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89 corvette alternator upgrade

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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 01:49 PM
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Default 89 corvette alternator upgrade

Ok trying to get a cs144 alternator for a 89 corvette. I ordered a ac delco 19135994 for a 96 corvette and the mount holes are to far apart. I found more info should be a 19135993 from a 97 pontiac firebird . There is a half inch difference in mount holes. Can anyone confirm this.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 02:37 PM
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A '97 Trans Am alternator will fit if you don't mind modding a few things. I have a smog pump delete so it practically drops in. The rear support bracket won't line up. Don't leave it off, make a new one. I had to do that anyway when the headers went on. It is a worthwhile upgrade. Consider upgrading the cable from the alternator to the battery/fuselink junction, whichever you have. It changed the belt length a little but so did the smog pump delete so it wasn't a big deal for me.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 10:46 PM
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My '90 with everything on draws just over 100 amps according to my clamp meter. The CS130 handles it at idle staying right around 12.7V, up to 13.5V at 2000 RPM. I was expecting it to fall off, but it didn't. It did get pretty hot though.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
Ok trying to get a cs144 alternator for a 89 corvette. I ordered a ac delco 19135994 for a 96 corvette and the mount holes are to far apart. I found more info should be a 19135993 from a 97 pontiac firebird . There is a half inch difference in mount holes. Can anyone confirm this.
Hi
Look around Google it and you will find high output alternators (same size as the 86-91 alternators.
I have one of the 200amp alternators on my c4, yes high electrical load stop start traffic and long periods of the car not being used. All need a good alternator to keep the battery charged.

See below links to some..

https://www.ebay.com.au/i/2833748390...SABEgKRWPD_BwE

https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...-89-90-91.html
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 10:18 AM
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Just got off phone with alternatorparts.com. Cs 144 alternators have 7.2 inches between mount points and my 89 vette has 6.60 inches between mount points. So according to him there is no cs144 that will fit. But I find online that a 97 pontiac firebird alternator will fit with minor modification.
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
Just got off phone with alternatorparts.com. Cs 144 alternators have 7.2 inches between mount points and my 89 vette has 6.60 inches between mount points. So according to him there is no cs144 that will fit. But I find online that a 97 pontiac firebird alternator will fit with minor modification.
So you've a decision to make, believe the guy who does this sort of thing 'for profit' OR trust the the WWW ... which must always be trusted as fact! Do you actually have a failure or is the CS144 something that's just been on a 'wish list' for a while?

This could 'maybe' be a more interesting place to start your research as to what's considered 'bolt in/drop in' under normal circumstances.

https://www.qualitypowerauto.com/pag...lternators.php

Last edited by WVZR-1; Nov 30, 2020 at 10:34 AM.
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 07:30 PM
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alternator over heated melting voltage regulator and bearing. Installed a used alternator temperately and it is running at 260 degrees voltage output normal with 70 amp load. A/C not on... From what i read 302 degrees max temp for alternator. I had planned on upgrade to the finned rear housing offered by alternatorparts.com but he has none in stock till maybe February 2021. So this is why i started looking into cs144 upgrade.
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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
alternator over heated melting voltage regulator and bearing. Installed a used alternator temperately and it is running at 260 degrees voltage output normal with 70 amp load. A/C not on... From what i read 302 degrees max temp for alternator. I had planned on upgrade to the finned rear housing offered by alternatorparts.com but he has none in stock till maybe February 2021. So this is why i started looking into cs144 upgrade.
There certainly are those that say they've accomplished it BUT none mention 'drop in' - they seem to even dispute the actual one used!
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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 04:48 PM
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Fitted CS144 for a 97 Camaro to my 1989, apart from taking about 4mm off the mounting lug, it was a straight drop in, took about 30 minutes to fit.

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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 05:52 PM
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Can you tell me the distance between the two mount holes. Should be either 6.60 inches or 7.2 inches.

Last edited by Dave Witman; Dec 1, 2020 at 05:53 PM.
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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 06:35 PM
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Mine was a direct drop in for my 86 and the 88, I have the AIR pump eliminator bracket. Rear support brace did not go back in.
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 06:01 AM
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Here is the details of the Alternator I purchased from Rockauto

ACDELCO 3351050

Amperage Rating 140
External Fan Included Yes
Family Delco CS144
Fan Type External
Finish Same as OE
Ground Type Negative
Mounting Type 1 Pivot Foot
One Wire Capable No
Plug Clock Rear View Main Mounting Ear at 6 O Clock 7
Pulley Belt Type Serpentine
Pulley Groove Quantity 6
Pulley Included Yes
Pulley Outside Diameter (In) 2.4
Regulator Type Internal
Rotation Direction Clockwise
Voltage 12
Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 88877260

The distance between the pivot and the mounting lug is greater on the CS144 than the CS130 as it is physically a larger alternator, however I can confirm it is a direct fit.
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 08:57 AM
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ok part on order

Last edited by Dave Witman; Dec 2, 2020 at 09:21 AM.
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
ok part on order

If it was a RA order I'd say 'CANCEL' ...............

Rethink this and if you want an actual performance package discuss it with someone!!! There are various 'case clockings' available and NO ONE that's responded to you has mentioned how they did a rear brace!!! NO ONE ...... It's been mentioned by one that it was 'not used'!!!

There are I believe 5 'rear housing' variations.....

Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 2, 2020 at 10:24 AM.
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 10:57 AM
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No the rear brace support pretty much needs to be made custom, lengthened in my case, on both the 86 and 88.

However its not really needed. The AIR support above, whether you use the actual AIR pump or eliminator brace instead, is enough to keep things from problems. Even my torque monster hasn't cracked anything.

Its the rear AC support bracket that MUST be retained (e.g., if you add headers, it won't fit most of us) or that will break the cheap pot metal AC bracket that holds the tensioner and AC together.
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
If it was a RA order I'd say 'CANCEL' ...............

Rethink this and if you want an actual performance package discuss it with someone!!! There are various 'case clockings' available and NO ONE that's responded to you has mentioned how they did a rear brace!!! NO ONE ...... It's been mentioned by one that it was 'not used'!!!

There are I believe 5 'rear housing' variations.....
Concerning the rear bracket, I did tell him "don't leave it off, make a new one". Did i need to post pics and draw diagram's?
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Old Dec 3, 2020 | 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Benny42
Concerning the rear bracket, I did tell him "don't leave it off, make a new one". Did i need to post pics and draw diagram's?
Many reasons for my comments! I'm an RA hater forever! Buy 'local' ... OR perhaps for that particular buy if you wanted .. 'SUMMIT RACING' They're involved in support for many automotive orientated functions. RA likely none. If you don't get LOCAL I guess you just don't!

OP looked to be searching a performance build. Is the ACD considered a performance build? Not by many!

Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 3, 2020 at 07:46 AM.
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Old Dec 3, 2020 | 08:55 AM
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I purchased thru amazon . Cheaper than summitt and part of all purchases go to charity of my choice wounded warriors. Also I plan to make a new rear brace.
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Old Dec 3, 2020 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
I purchased thru amazon . Cheaper than summitt and part of all purchases go to charity of my choice wounded warriors. Also I plan to make a new rear brace.
I don't buy from Bezos either .. many reasons BUT 'I get it'!


Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 3, 2020 at 09:16 AM.
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