Alternator Upgrade?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Alternator Upgrade?
Put in dual electric fans this weekend, also running 2000Watts worth of amplifiers... probably time to upgrade the alternator! I've got the old 2 wire design and am looking at a Powermaster 140amp.
Is this what you all did?
Is this what you all did?
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
I did a Powermaster 100A upgrade to my 68.
Powermaster 27294 (this is the polished version, 17294 is the chrome version and PM8002 is natural finish). It bolts in and wires up with no mods. It puts out 100a at cruising speeds, and more importantly 78a at idle.
Powermaster 27294 (this is the polished version, 17294 is the chrome version and PM8002 is natural finish). It bolts in and wires up with no mods. It puts out 100a at cruising speeds, and more importantly 78a at idle.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
I also have duel spall fans, a big stereo~600watts, radar detectors, A/C, MSD, and whatever else... I am running a 3 wire system (like stock) from Summit, it is powder coated red, 100-amps and chargers beautiful with all lights on and A/C, stereo, MSD and so forth all at the same time.
I talked to a few Alternator repair shops and they say if you can stay with the 3 wire system it is better. Something about how and when it charges... anyway, my 2cents... good luck
I talked to a few Alternator repair shops and they say if you can stay with the 3 wire system it is better. Something about how and when it charges... anyway, my 2cents... good luck
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
Do a search for CS130 or CS140 swap. You end up with a modern 105 or 140 amp alternator that you can get replaced at any local auto parts store if you have an issue.
I am running a 105 amp CS130 with no issues.
I am running a 105 amp CS130 with no issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Go with a CS144 swap. Its the best you'll get into your C3 with high output at idle and better cooling characteristics than the smaller and/or earlier designs.
I did this and it was EASY and has been super reliable.
I did this and it was EASY and has been super reliable.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
I believe the OE like yours starts charging right away where as the single wire only starts charging after the engine is rev'd to a certain point. the guy at Powermaster explained it to me today and i think i got it right...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
I am running a CS130 with no issues, even if CS144 appears to be a little more reliable ( and powerful )...
Both can be used with serpentine or V-belt with the appropriate pulley.
Both produce more current at low RPM, compared to the stock alternator, so you can perhaps use an underdrive pulley ( depending on the other accessories you have ).
Both can be used with serpentine or V-belt with the appropriate pulley.
Both produce more current at low RPM, compared to the stock alternator, so you can perhaps use an underdrive pulley ( depending on the other accessories you have ).
Last edited by 73StreetRace; Sep 1, 2009 at 03:24 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
the biggest problem with the cs130 alternator is that it supposedly overheats a lot.
there is one brand out there from this site
http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs-130-pic.htm
that supposedly fixes that
there is one brand out there from this site
http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs-130-pic.htm
that supposedly fixes that
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
How do you know if you have a CS 121, 130 or 144 Delco Alternator? Are there any key features or specific numbers. If so, please explain what I can use to distinguish what I have. Got one for free. just have to male sure it the RIGHT one!
Mine looks exactly like the one posted above.
Bill
Mine looks exactly like the one posted above.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Sep 12, 2009 at 11:54 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Ok,,,I found this post (very cool by the way) " http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/zma...ternator01.htm "
I have a 100amp CS130 alternator. I found the engraving on the case (under some dirt)
Bill
I have a 100amp CS130 alternator. I found the engraving on the case (under some dirt)
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Ok,,,I found this post (very cool by the way) " http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/zma...ternator01.htm "
I have a 100amp CS130 alternator. I found the engraving on the case (under some dirt)
Bill
I have a 100amp CS130 alternator. I found the engraving on the case (under some dirt)
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
ON the article, only one criticism, that is the output wire routing, I don't care how the factory did it on the sharks, but it should come down the engine valley to the firewall, then across/out to the horn relay....reason, is engine vibration, puts a hell of a lot of stress on the wiring ends in that short run, don't ask how I know this, please....
and yes, the wiring from the alt output to your horn relay should be upgraded, but anyting like cooling fans should be run off the output lug direct to the fane, forward, the ground for the fans can be direct to that front cross support....
and yes, the wiring from the alt output to your horn relay should be upgraded, but anyting like cooling fans should be run off the output lug direct to the fane, forward, the ground for the fans can be direct to that front cross support....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
I went from 42 to 63 Amps. I have the big stereo, electronic ignition, and more light stuff going on than probably anyone on this forum. I also have some little stuff which uses less than 4 Amps (iPod, GPS, phone charger). 70 or 80 Amps is probably more than you need. Anything above that is fine. I just went down to a local auto store.
