CS144 upgrade
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 71
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From: TX
CS144 upgrade
It is time to make the power upgrade, amps not hp. Hp later.
Question: On my '91 can I use any LT1 CS144 alternator, like off a f-body or does it need to be a C4 one only. I know i will need to make minnor mods but i would like to make the swap as easy as pos.
Happy NY
Question: On my '91 can I use any LT1 CS144 alternator, like off a f-body or does it need to be a C4 one only. I know i will need to make minnor mods but i would like to make the swap as easy as pos.
Happy NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
It is time to make the power upgrade, amps not hp. Hp later.
Question: On my '91 can I use any LT1 CS144 alternator, like off a f-body or does it need to be a C4 one only. I know i will need to make minnor mods but i would like to make the swap as easy as pos.
Happy NY
Question: On my '91 can I use any LT1 CS144 alternator, like off a f-body or does it need to be a C4 one only. I know i will need to make minnor mods but i would like to make the swap as easy as pos.
Happy NY
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 36
The front housing and the pulley are what distinguishes one CS-144 from another.
The front mounting holes on the Corvette LT-1 are 180 degrees apart, oriented north and south in the normal mounting position, and the pulley is a six groove.
It easy enough just to get a Corvette LT-1 alternator with the right pulley.
You can get a used Corvette Lt-1 alternator and rebuild it your self and run a 200 amp. There are 200 amp alternators on fleabay right now for 160 bucks
The front mounting holes on the Corvette LT-1 are 180 degrees apart, oriented north and south in the normal mounting position, and the pulley is a six groove.
It easy enough just to get a Corvette LT-1 alternator with the right pulley.
You can get a used Corvette Lt-1 alternator and rebuild it your self and run a 200 amp. There are 200 amp alternators on fleabay right now for 160 bucks
Last edited by JimiHendrix; Jan 1, 2009 at 12:54 PM. Reason: I'm still hung over...:-(
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
The front housing and the pulley are what distinguishes one CS-144 from another.
The front mounting holes on the Corvette LT-1 are 180 degrees apart, oriented north and south in the normal mounting position, and the pulley is a six groove.
It easy enough just to get a Corvette LT-1 alternator with the right pulley.
You can get a used Corvette Lt-1 alternator and rebuild it your self and run a 200 amp. There are 200 amp alternators on fleabay right now for 160 bucks
The front mounting holes on the Corvette LT-1 are 180 degrees apart, oriented north and south in the normal mounting position, and the pulley is a six groove.
It easy enough just to get a Corvette LT-1 alternator with the right pulley.
You can get a used Corvette Lt-1 alternator and rebuild it your self and run a 200 amp. There are 200 amp alternators on fleabay right now for 160 bucks
200 amp...That should handle the microwave, dishwasher, AND the dehumidifier
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 71
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From: TX
THX - was just trying to save some $, the used f-boby alts are easier and cheeper to come by. I guess I just need to head to the Zone and get a rebuilt one, don't have a core so that will gig me a couple more $.
I would reather put the cash towards some long tubes or something like that. I guess all the hp in the world is no good if you can't keep the bat. up.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
I installed a "96" 140 amp ZR-1 CS-144 remanufactured alternator from Rockauto.com in my "91" Vette and with a little trimming on the mounting tab, it fits fine.
The "96" F-body 140 amp CS-144 alternator costs a little more on Rockauto's site. Also, the earlier CS-144 alternators were only 130 amps.
The "96" F-body 140 amp CS-144 alternator costs a little more on Rockauto's site. Also, the earlier CS-144 alternators were only 130 amps.
Last edited by GKK; Jan 1, 2009 at 03:04 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 71
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From: TX
I installed a "96" 140 amp ZR-1 CS-144 remanufactured alternator from Rockauto.com in my "91" Vette and with a little trimming on the mounting tab, it fits fine.
The "96" F-body 140 amp CS-144 alternator costs a little more on Rockauto's site. Also, the earlier CS-144 alternators were only 130 amps.
The "96" F-body 140 amp CS-144 alternator costs a little more on Rockauto's site. Also, the earlier CS-144 alternators were only 130 amps.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
The front housing and the pulley are what distinguishes one CS-144 from another.
The front mounting holes on the Corvette LT-1 are 180 degrees apart, oriented north and south in the normal mounting position, and the pulley is a six groove.
It easy enough just to get a Corvette LT-1 alternator with the right pulley.
You can get a used Corvette Lt-1 alternator and rebuild it your self and run a 200 amp. There are 200 amp alternators on fleabay right now for 160 bucks
The front mounting holes on the Corvette LT-1 are 180 degrees apart, oriented north and south in the normal mounting position, and the pulley is a six groove.
It easy enough just to get a Corvette LT-1 alternator with the right pulley.
You can get a used Corvette Lt-1 alternator and rebuild it your self and run a 200 amp. There are 200 amp alternators on fleabay right now for 160 bucks
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Napa's site lists the 92-95 CS-144 engine code "P" and model ZR-1 alternator as a 124 amp and the 96 as a 140 amp. So, I would just buy a 96 CS-144 alternator. Also, you'll lose the core charge ($19 from Rockauto or $25 from Autozone) since you don't have a core to return.
Last edited by GKK; Jan 1, 2009 at 06:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: TX
Yes, it looks like all 96 CS-144 alternators are 140 amps.
Napa's site lists the 92-95 CS-144 engine code "P" and model ZR-1 alternator as a 124 amp and the 96 as a 140 amp. So, I would just buy a 96 CS-144 alternator. Also, you'll lose the core charge ($19 from Rockauto or $25 from Autozone) since you don't have a core to return.
Napa's site lists the 92-95 CS-144 engine code "P" and model ZR-1 alternator as a 124 amp and the 96 as a 140 amp. So, I would just buy a 96 CS-144 alternator. Also, you'll lose the core charge ($19 from Rockauto or $25 from Autozone) since you don't have a core to return.
I have never shopped at Rockauto before, how do they fair?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 36
My bad. . . I meant that the kit upgrades are available on fleabay for 160.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DELCO...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DELCO...Q5fAccessories
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
all CS-xxx alternators (110/130/144) are wired the same internally and use the same 4-wire elect connector, plus the "big" output post, even tho different models do not use all 4 possible input connections ( some only one wire)... all will make power perfectly if fed 12v+ thru a "194" bulb "idiot light" into terminal "L" (see the connector for terminal i.d. in very, very small print)...mounting lugs vary and can NOT be "clocked" as older units could.
if the drive pulley is not correct, lay the alternator on the shop floor, put a thin wooden block under the cooling fan, put the heel of your boot on top of the fan (helps isolate internals from mechanical shock) and a quick blast from an air drive impact wrench ( 15/16" socket IIRC ) will get all reqd bits off, reverse to install...drive pulley from your failed unit (use all old spacers,etc) will fit the new alt... put "wrong" drive on the failed unit if returning for "core" $... MUST clean the threads of the new alt drive with solvent (brake cleaner, etc) and reinstall the nut with "loctite"
if the drive pulley is not correct, lay the alternator on the shop floor, put a thin wooden block under the cooling fan, put the heel of your boot on top of the fan (helps isolate internals from mechanical shock) and a quick blast from an air drive impact wrench ( 15/16" socket IIRC ) will get all reqd bits off, reverse to install...drive pulley from your failed unit (use all old spacers,etc) will fit the new alt... put "wrong" drive on the failed unit if returning for "core" $... MUST clean the threads of the new alt drive with solvent (brake cleaner, etc) and reinstall the nut with "loctite"
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 36
Hey Pete K,
here is one 200 amp alt for sale....160bucks brand new.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-A...Q5fAccessories
here is one 200 amp alt for sale....160bucks brand new.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-A...Q5fAccessories
