I want a new alternator
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 7
From: Springfield New Jersey
I want a new alternator
I want to replace my alternator this week. I need the CS144 due to new stereo system. I've seen guys here use the Powermaster 27294. Does this unit have to be "clocked" ? Also, do I need to upgrade the stock wiring harness ?
Thx !
Thx !
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Lots of info out there on CS130 or CS144 swap. Same plugs and wiring. Stay away from CS130 IMHO. I believe the correct application CS144 with correct clocking is 95-96 Roadmaster (5.7L) or Impala SS.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you put more current through the wiring than was available in your year, yes, you need a wiring upgrade on the power line coming from the alternator. It probably has a 10 awg (red) wire for the alternator output. You could either put another 10 awg wire along with it or change the old one out for a 6 or 7 awg wire. You also need to run a decent sized power and ground wire to your stereo amps along with a circuit breaker in the supply line. If you don't upgrade the wiring, the next thing you smell will be the frying of the fusible link(s) in your car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 7
From: Springfield New Jersey
Thanks for the help guys ! I finally found DurangoBoy's CS144 paper ... lots of good info. I called my buddy Brett (68 NJConv 454) and he is gonna help me out with this swap.
BTW - Right now I'm watching Corvette Summer with my 5 yr old. He found the dvd in my basement and has watched it four times since Saturday.
BTW - Right now I'm watching Corvette Summer with my 5 yr old. He found the dvd in my basement and has watched it four times since Saturday.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
i just put this one in mine 100amp seems to work well so far. (if this helps any)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-27294/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-27294/
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 7
From: Springfield New Jersey
That looks like it would work for me as well. Can you just drop it in, or do you have to "clock" it ? I assume I have to also get the wiring harness & upgraded wiring to bettery.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
I just dropped it in and it works fine. I had ac in my car if that makes any difference at all. The wires were ok, although i put a new connector on since the original just wasn't there.
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G
I did put a whole new alternator bracket as well.
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G
I did put a whole new alternator bracket as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
I was thinking about running this 140A PowerMaster. Anyone using it? Any issues?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-37295/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-37295/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I was thinking about running this 140A PowerMaster. Anyone using it? Any issues?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-37295/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PWM-37295/
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
Im gonna bring this thread back to life because im not sure if i have an alternator issue or not. But at night with the lights on, the electric fan running, at an idle, my battery gauge drops and the dash lights dim. Course once im moving its fine again. I put the 100amp powermaster in it. I didnt even have the radio on. So is this an indication i need a 140amp? Maybe the fan draws too much? I just dont need a fried harness. Not at this stage, I just got her running again for the road.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 2
From: Miami FL
St. Jude Donor '11, '14
My guess is that the Powermaster you bought is the 10SI style which does put out good power but not at idle. The CS144 style that the OP mentions is known for putting out a higher percentage of its' total amperage at lower speeds. It came standard on a bunch of late 90's GM vehicles and is popular for those of us running a lot of modern accessories.
You should also look at the headlight relay mod if you haven't already done so.
Rob
You should also look at the headlight relay mod if you haven't already done so.
Rob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,459
Likes: 979
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I recently replaced my 12SI 120 amp altenator which had a weak charge rate at idle with a 140 amp CS-144 alternator, mainly for the high charge rate of the CS-144 at idle. I have not replaced the stock wiring since the only real reason for the change was that I needed about 80 amps of power occassionally, not the 140 amps provided by the CS-144 altenator since the only non stock power requriements on my car are 320 watt 4 hella European hlaogen headlights which I have had on the car since 1983 with the stock wiring. The stock wiring can easily handle that load since it is only 80 amps. If you anticipate needing over 100 amps continuously then replacing the wiring would be necessary, otherwise no.
National Quick Start (http://store.alternatorparts.com/) will provide you a correctly clocked alternator for your car if you call them and they are very resaonably priced.
National Quick Start (http://store.alternatorparts.com/) will provide you a correctly clocked alternator for your car if you call them and they are very resaonably priced.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
Bee Jay
Last edited by Bee Jay; Jun 16, 2010 at 09:34 PM.
