Is there a better alternator to use on the Serpentine belt setup over the stock one?
CK5
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Which alternator?
- Thread starter brans87
- Start date
You can search and see what guys have used, I believe some have used the CS144. I think they were on Pontiac transport vans.
I get upgraded CS130 units from my buddy's shop.
I get upgraded CS130 units from my buddy's shop.
Do you know is the plug is different off hand to the CS144 or CS130 compared to napa conversion plug I would have to use on the 87 for the serpentine belt alts?
hmmm transport could have 4 wires.
Sorry, I don't know. I just changed the plug on my older ones.
Did you try to search on here? I know that it is posted somewhere on here, but even if I found it, I wouldn't know how to post a link to it....
Did you try to search on here? I know that it is posted somewhere on here, but even if I found it, I wouldn't know how to post a link to it....
I have not had to deal with any newer alternators than 1987 ,but I see there is lots of aftermarket support for the upgrade your thinking of available...from complete "ready to bolt in" units or wiring adapter plugs to eliminate figuring out how to re-wire your harness..Chevy GMC CS130D to CS144 Alternator Upgrade
Was just looking at that website!
I was just surfing fleabag for an alternator for a Pontiac trans port, a few of the listings had a "pinout" diagram for the connector...
Shouldn't be hard to sort out. I plan on doing the above (transport) swap on my own rig soon...
Shouldn't be hard to sort out. I plan on doing the above (transport) swap on my own rig soon...
I assume yours does not presently have a CS130 on it already? Eventually GM went to those on the R/V trucks, previous was the 12SI.
What makes you think you need a better alternator? No offense, but if the present one works, why "upgrade" by having to monkey with fitment and wiring? Adapters are never a good idea IMO, that is just one more thing to go wrong. Ask me how I know, having adapted a CS130 into my truck.
Realistically, the advantages of the 130 and 144 are that they have better output at idle, and they are generally higher amp units than the 12SI's.
The downsides are that they require a resistor of some sort to start charging (although some apparently get away without it) and not all mount the same as the 12SI's. IIRC the 12SI's were all the same, GM just mounted the front half of the alternator onto the rear half differently depending on application, but the 130 and 144 used different castings as I recall, and are not quite the same in terms of "clockability" as the 12SI's.
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The 12SI just uses the charge indicator bulb for a resistor on the ignition wire, in most cases. I think that the CS130 will run with that as well.
Both can be built with a 1 wire regulator.
And the CS uses the same rear case, you just need the correct front case.
I put upgraded CS130 units on both of my '72s and my '70, and even my '90.....
Both can be built with a 1 wire regulator.
And the CS uses the same rear case, you just need the correct front case.
I put upgraded CS130 units on both of my '72s and my '70, and even my '90.....
Mine has the old 12SI on my truck right now and have a core CS130 that sounds like it is dragging on inside when spinning the pulley.
Thinking of having it tested to see if any good and maybe doing a rebuild to save some $.
I saw those rebuild kits, I thought there was something different about the CS130's that made them harder to rebuild. Like a "captured" bearing or something.
The 12SI's are exceedingly easy to rebuild, but I wouldn't anymore simply because the CS are better in output and it's what I have.
If you go the rebuild route, let us know how that goes, I'm curious if no one else is.
I checked prices, normally rebuilding isn't worth it anymore, but the cheapest 130 I see for a 1991 Camaro (random app I picked) is $79+ $11 core, 1yr warranty only, so not what I'd call cheap.
The 12SI's are exceedingly easy to rebuild, but I wouldn't anymore simply because the CS are better in output and it's what I have.
If you go the rebuild route, let us know how that goes, I'm curious if no one else is.
I checked prices, normally rebuilding isn't worth it anymore, but the cheapest 130 I see for a 1991 Camaro (random app I picked) is $79+ $11 core, 1yr warranty only, so not what I'd call cheap.
I think that I pay $110 for a CS130 with the iceberg case, both front and rear bearings are the larger ones. From Western Alternator in Montrose.
He builds quality stuff, and I don't have to worry about changing it out just out of warranty, o r any other goofy stuff.
I give him my core, cuz I don't need it..
I don't mind paying for good stuff that keeps me rolling! But maybe I'm crazy..
He builds quality stuff, and I don't have to worry about changing it out just out of warranty, o r any other goofy stuff.
I give him my core, cuz I don't need it..
I don't mind paying for good stuff that keeps me rolling! But maybe I'm crazy..
