I noticed that a lot of 4.9 swappers do not use the 140 amp Cadillac alternator..... is there some disadvantage?

quote Originally posted by v8fiero400: I noticed that a lot of 4.9 swappers do not use the 140 amp Cadillac alternator..... is there some disadvantage?

The case on the 140 amp unit is larger than the Fiero alternator...

I used the 4.9's alternator when I did my 4.9 swap. It works great.

??

Every swap that I have been involved with uses the stock 4.9 alternator...

Stock Alt. on mine.....

Dragon1/Brian

Stock Eldo alt on mine as far as I know. Don't know the amps.

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'85 Indy clone 4.9
'78 Toyota longbed, parts runner
'89 Bonneville daily driver
'87 30' Kit Classic TT, living in it.

Stock Cadillac alternator on my wife's 4.9 car.

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Proud Member of the North Florida Fiero club

4T60E Parks harness/ Rockcrawl chip-- more to come--

I think some 4.9 swappers fabricate a lower engine mount that makes the engine sit a little bit high. Hence a smaller alternator is needed to prevent grinding on the deck lid. I've seen others change it out because it is easier to use a smaller alternator on a custom adjustable type bracket to put tension on the belt. These days most people put an automatic tensioner (94 camaro V6 tensioner) and can leave the stock 4.9 bracket and alternator.