Originally Posted by christine_208 (Post 702998)

No worries. What you described is pretty much how I have interpreted what I learned with the added requirement that it have the right RPO code. This was put together from online documents but I have not tested these applications.

To borrow an expression from the mathematicians, finding a Chevy Express 3500 van or a GMC Savanna of the right years "is a necessary but not sufficient condition" to ensure you get a 145A drop-in alternator.

As best as I could figure, the 145A alternator was available as an option on all Chevy Express 3500 and GMC Savanna vans but they might not have all come with them.

For instance, off the top of my head, RPO KG8 was a 135A alternator that could also fit our Blazers. This is still an improvement but we might as well get the 145A one, right?

Does that help?

P.S. What I plan to do when it gets warmer is go to a u-pull yard with the spread-sheet file and cruise the GM/Chevy truck section looking for likely vehicles and then check them against the list and look for the right RPO code. What I do not know very well are the engines by sight which seems to be one of the determining factors if a vehicle had a KG3 code or not.

Originally Posted by Rock18 (Post 703065)

Gotcha. I understand about necessary/sufficient, was just a little confused why a "hunting guide" was needed when remanufactured ones seem easily found for not lots of $$ but perhaps there's just still more to it than I'm getting.

There are also sites like car-part.com that let you search multiple yards and take some of the legwork out of it for you. I searched for a 2003 Tahoe alternator near my ZIP code and found a 'Grade A' one specifically listed as 145 amp, opt KG3 for $45 just 20 minutes from me. I'd almost run out and get it tomorrow just for fun if I hadn't just replaced my 100A alternator last week with an expensive-ish Bosch remanufactured one. :icon_doh:

I've also only a added a tame stereo and a phone charger onto my factory electrical system so I have the luxury of not having to worry about needing to upgrade, different belt sizes, fuel efficiency hit etc.

Nice work though, and good luck too. :)

Originally Posted by richards2004 (Post 722276)

I was just looking up things and came accross this. This is from autozone if you wanted to buy the KG3 and this is for a 2004 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.0 ACDelco Remanufactured Alternator 321-2128
Price: $414.99
Core $45.00

• ★★★★★No rating value for ACDelco Remanufactured Alternator 321-2128(0)
• Part Number: 321-2128
• Warranty: 1 YEAR
• Notes: 145 Amp (KG3). Special equipment option 145 Amp (8C6). Reman

Originally Posted by jinmajay (Post 729588)

Verified. 97 2 door with ac. :)
I just installed the 8292N-253A (alternator) and a AC Delco 6k970 belt. The belt is one inch longer. The alt pulling 1 amp it was producing 14.53 volts.