Looks like my alternator is finally starting to go. Not bad, as it appears to be an original GM unit. If I can find the exact replacement, I think it'd keep me happy for plenty longer.

Then there's the higher amp option. Which I really have done no research on, that requires filing the bracket down. As long as it doesn't involve some rigging of the wiring, I'd consider it. I'm sure all the stuff out there now is reman, and all the remans are suspect IMO.

What's a bulletproof alternator that will fit my 85 without issues? And please don't tell me pep boys.

Ok, so I want a CS144 I guess? Rockauto says these went from 120 amp to 140 amp in mid 93. These remans have such hideous looking fans on them.

The CS144 is the upgraded version that requires filing as you implied. What's wrong with having yours rebuilt? No one local?

Matthew

Remember this one?

http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... id=122716#forumpost122716

I got 2 years so far on a NAPA reman 140. I wanted to go to a local rebuilder but didn't have the time. It has a lifetime so, I get one more free.

IIRC, most guys are happy with the CS144. The fan would look a bit better if the silver part was painted black.

Sliding's pics with mod:

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I was thinkin' about the rebuild thing and googled this:
www.alternatorparts.com

I've done generators before, an alternator's gotta be a simple rebuild.

I didn't look around much but they have upgrade kits too.

Looks like $150 from Napa or $20 more for lifetime warranty, plus another $60 core. But for that price I'll throw my stock one back in the box.

One is by BBB Industries.. the other, doesn't say.

Is the connector different?

Should I just get something like this?

Quote:

3 adapters here: http://www.alternatorparts.com/CS-144_Special_offer.htm

It looks like one is for idiot lights and the other for an amp guage? I didn't think the vette had either.

Or is there something internal to the alternator on mine, that I'm losing and need to make up for with the resistor in this harness?

Sigh, I guess I'll search CF.

Wiring Harness Adapters and Repair Harness Ends
We have many wiring harness adapters that allow you to install the CS-130 or CS-144 alternator into almost any year GM vehicle. We also have the wiring harness pig tails that allow you to hard wire the CS-144 into any application. If you are not sure of what harness you need, e-mail us and we can help.

1995-present vehicles that currently have the CS-130D or AD-230 alternators must use the D1-W1206 adapter
1996 and earlier GM vehicles that currently have the CS-130 alternator do not need any adapter.
1972-1986 GM vehicles with the SI series alternators use either adapter plug D1-W1201 or D1-W1204

......D1W1206....................CS-130D to CS-144 Wiring Harness Adapter
D1-C120.................CS-130 & CS-144 Wiring Repair Harness

Top of Form 1
Adapts 10 thru 27 SI Vehicle to CS-130/144 alternator for
Vehicles that DO HAVE "no charge" warning light
No Resistor in Harness
Bottom of Form 1
Top of Form 2
.D1-W1204..............Adapts 10 thru 27 SI Vehicle to CS-130/144 alternator
Vehicles NOT HAVING "no charge" warning light
Has ignition resistor in wire harness
Bottom of Form 2

Here's a good thread


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-te ... alternator-onto-a-c4.html

This makes me think I should check my truck also. I think I put a 12si in there, and it's had issues not charging at low rpms. Maybe this is what the exciter circuit is for?

I couldn't find any negative feedback on the Delco remans, so I may just do that. Although I'm sure half the positive feedback wasn't first hand either, or just based on the name.

I have some other stuff I need to order from rockauto anyways.

Ok, so my resistance from the alternator exciter lead to the unhooked + battery cable with key on is 12 ohms. I got it to go move around and go up by fiddling with the ignition key the first time but couldn't duplicate it.

I guess if the charging system give me issues in the near future, I'll wiggle the key and see if it affects it.

So I went ahead and ordered these. Honestly I haven't even pulled the stock alternator to get it tested. Whatever I'm lazy. This seems to be the best alternator I can find, and nothing but good feedback online from these guys.


W1204 Delco Type Si Series to CS Series Wiring Harness Adapter Without No Charge Light
Item Number: D1-W1204
$19.95

CS144 Series Late Style Heavy Duty 140 Amp Alternator
Item Number: D1CS144HD140
$189.95

Alternator showed up today... That was pretty easy. It was nearly a bolt-in. I now have 14.0V at 650 rpm with brights on , blower on full blast and stereo cranked! I had my fingers crossed since I never really diagnosed the other alternator.

It did not require any grinding at all. In fact, the top mount was a bit thinner than the stock 85 alternator, which is about the same size overall. So I added a shim in there to prevent stressing the aluminum bracket.

It required drilling out the positive battery lead connector to fit the larger post, and the top mount is threaded, so I drilled part of the threads out so I could use the partially threaded bolt. Another option is a fully threaded bolt, but I didn't have a M10 bolt long enough. I wasn't able to reuse the bracket to the headers, but it's bolted up in 3 places as is, so I think it will be fine. That brace is close to fitting, so it wouldn't take much bending to get the angles perfect. Both lower bolts lined up perfectly.

Also the connector is different, I had to use the adapter with the resistor in it. There's slack in it now, but if it doesn't give me issues I'll hard wire it to the stock harness and it will look like a factory install.

I'll post a tech writeup later.

Bump. I'm having issues with this setup now.

I never really liked the voltage display with car off, seems as if that resistor is throwing off the guage reading. And the voltage regulator seemed to take a dump and overcharged my system. The dash showed 17.8V before it stopped working. The voltmeter only showed 15V, steady even while revving, but still no dash. Hope it and my keyless aren't fried. Not sure if it's related to the resistor or not. I'll update when I see what the mfr says about it. Frustrating as all I wanted was a bulletproof system. Shoulda kept it original.

what did you end up doing?
the alt on my 85 may need to be replaced.
i was considering the cs144 upgrade.