Alternator Swap Help Paper.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I am curious why people do this swap. Those alternators had a very poor service life. C4 owners used to joke about carrying a spare on a trip. Have the rebuilds fixed the problems? I went through 3 from Advance on my IROC in 15k miles until I bought a Delco rebuilt; it was on it when I sold it. On my Suburban it had been replaced when I got it at 105k, I replaced it around 150k. I'm not downing your paper, just curious if these alternators have improved over time.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I am curious why people do this swap. Those alternators had a very poor service life. C4 owners used to joke about carrying a spare on a trip. Have the rebuilds fixed the problems? I went through 3 from Advance on my IROC in 15k miles until I bought a Delco rebuilt; it was on it when I sold it. On my Suburban it had been replaced when I got it at 105k, I replaced it around 150k. I'm not downing your paper, just curious if these alternators have improved over time.
If you get the GM correct Delco parts and you get new and not refurbished it will last a long time. I do think they are better now than they were...
...also keep in mind he swap can be done using a CS144 instead of the CS130 with minor changes to only the upper adjustable bracket.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Good paper Yukon_Boy...oops...Durango_Boy.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I have a CS144 from a Caddilac that I had rebuilt, the serp pulley removed and a new vee type pulley installed. I will sell it for $100.00
(my cost) plus shipping, if anyone is interested.
Bernie
(my cost) plus shipping, if anyone is interested.
Bernie
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If you aren't doing a numbers matching restoration, a lot of the guys are adding new electronic equipment such as electronic fans, water pumps, AC, fuel injection, halogen headlights, stereos, GPS, ignitions, etc. The demands of this new equipment far exceeds the old alternators. Upgrades like this just make sense. You can often get these alternators from junk yards but they aren't simply plug and play. He's just documented the steps needed to make the swap.
Good paper Yukon_Boy...oops...Durango_Boy.
Good paper Yukon_Boy...oops...Durango_Boy.
I used the 84-85 C4 alternator on my car with the 91 TPI engine conversion. I have electric fans and other electronics.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Columbia Missouri
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I have to say that I would take the CS144 evey time. I looked at the CS130s and even talked with Madd Elec. and he said the 144 was a much better choice. That being said, I have seen many CS130s give excellent service. I bought a CS144 out of a Caddy and had it completely rebuilt. If I don't sell it I can always use it for a spare for my 92.
Bernie
Bernie
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
PLUS ONE rather advanced Engineering Tech.....who looks down your throats as to what works and what don't.....
DB I correct insofar as his paper/instructions are concerned...no question....MY problem is, the referance to the CS130 alt....it was a POS from the git go from the factory.....that much I KNOW.....the thing suffered from inadequate cooling, IMO, the case was too small, couldn't get the air through it.....and above any headers or exhaust it had a very short service life....
things supposedly got much better when the redesigned it into the Cs144, but I don't have any experiences with it....so can't honestly comment.....
I have a 17SI unit, and it's good to 108 amps, with lifetime warrenty from AZ.....hehehehehe...snicker....this last one has lasted 2 years....
I admit their rebuilds are crappy sometimes....methinks from vague memory the rebuilder brand changed this last go round....
at any rate, a larger diameter alt will have superior cooling to anything smaller,....screw the fans.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Cooling is the biggest issue with the CS130s. The CS144 is far superior in design and output. Bit I have seen CS130s give good service in stock applications. But I would pay extra to get a CS144.
Bernie
Bernie
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
I agree...and I probably would have spent the extra money if I had to buy these. But I had three spare ones I got for free. Two of them new. Can't beat free.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
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From: Leander Texas
Here is a link with pic of the common GM alternators, and some applications.
http://www.extreme4wheelin.com/tech/...ators/tech.htm
http://www.extreme4wheelin.com/tech/...ators/tech.htm
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Here is a link with pic of the common GM alternators, and some applications.
http://www.extreme4wheelin.com/tech/...ators/tech.htm
http://www.extreme4wheelin.com/tech/...ators/tech.htm
Great link.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Here is a link with pic of the common GM alternators, and some applications.
http://www.extreme4wheelin.com/tech/...ators/tech.htm
http://www.extreme4wheelin.com/tech/...ators/tech.htm
