask how I know
. Please keep us informed on how the project is going.


Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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Thanks ace, very good advice. I'll go with a slightly higher amp altenator. Not much price difference and if I do decide to go with electric light door actuators or that HUGE sound system, you know the one that always plays my favorite tune...BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM...or electric water pump I'll have the power. This weekend is being spent detailing the engine compartment. Nothing fancy just cleaning and painting.

HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I went with a set of dual Flex-o-lite fans in a shroud that fits C3 rediators almost like it was made for them. Highly recommended.
I am also using an alternator from an early 90s S10 that's rated at 95 amps. So far so good.

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