BerniesVette

I just picked up a CS144 140 amp alternator off of a Cadillac Northstar engine. Has anyone installed one of these on their C3? I want to upgrade my '79 alt and got this one for $25.00 and couldn't turn down the price. Do I need to beef up the wiring, are the plugs the same and do I need to get different brackets? Thanks for the help!
Bernie

Durango_Boy

Actually, there's a guy here, I'm Batman, who is doing almost the same swap to his '77. I'll send him this link and see if he'll pay a visit.

burners

I've been meaning to do this conversion myself for a while now. Here is the plug adapter you will need. Scroll to the bottom of the page http://www.alternatorparts.com/CS-144_Special_offer.htm

I'm Batman

Bernie, you're probably covered. You might want to run a heavier wire to the starter, but it's not going to overload the wireing as long as nothing is pulling too much current. I'm sure you're running dedicated wiring for your Mark VIII fan. There is an alternator parts site (linked below) with the SI/CS adapter harness, or you can cut off your SI plug and solder the CS plug in it's place.

One thing I had to do was move my upper alternator bracket (tension arm) up an inch from it's original spot on the water pump. I had an open bolt hole on my cylinder head that was in just the right spot. If that hadn't worked, I would have had a new bracket cut out that is 1" longer than the original. You'll also have to open up the slot on the tension arm a bit for the larger metric bolt.

There are a few CS144 (or CS-144) threads around here. It's a pretty easy swap.

One thing to check - make sure the fins on that plastic fan aren't damaged. Mine were damaged, I stuck a CS130 metal fan on it.

Good links:
http://www.alternatorparts.com/CS-144_Special_offer.htm
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/zma...ternator01.htm

Thread from Monday (contains the second link above):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=cs-144

Durango_Boy

He'll want this one...
$17.95......D1-W1201..............Adapts 10 thru 27 SI Vehicle to CS-130/144 alternator for
Vehicles that DO HAVE "no charge" warning light
No Resistor in Harness

BerniesVette

Guys,
Thanks for the fast response! This is just what I was looking for and wanting to hear. One more upgrade to make it better!
Bernie

Durango_Boy

A assume you'll know how to change the pulleys?

BerniesVette

I have never had the occasion to change the pulleys but would imagine I need to use a puller. What would be the best way to change them and align the vee pulley with the others?
Bernie

Durango_Boy

Well, I have not personally removed one of these pulleys but I imagine it's not too hard. You do however have to make sure you find a v-belt pulley that fits that same shaft. Then, mount the alt with no pulley, and eyeball and mark on the shaft looking down what the path of the belt would be. Then remove the alt, install the pulley close to the mark, and see how you came out. If it's off, pull it, get the pulley on a little more, and try again until they line up.

Z-man

Here's how I did mine...

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/zma...ternator01.htm

Edit: Oops - already listed...


Good news - the shafts are the same diameter so just reuse your old pulley.
Bad news - sometimes the pulley on the CS is stuck. The fan is fragile so be careful (it is absolutely required for cooling). I had to saw off my old one because none of the traditional pulley pullers would fit it well enough to pull off...

I'm Batman

Here's how I got my CS pulleys unstuck, after ruining a few screwtrivers trying to get that stupid compression ring out. I stood it on end and tapped the pulley with a hammer in a circular pattern around the edge. The ring just hopped right off.

The great thing is that all GM alternators use the same shaft diameter...so an old SI v-belt pulley drops right on a CS144.

BerniesVette

Thanks for all the information! This is one of those mods I have been wanting to do for awhile. It should really help with all the electrical upgrades I will be doing later.
Bernie

Durango_Boy

And ironically it's one of the upgrades that should always be performed first. When you're done, write a small review with pictures and post it here for others to read when they attempt the same thing.

BerniesVette

Great idea. I do take pics as I make changes for myself as well as helping others wanting to something similar.
Bernie

Durango_Boy

Great, we'll see you on the other side of the CS.

Fevre

Wrapped a belt around the pulley and secured the belt in a vise then used an impact wrench

Used the same adaptor as listed

Durango_Boy

The impact probably would have worked with you just holding it. Worked like that for when I changed a pulley on a Mopar alt.

I'm Batman

The nut is not the worst problem. I did it with an impact and me holding the fan with a glove. Getting that stupid compression ring out...that's a PITA.

Durango_Boy

Don't they make special pliars for that ring?

Z-man

Where's the compression ring??