How to Replace the Alternator in a Chevy Corvette

The alternator in a Chevy Corvette operates various accessories in the vehicle by transmitting an electrical current while the engine is running. The alternator assembly frequently includes a voltage regulator that maintains a constant voltage level. If your headlights become dimmer while driving or your battery keeps running down, you may need to replace the alternator.

Instructions

1

Determine which alternator your Chevy Corvette will need. Make sure the new alternator is compatible with your Corvette's engine. The first generation Corvette was made from 1953 to 1962 and was made with 235 cubic inch (ci), 265 ci, 283 ci and 327 ci engines. The second generation Corvette was made from 1963 to 1967 and the base model had a 327 ci engine with options for 396 ci and 427 ci.

2

Look at engine sizes for later generations of the Corvette. The third generation covers 1968 to 1982 and the base model had a 5.7 L engine with 7.0 L or 7.4 L engines available as options. The fourth and fifth generation of Corvette was made from 1984 to 2004 and came only with a 5.7 L engine, but it was available in many different types and configurations.

3

Check the engine size for the current Corvette. The base model has a 6.0 L LS2 engine for 2005 to 2007 models and base models after 2007 have a 6.2 L LS3 engine.

4

Remove the accessory drive belt and disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench.

5

Disconnect the regular connector from the alternator and the engine harness terminal from the stud on the rear of the alternator. You will need to slide the boot along the cable to the alternator, remove the engine harness terminal nut and separate the harness terminal from the stud. Take the mounting bolts off of the alternator and remove the alternator.

6

Install the new alternator assembly and tighten the mounting bolts to 37 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench and connect the electrical harness to the alternator.

7

Place the engine harness terminal on the stud and torque the engine harness cable nut to 10 foot pounds and attach the regular connector to the alternator. Connect the drive belt and negative battery cable with a socket wrench.