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Biggest alternator I can fit on 83 454 K30?

dbreid

dbreid

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All,
I fried the alternator in my 1983 K30 Pickup. Truck is a 454 with an SM465 and Factory A/C. I found this replacement on ebay (which looks like a fine unit):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/83-8...016QQitemZ260239343377QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

But I was wondering if there was anything bigger or better? I run dual batteries, and winch and all that, and I was just wondering if there was a better one I could get while I am replacing it anyway?

Thanks in advance.

-Dan
 
CS-144 (140 amp) from LT1 powered cars ( B-body & F-body )
plus you need the appropriate wiring to go with it

Ahmed
 
Mine is a large body 140 amp alternator from an 89 caprice cop car. Change the pulley from serpentine to Vbelt if you need it bolts right in.
 
In the original case style, there are 90-95A versions for Cadillacs. Search on my name for the part number. I posted it for Dafey somewhere.

EDIT, aw heck, I went and found it:

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230956

In the big case, 140A versions come from Pontiac Transport (V6 with rear AC), plus apparently cop cars. This will require re-wiring (easy, coupla plugs from the parts store), a pulley change, and at least on MY big block, required fabbing a new upper bracket. And the Transport ones, at least, aren't cheap.

You *can* get high-output ones in the smaller case, but they tend to be pricey and are not known for long-term reliability. If you have a local alternator-starter-motor shop, you might have your old one rewound by them.

I have one each of the above solutions on my trucks (big block has the 95A Caddy part, smallblock the 140A). I like it 'cuz they're off-the-shelf replacement units I can get anywhere, as opposed to custom-built parts.

-- A
 
Which case do I have? I see these case code names like 10 and 12 etc. Which do I have?
 
dbreid said:
Which case do I have? I see these case code names like 10 and 12 etc. Which do I have?
Click to expand...

IIRC, our trucks came stock with 10si, the smaller case. Newer vehicles (90's-up) have the larger (12si). Google for it, and look here for posts by Kert (Cybrfire) for more info.

-- A
 
If you want, I can do a write up on how to convert to the CS130/CS144. I just did it on my K10. SUPER EASY! But I got my alternator from a mid '90s Buick Roadmaster, a Caddy of the same years will work also. Let me know.
-Lance
 
I thought I read somewhere that a 140A alternator wouldnt work well with v belts? Or am I talking out my a$$? Both are entirely possible.
Thanks,
Kenny
 
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Runnin' a amp out of a 76' caddy, 100amps all day long on a v-belt. Adantage to that is it's not working very hard [big case holds bigger diodes] you can build one to whatever you want] and if it ever dies, it's cheap to replace. GM makes a bracket to work with big block and a small blocks
 
Kenny78 said:
I thought I read somewhere that a 140A alternator wouldnt work well with v belts? Or am I talking out my pie hole? Both are entirely possible.
Thanks,
Kenny
Click to expand...

I've heard folks say that the high-output ones don't work on V-belts ... I think it's a question of getting enough friction from the belt onto the pulley. As long as the belt and pulley are in good condition (i.e. not vulcanized or greasy) and as long as you have decent coverage (like the belt goes over, say, 90* or more of the pulley) you should do fine.

My trucks are both V-belt, and both charge like mofos (one 90 and one 140.)

-- A
 
Some of the high-end high output aftermarket versions are known for not liking v-belt setups. But these are going to be the alternators that are several hundred dollars, and they don't like it because of the load that is on the alternator. Even with 90* or more coverage of the pulley, there is so much load that there is not enough friction. It tends to burn belts pretty heavily, and many old ambulances and such have been converted to serp setups because of their superior grip on the pulley.

The 140 amp Transport alternator is a stock alternator, and doesn't really require as much friction as the alternators putting out 200 amps or more. And the Transport alternator will put out nearly 200 amps in stock form, the 140 amp rating is 80% of max, which is what the factory uses for all alternator ratings.
 
Before I would spent a small fortune on an exotic-super -high-amp-alternator I would add a second battery with heavy starter wire on the other side of the engine. This would increase your electrical systems capacity by 400 - 960 amps.
By the way, a 60 amp alt under full load takes about 25 horsepower therefore a 120 amp alt would take 50 horsepower.
Have you seen the price of gas lately ????
 
well I have the stock 63a alt... 2 wire from a '78...

I just got a 200 a stinger isolator/relay and waiting for my $40 pontiac trans sport 140a 3 wire alt... once I get it I will let you know my results on if I get it working or not... :wink1:

and if it is easy or not...:p:
 
Does anyone know which Pontiac transport alternator will bolt in, which years would it be?
 
Babaganoosh said:
Does anyone know which Pontiac transport alternator will bolt in, which years would it be?
Click to expand...

searchdammit.jpg


Look for any of my threads on the topic, you'll find everything you need.

-- A
 
Babaganoosh said:
Does anyone know which Pontiac transport alternator will bolt in, which years would it be?
Click to expand...


to answer your question...
1994 pontiac trans sport..but yes search it and you will find more info..

I am not sure what other vehicles this part will match too but the 1994 trans had a 105 and 140alt.. so make sure you get 140a alt...

I shouldnt be saying this but I will anyway...

I buy all my parts online... online junkyards...

www.car-part.com

got my alt to my door for $40 including shipping...
the lady told me she could only give me a 30 day warranty as she had to ship it this far... hell autozone wants $98 + $60 core + 7% nj tax

so this was a good price and 30 day warranty... :bow:
 
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