*Need To Upgrade My Alternator*
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
*Need To Upgrade My Alternator*
After installing electric fans my alt can't charge the battery fast enough. 
So, what alt can I use on a C3. I've heard of the CS144 upgrade, but I'm having trouble wrapping my head around how to do the conversion.
I need straight plug 'n' play so to speak.
Thanks
So, what alt can I use on a C3. I've heard of the CS144 upgrade, but I'm having trouble wrapping my head around how to do the conversion.
I need straight plug 'n' play so to speak.
Thanks
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,009
Likes: 240
From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
What alternator did you have?
I have a Powermaster 27294 (this is the polished version, 17294 is the chrome version). It bolts in and wires up with no mods. It puts out 100a at cruising speeds, and more importantly 78a at idle.....thats important when you are stuck in traffic on a hot summer night - electric fans running and headlights on.
I have an electric fan, full MSD igition, and a high watt stereo, no problem for this alternator.
The only upgrade I suggest is a heavier gauge wire from the alternator to the main junction point, and make sure your fans and MSD ignition are wired to the same junction point, not to the junction point at the starter.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
I have a Powermaster 27294 (this is the polished version, 17294 is the chrome version). It bolts in and wires up with no mods. It puts out 100a at cruising speeds, and more importantly 78a at idle.....thats important when you are stuck in traffic on a hot summer night - electric fans running and headlights on.
I have an electric fan, full MSD igition, and a high watt stereo, no problem for this alternator.
The only upgrade I suggest is a heavier gauge wire from the alternator to the main junction point, and make sure your fans and MSD ignition are wired to the same junction point, not to the junction point at the starter.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Last edited by 7t2vette; Mar 30, 2009 at 09:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
To do a CS144 conversion, all you need to do is get these parts:
1) CS144 alternator from an 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham RWD 5.7L from NAPA or a junkyard if your feeling lucky.
This will come with a serpentine pulley.
-Hit it with an impact gun and the pulley comes off. No sweat or crying there.
-Put on your old pulley from your Corvette original alternator. This will zip off and zip on with the same impact wrench.
Reclock the alternator 180 degrees so the wiring connector is facing out toward the driver side fender.
-Take out the 4 bolts that hold the case together and work the 2 halves apart.
-Put in 2 pins to hold the DC brushes in place (If you've ever rebuilt an alternator, you know the 2 Im talking about.)
-Slide the 2 halves back together clock 180 degree out from where it was. Mark the 2 case halves with a black sharpie pen so you dont lose your orientation.
2) EC82 wiring harness from NAPA-convert your SI plug over to the CS plug-makes it plug and play.
3) Get a slightly longer V-belt to fit. I used the longer belt that was listed for the 82 corvette with high output alternator.
It really is easy to do and is almost plug and play.
See link:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...wap-paper.html
1) CS144 alternator from an 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham RWD 5.7L from NAPA or a junkyard if your feeling lucky.
This will come with a serpentine pulley.
-Hit it with an impact gun and the pulley comes off. No sweat or crying there.
-Put on your old pulley from your Corvette original alternator. This will zip off and zip on with the same impact wrench.
Reclock the alternator 180 degrees so the wiring connector is facing out toward the driver side fender.
-Take out the 4 bolts that hold the case together and work the 2 halves apart.
-Put in 2 pins to hold the DC brushes in place (If you've ever rebuilt an alternator, you know the 2 Im talking about.)
-Slide the 2 halves back together clock 180 degree out from where it was. Mark the 2 case halves with a black sharpie pen so you dont lose your orientation.
2) EC82 wiring harness from NAPA-convert your SI plug over to the CS plug-makes it plug and play.
3) Get a slightly longer V-belt to fit. I used the longer belt that was listed for the 82 corvette with high output alternator.
It really is easy to do and is almost plug and play.
See link:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...wap-paper.html
Last edited by MN-Brent; Mar 31, 2009 at 12:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,462
Likes: 985
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have used a 120 amp OEM type altenator on my 78 for 15 years with zero issues. Check the link below, you can't beat the prices for the amps, all new!
http://store.alternatorparts.com/delco-remytype.aspx
http://store.alternatorparts.com/delco-remytype.aspx
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 2
From: gold coast queensland
i like 7t2vettes post. simple, shiny and new. no problems 
i run an alternator very similar to this in my camaro which is a 130 amp alt and in my vet i have the bosh110 amp constant ( not as shiny but a good solid alt). perfect for thermo fan power.
i run an alternator very similar to this in my camaro which is a 130 amp alt and in my vet i have the bosh110 amp constant ( not as shiny but a good solid alt). perfect for thermo fan power.
Last edited by gingerbreadman1977; Mar 31, 2009 at 07:18 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I upgraded my stock 43 amper to an 80 amp with one of these kits.
http://www.alternatorparts.com/gm_al...grade_kits.htm
http://www.alternatorparts.com/gm_al...grade_kits.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,389
Go with the CS-144....
I've done both. First I went to a 94 amp 12si, but when I installed my Mark VIII fan (that along with all my other electrical crap) it was just barely keeping up. I then went to a CS-144 and I don't even worry about it anymore.
Since you're upgrading anyway; I would suggest just jumping to the CS-144....
<<-- Under My Corvette Photos you can see a picture of my CS-144.
Perform a search for CS-144 and you'll get many hits for your evaluation.
Since you're upgrading anyway; I would suggest just jumping to the CS-144....
<<-- Under My Corvette Photos you can see a picture of my CS-144.
Perform a search for CS-144 and you'll get many hits for your evaluation.
Last edited by carriljc; Apr 1, 2009 at 07:20 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
I upgraded my stock 43 amper to an 80 amp with one of these kits.
http://www.alternatorparts.com/gm_al...grade_kits.htm
http://www.alternatorparts.com/gm_al...grade_kits.htm
I just installed electric fans on my '71 pulling an extra 20A, old alt. was 37A and got a TuffSStuff alt. from Summit for about $85 if I remember right- sp far so good.
Last edited by kunkle; Apr 1, 2009 at 12:29 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 3
From: STANTON CA
To do a CS144 conversion, all you need to do is get these parts:
1) CS144 alternator from an 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham RWD 5.7L from NAPA or a junkyard if your feeling lucky.
This will come with a serpentine pulley.
-Hit it with an impact gun and the pulley comes off. No sweat or crying there.
-Put on your old pulley from your Corvette original alternator. This will zip off and zip on with the same impact wrench.
Reclock the alternator 180 degrees so the wiring connector is facing out toward the driver side fender.
-Take out the 4 bolts that hold the case together and work the 2 halves apart.
-Put in 2 pins to hold the DC brushes in place (If you've ever rebuilt an alternator, you know the 2 Im talking about.)
-Slide the 2 halves back together clock 180 degree out from where it was. Mark the 2 case halves with a black sharpie pen so you dont lose your orientation.
2) EC82 wiring harness from NAPA-convert your SI plug over to the CS plug-makes it plug and play.
3) Get a slightly longer V-belt to fit. I used the longer belt that was listed for the 82 corvette with high output alternator.
It really is easy to do and is almost plug and play.
See link:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...wap-paper.html
1) CS144 alternator from an 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham RWD 5.7L from NAPA or a junkyard if your feeling lucky.
This will come with a serpentine pulley.
-Hit it with an impact gun and the pulley comes off. No sweat or crying there.
-Put on your old pulley from your Corvette original alternator. This will zip off and zip on with the same impact wrench.
Reclock the alternator 180 degrees so the wiring connector is facing out toward the driver side fender.
-Take out the 4 bolts that hold the case together and work the 2 halves apart.
-Put in 2 pins to hold the DC brushes in place (If you've ever rebuilt an alternator, you know the 2 Im talking about.)
-Slide the 2 halves back together clock 180 degree out from where it was. Mark the 2 case halves with a black sharpie pen so you dont lose your orientation.
2) EC82 wiring harness from NAPA-convert your SI plug over to the CS plug-makes it plug and play.
3) Get a slightly longer V-belt to fit. I used the longer belt that was listed for the 82 corvette with high output alternator.
It really is easy to do and is almost plug and play.
See link:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...wap-paper.html
Did it on my 75, works great better then the 140 amp power master
I had
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
You really need to upgrade a few major wires too. Here's a link to my page with some pictures of the CS144...
Upgrade to CS-144
Upgrade to CS-144
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
I have a 100 amp delco 12 si (a factory upgrade of the stock 10si with much improved cooling). for sale - $50 + shipping. This fits the Corvette and is a bolt on, with the same outside dimensions as stock. It requires NO electrical mods. It was designed for and came stock as a 100 amp unit and was used on the police package. It has not been used since professional rebuild andhas recently tested good.
