bobster99

I have an early production SC430, 03/2001. According to the Denso Catalog this car came with a 100 amp alternator but after 05/2001 they upgraded to a 130 amp alternator. I would rather put in the higher amperage alternator but I fear that there might be a fitment issue. Can anyone tell me if the 100 and 130 Amp Alternators interchange?

Bgw70

Can you go to the auto parts store and have them pull one of each?
i don’t think there will be a physical difference.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Physically, they are same.

bobster99

Thanks, that was the information that I was looking for.

Locally no one showed the 100 amp alternator in stock and honestly I don't trust the Advance Auto Catalog as far as I can throw it.

I have to redo my search with that information but Advance, even with the online discounts, was ~$250 for a 100 amp Denso Reman
I believe that Amazon had a 130 amp Denso Reman for about $100 less.

Heck I wonder if the 150 amp from the later SC's would work.. :-P

Thanks again

Bgw70

Look on Rockauto.com they sell a brand new alternator, lifetime warranty for $150

bobster99

I ended up with a Denso Re-manufactured 100 amp alternator delivered from Summit Racing for $158 including tax and core. I have no clue right now if it is worth the shipping costs to send back a $30 core. I did find a photo of the 130 amp and there is a third tab on the front of that alternator that isn't on the 100 amp unit. I could have picked up a 130 amp locally and checked the fitment but the ones I found were from a questionable brand and if it did fit I didn't feel like doing the job again in a year if it failed,

ivanj

Actually they are quite different. The 100 amp has a 2 point mount and the 130 has a 3 point mount. The brackets are different on purpose.You should be able to tell the difference by looking at the car or your friendly auto parts guy can.

If you have air conditioning, stereo, CD changer, heated seats the 130 is the one to go with. And, it probably the amperage that came with the car. If you are going to put in more powerful audio the 130 is required.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

I can tell you that at Advance I looked at the two right in front of me and they are the same. All SC430s have the items you list. They are not options.

Bgw70

Agree, the only option I know of is the Navigation and a spare tire kit.

Coleroad

+ the spoiler was a option.

VVTiBob

Factory options. Dealers offered other options too, such as chrome or gold packages, various wheels, tints etc etc.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Not to be argumentative, but these options don't exactly effect the need for a different or specific alternator. Also, the options mentioned by BGW were indeed options, but very few SC430s came without them. Just like the spoiler. It is hard to find one without it.

VVTiBob

Absolutely true. I would also point out Lexus dropped the 100amp alternator after initial production cars hit the streets. I suspect the 100amp was replaced by the 130amp version due to the electrical demands of the various systems in the car. I know from the service history of my car, as well as from comments here, many early production owners had battery issues requiring warranty battery replacements.

JTho

VVTiBob, when I get my AGM battery installed, I will ask the mechanic to verify what amp my alternator is. Would think it is since it's an 09, but since I went through 3 batteries in under 6 mos, it wouldn't hurt to check.

VVTiBob

If you’re handy and have a multimeter....http://www.todayifoundout.com/index....car-alternator