Alternator and MSD-DIS4

[Blizzard242]

So I need a new alternator anyways but eventually I'll be installing an MSD-DIS4 for that peace of mind I love so much, so I was just wondering if I should get a better than stock alternator? And is there a specific website and brand someone could point me towards for the alternator? I know hardly crap about amps and watts or whatever specs I want to look for with alternators. Any help with that knowledge would be greatly appreciated too. Oh and it's on a 98

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

I am pretty sure the MSD Dis-4 only draws 7 amps.


DIS-4 OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS
Spark Energy: 105 - 115 milliJoules per spark
Primary Voltage: 460 - 480 Volts Delivered to Coil
Output Voltage: 40,000 + Volts
Spark Series Duration: 20° Crankshaft Rotation
Operating Voltage: 12 - 18 volts, neg. ground
Current Draw: 7.4 amp @ 10,000 rpm
RPM Range: 14,000 rpm with 14.4 volt supply
Weight & Size: 4.5 lbs., 9.5"Lx4.5"Wx2.2"H

I am going to be getting one here in a week or so as well, really lookin forward to it. I dont plan on getting a new alternator till i kill the one i have.
Ive got a 1600 watt system and it draws pretty heavy, and HID's with no problems so far.


here's a link to alt's..

http://superpageshosting.com/4alters...o&catuid=10155

[Kevin01]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

Do you have anything else in the car, for example aftermarket stereo amps etc? If not a stock alternator should do you fine. I added a 160Amp one since I added two amplifiers etc.. Standard is 105 Amps.

There are aftermarket adapters, so you can put the alternator from a V8 in you're car. They are a bit larger better cooling etc.. We have a CS130D alternator, it is possible to put a CS144 in our cars. Realized this after I bought mine, is larger so does require a pigtail adapter but will work. http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs130_&_cs130d_alt.htm

[Blizzard242]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

I've been looking around and every website that has an alternator is some crappy half assed looking page which always makes me wonder. One is from RockAuto though, part number ALT1409 and one is from Auto Parts Warehouse USALT-1423. The guy I talked to said ALT1409 is for a 98 3.8l specifically and the USALT-1423 is for 98-02 v6 or v8. I was like.. uhmmmmm...... I didn't want to start to argue the fact that 98-02s should all use the same alternator or like you said Kevin, that a v8 alternator would need a pigtail adapter. Anyone know anything about these alternators? Are the pigtails different though on a 98 than from an 02?

[Blizzard242]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

Ok screw it, I was gettin to anal about it so I went and bought the NSA from rock auto. If you know that I shoulda bought something else.. please.. Don't say anything heh. Thank you guys.

[Kevin01]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

I should have explained that better, a CS144 requires a adapter, a cs130d does not. They use it on ALOT of motors not just the V6 with the Camaro. There part numbers I do not know so can not comment. 99% are fine with the stock one, should last many many years nothing to stress over. The amps in my car can pull 80 Amps by themselves is why I wanted a more powerful alternator. A few extra amps for the MSD is no big deal.

[Blizzard242]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

Alright, the NSA alternator install went great.. other than the upper left bracket not being exactly in place which wasn't too bad to deal with. It's keepin the gauge up where it should be, it didn't dip down once on my test drive with the rear defroster, heh stock stereo and heat on. And the occasional turn signal. Yeah that was all great till I saw the upper left coolant line leaking. It's been sitting outside for awhile now but damnit I want to get rid of the problems with it so I can start adding performance parts.
And I'm not adding anything till the car is in excellent condition.. I fixed one problem just to find another.

[Kevin01]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

Thats good to hear! Only time I see my guage dip is when I am at idle and playing metallica hahaha Coolant hose that is a easy fix. I'm going to be doing my heater hoses in next few days, hopefully that goes smoothly.

[Blizzard242]

Re: Alternator and MSD-DIS4

Heh yeah good luck with the heater hoses. Thanks for the advice too.