GM Alternator upgrade

Ricky B

Ricky B

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Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
LKN - Tha Dirty Mo (Mooresville, NC)
My alternator on my Z71 HD is screechin like it wants to fall off so i guess getting a hold of a new one is gonna be in order soon. Buddy of mine was tellin me that for fords theres a strait bolt in alternator you can yank from a junkyard that has like way more power. Is there anything like that for chevys? Any alternators that are real powerful that i could bolt right in?

My alternator has always been real weak, ever since i got the truck like 5 years ago I have been able to turn my lights on, the ac on, and turn the tires to full lock and the truck will bog down and shut off :shaking:
 
I've got a GM alt that will bolt directly in, 190 amps, that big enough ?


$150
 
DK - thanks for the link looks like stock I'm at 100/105 amps depending on the model ill have to check it later.

The rocks are under, cad motor is in, and even got a special surprise for it as well :driver:, but basically just got alot of the litte annoying stuff holdin me back now, only got a few weeks before i have to go back up to NC State for my final year so hopefully ill get it done by then.


blkvoodoo - I guess 190 would be plenty strong, idk if i really need all that much thou, and i really like the idea of buying sometihng from advance cause if it goes bad i can take it back whenever for a new one.


From the link above it looks like I can get an alternator from the newer model chevys the CS-144 and it will bolt right in and put me at 140 amps (80-110 at idle) does that sound like a decent alternator to go for?

(here it is from advance I think) http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=QLT&MfrPartNumber=P821943&PartType=11&PTSet=A
 
Ricky,
I just went through this, ....sorta. I found this alternator tech to be an excellent resource http://oljeep.com/gw/alt/edge_Alternator_Theory.html

The CS144 is bigger than the CS130, so it may not be a bolt-on. I'm not really sure. Check the dimensions.

I just installed a Powermaster 140A 12SI in my jeep. Got it at Summit. It was bench tested at 150+ amps. Its kickass. If you have an ammeter, bypass it.
 
Blkvoodoo said:
I've got a GM alt that will bolt directly in, 190 amps, that big enough ?


$150
Click to expand...

Kevin,
Is that stock or aftermarket? ...or did it come out of a cop car or ambulance or something?
 
etjeep said:
Kevin,
Is that stock or aftermarket? ...or did it come out of a cop car or ambulance or something?
Click to expand...

is a CS-144 case alt juiced to 190 amps, was in a church bus ( G body van, regular body nose), they wanted it replaced, there was nothing wrong with it, their actual problem was cabling and mis-matched batteries (self inflicted) .

It's been sitting in my shop for awhile, if you are interested, I will have it tested to be sure it is still in working order.

and will do so before it changes hands to anyone.
 
I'm not sure who makes it, but there are brackets that will let you mount 2 alternators for the GM. This is what they do on Hummer and Escalade limos. It's a bolt in kit with brackets, cables and a belt. I'll look into it alittle more today.
 
etjeep said:
Ricky,
I just went through this, ....sorta. I found this alternator tech to be an excellent resource http://oljeep.com/gw/alt/edge_Alternator_Theory.html

The CS144 is bigger than the CS130, so it may not be a bolt-on. I'm not really sure. Check the dimensions.

If you have an ammeter, bypass it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, from the link DK sent me they said that the cs 144 is a direct bolt in, i mean worse case i go to advance and try it out if doesnt work i can take it back.

Hey whats an ammeter?
 
jrraw23 said:
Hey whats an ammeter?
Click to expand...

A device that when working properly shows ( in a vauge way) how much power your electrical system is putting out or using.

When not working properly is a method of creating large amounts of heat and fire under the dash, usually with undesirable results.

Don't bother installing one, and if you already have one, disconnect it and use a voltage gauge instead.
 
jrraw23 said:
Thanks for the link, from the link DK sent me they said that the cs 144 is a direct bolt in,
Click to expand...


Not All CS cases have the same mounting lugs, be aware of this, largely depends on year and mounting location.
 
aight so i ugess it might be a play around with it till i figure it out type thing then, i mean goin for a newer model chevy truck would be the best place to start right?

And so i guess the ammeter is my voltage guage? I don't think its removeable, my guages are a single unit pod thing that plugs into the harness at one point right there where it mounts
 
An ammeter measure amps and a voltmeter measures volts. Your cluster has a voltmeter. prpbably be Ok leaving it hooked up. We'll assume you don't have an ammeter hooked up. It'd be an aftermarket guage.
 
Blkvoodoo said:
is a CS-144 case alt juiced to 190 amps, was in a church bus ( G body van, regular body nose), they wanted it replaced, there was nothing wrong with it, their actual problem was cabling and mis-matched batteries (self inflicted) .
It's been sitting in my shop for awhile, if you are interested, I will have it tested to be sure it is still in working order.
and will do so before it changes hands to anyone.
Click to expand...

Never thought to look in a church bus for performance products.......gotta hand it to ya Kev.

I'll bet they were running two batteries with no isolator. I'll bet there is nothing wrong with the alt but good idea to test it anyway.
 
rattlecanpaint said:
An ammeter measure amps and a voltmeter measures volts. Your cluster has a voltmeter. prpbably be Ok leaving it hooked up. We'll assume you don't have an ammeter hooked up. It'd be an aftermarket guage.
Click to expand...

Yup, I figured your '95 probably has a voltmeter instead of an ammeter but you never know and I wanted to cover that if you decided to add more power Scotty.
 
City Auto Electric off of Wilkerson blvd can up the amps on your old alternator. They rebuild them all day. Sort'a behind the NAPA headquarters/store.
 
jrraw23 said:
Yea pretty sure i have a voltimeter
Not sure i want to get mine rebuilt but thanks for the info thou. Im pretty sure im just gonna get a cs144 from advance that way if i have any problems i can just take it back.
Click to expand...

Ricky, at least consider the rebuild/hotrod option.
I had my stock chebby alt turned up to 175 for $35...and that way you KNOW the case will fit.
 
triangle alternator and starter, have your current one rebuilt. much better quality/power than some remanufactured advance crap, and you know it'll fit.
 
Yea, don't get one from advance or the like. Unless you want to change it out a dozen times till you get one that actually works. Oh it'll test OK on their machine, but it won't actuall charge your battery. Get yours hopped up if only a little.
 
RufusTheRam said:
triangle alternator and starter, have your current one rebuilt. much better quality/power than some remanufactured advance crap, and you know it'll fit.
Click to expand...
Where is this place. Just gonna have mine hopped up a bit.
 
If you call City Auto Electric and explain what you want and get a price quote, you can drop it off at my house and I'll take it over there one morning if you like. Not far from where I work at the airport.
 
^^westgate rd. just off of 70. same building (and family) as 4 wheeling of raleigh if you remember that.
 
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