I have an 85 and Im not sure of the designation for my stock alternator- but I was wondering if someone could educate me on the different models alternators and which one is a good one to swap to. Does it plug right in? Im really no concerned about the mounting or clocking because I have a procharger and its all different anyway. Thanks to all in advance for the help. :)

 

I have an '84, and used a 140 amp unit from Tuff Stuff. In chrome.
Been on for awhile.
Idles at 14.7 volts cold and 13.7 warmed up.
I also use with my March Amp System pulleys.
Good Luck
tony
:flag

 

I used a larger style alternator (cs140, I think) on my 86. It is rated at 120 amps and was almost a direct bolt on replacement. I just swapped the pulley from the old alternator and had to file a little thickness from the upper mounting ear. Now it idles with all accessories turned on @13.7 volts where the old alternator would drop voltage with just the A/C running.

 

I've got an '85 myself and got tired of the low voltage and fading lights everytime my sub hit. The stock alternators are supposed to put out about 100-105 amps. Luckily I work at O'Reilly Auto Parts and was able to find a good upgraded alternator that is just a simple bolt on that puts out 130 amps. I haven't had to redo any wiring or anything to support the extra power and my lights don't fade everytime my sub hits. I think the normal cost on it is right around $100 with exchange.

 

84, 85 - SI series. SI stands for sucks butt, they just messed up on the second letter. Heat it up, run it hard, it goes out on you. It's a design that would have been good for my Chevelle. Toss an ECM in a car and watch the output increase just by making some tweaks to an antiquated design and cross your fingers. Flame on, but the longevity of my alternators just depended on what felt like going out. Voltage reg 2 times, diodes another handful of times, it is just old technology. For those who don't have issues with theirs, more power to ya.

86-96 - CS130 or CS144. The 86's started using the CS (charging system?) alternators. The stator was 130 mm and from what I gather, it had an inherent problem of bearings that were too small. Other than that, it seemed to do jsut fine and dandy. The CS144 has a 144mm stator and the bearings appear to have less problems associated with them.

My requirements were that I wanted a NEW alternator and I wanted it to have a lifetime warranty. The only one I could find in stock (and I wanted to be racing the next day) was from an 86 Caddy. The bracket for the bottom support either needs to be cut about an 1/8th of an inch on the inside of the back mount and then shimmed an equal amount at the front, or cut the alternator case (really likely to void a warranty). The alternator 'fits' fine, but CS series alternators use a tapered pulley that is not easily removable. It (at least on an 86 Caddilac) sits out about a rib and a half too far. Also, a slight elongation of the rear bolt hole that bolts the rear-most bolt of the back alt bracket to the header needs to be massaged and then the entire bracket needs to be blugeoned back about the same amt. Total time, about 20 minutes.

The details are here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=651832

That was how I did it. It may or may not be correct. YMMV Good luck, -Matt

 

Z51spdr- got a part number on that thing?? Thanks to all who replied. I dont really care about the mounting issues much, I just want a dependable alternator. My diode trio is gone in mine and Im looking to upgrade not just replace.

 

Yea...the brand is Ultima and I think that O'Reilly's is the only one that deals with that brand. The part number is 01-0216. It runs around $100 roughly and has a lifetime warranty. There's also an AC Delco alternator with 130 amps I think but I can't remember the part number off the top of my head. They both bolt right on but the Ultima is of course much cheaper. I'll get the AC number and post it as well though. If you can't find one at a parts store around you that is that brand or that at least crosses over to another, let me know and I can order one and ship it to you.

 

Just for reference, my 85 has a 120 amp alt.

 

Any more details.

 

This thread is 20+ years old. I'd think it to your advantage to create a new post and ask direct questions that interest you. Mention year and all known information available to you now. There's likely a couple hundred related threads if you search a bit.

*** The USER you quoted hasn't been here for 20+ years.