Official Release:
How to Choose the Right Powermaster Alternator for Your LS-Powered Vehicle
Not having enough amps to properly feed your vehicle’s electrical accessories can DOA a typical OEM electrical system. That’s why you need an alternator that can provide the amperage required to power all of your electricals. This OnAllCylinders article gets into more detail on the hows and whys of alternator selection.
Once you’ve determined how much alternator you need, you can choose which Powermaster alternator you need to replace the factory unit in your LS-powered truck, Camaro, or Corvette. If you’re doing an LS swap in an earlier vehicle, Summit Racing has a Powermaster alternator for that, too.
Street Alternators are available as direct replacements for GM AD230 and AD244 alternators. All accept the OEM connector or can be set up for one-wire operation and come with a serpentine belt pulley.
AD230 Alternator Rating
• 100 amps/idle, 145 amps/cruise, 165 amps/top end
AD244 Alternator Ratings
• 135 amps/idle, 155 amps/cruise, 180 amps/top end
• 155 amps/idle, 190 amps/cruise, 220 amps/top end
High-Amp Alternators have the capacity to handle modern electrical systems with accessories like aftermarket lighting and air suspension. The alternators feature hand-wound, custom-designed stators; heavy-duty regulators and rectifiers; and a gold-plated battery post for better electrical connections.
AD244 Alternator Ratings
• 135 amps/idle, 155 amps/cruise, 180 amps/top end
• 155 amps/idle, 190 amps/cruise, 220 amps/top end
Valeo/Corvette Mount Alternator Rating
• 155 amps/idle, 190 amps/cruise, 220 amps/top end
XS Volt Alternators have a powerful, digitally-controlled regulating system that can handle voltage-sensitive ignition systems and lithium batteries. The alternators can adjust output in milliseconds, and the voltage can be adjusted between 13.5 and 18.5 volts to work with 12- or 16-volt electrical systems. Other features include short circuit and loss-of-ground protection, a sealed and vibration-resistant housing, and one-wire operation.
AD230 Alternator Rating
• 100 amps/idle, 145 amps/cruise, 165 amps/top end
AD244 Alternator Rating
• 155 amps/idle, 190 amps/cruise, 220 amps/top end
HPR Large Frame Alternators are designed with efficient internal components to produce more output while consuming less engine power. Rated at 195 amps at idle, 215 amps at cruise, and 250 amps at the top end, they fit the factory alternator brackets and accept the stock electrical connectors. Powermaster also fits them with an OEM-style pulley or decoupler for a factory fit—no need to hunt for a new belt.
HPR Small Frame Alternators are available with early GM 10SI/10DN/12SI or Denso-style cases, making them a great choice for LS swaps with aftermarket accessory drive systems. Rated at 145 amps at idle, 165 amps at cruise, and 180 amps at the top end, the alternators have efficient internal components to keep electric fans, fuel pumps, water pumps, and A/C running smoothly while consuming less engine power.
FIND THE RIGHT POWERMASTER ALTERNATOR FOR YOUR LS-POWERED VEHICLE
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
