Stupid-simple alternator upgrade -- 55A to 94A

[Engineer]

If you are wanting to run a CS130 alternator order one for a 1988~1995 GM C/K truck with a 454 engine.

The mounting ears on the 454 CS130 are exactly identical as the 10SI/12SI, and you don't need to modify any brackets.

The single groove pulley bolts right on in place of the 6-groove serpentine pulley, but you will need the CS130 specific electrical connector.

[75_chevy]

flat: 1600 watt hifonics brutus fused with a 60amp fuse. not running a capacitor yet but I was gonna get one off my bus for 20 bucks.
engineer: I don't know what a cs130 alternator is. I don't need anything too crazy, just enough to keep everything running smooth when the lights are on


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[75_chevy]

bud*


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[75_chevy]

rich thank you so much for the post. alternator bolted right up looks good and truly
performs! couldn't be happier!


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[rich weyand]

Excellent.  Thanks for letting me know.

You can switch to a CS130 style alternator, but there's no need.  You can get aftermarket 12SI alternators that bolt right up, same electrical connection, up to 240 amps.

[75_chevy]

yea just an fyi for anyone else the price has gone up to 89 with 15 core charge.

Rich what is the difference between a cs and an si alternator?

also here is a pic for the heck of it. I'll probably throw some black loom over the deal sometime soon


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[FlatBlack77]

so i could get this alternator(possibly have to swap pulleys), bolt it on, and just run a 6awg wire directly to the battery?
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/toughone-alternator-remanufactured-94-amps-p7294-3/5210283-P?navigationPath=L1*14920|L2*14999|L3*15587#

this sounds like a good upgrade seeing as how my alternator is taking a crap. at least it seems to be because driving around is fine but when it comes to an idle the voltage drops down and wont stay consistent.

[rich weyand]

so i could get this alternator(possibly have to swap pulleys), bolt it on, and just run a 6awg wire directly to the battery?
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/toughone-alternator-remanufactured-94-amps-p7294-3/5210283-P?navigationPath=L1*14920|L2*14999|L3*15587#

this sounds like a good upgrade seeing as how my alternator is taking a crap. at least it seems to be because driving around is fine but when it comes to an idle the voltage drops down and wont stay consistent.

Yup.  Direct replacement.

Difference between 10SI/12SI and CS alternatorrs?  10SI/12SI is what came on the trucks, and there are no bracket/pulley/wiring changes.

[Engineer]

so i could get this alternator(possibly have to swap pulleys), bolt it on, and just run a 6awg wire directly to the battery?
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/toughone-alternator-remanufactured-94-amps-p7294-3/5210283-P?navigationPath=L1*14920|L2*14999|L3*15587#

this sounds like a good upgrade seeing as how my alternator is taking a crap. at least it seems to be because driving around is fine but when it comes to an idle the voltage drops down and wont stay consistent.

That is a 12si alternator but if you bought that particular model you would still have to change the pulley over to a single V groove pulley if your truck doesn't have a serpentine belt.

Installing a CS130 is not anymore difficult if using the 180° mount. If you can run the heavier cable to your bat+ terminal you can change the exciter wiring harness just as easily.

[rich weyand]

That is a 12si alternator but if you bought that particular model you would still have to change the pulley over to a single V groove pulley if your truck doesn't have a serpentine belt.

Oops.  Missed that.  Yeah, you definitely can get the one with the right pulley on it already.

[FlatBlack77]

that is the one i found just from a quick search. a buddy of mine has a camaro the same year and his is not serpentine so i guess some are some arent. it doesnt say the pulley will need changed just might. it would be no problem to change the pulley.

thanks guys this is a very informative thread

[rich weyand]

But of course you can buy one with the correct pulley....

[FlatBlack77]

I plan on it

[Engineer]

When I first bought my '77 it came with a 10SI alternator. About 20 years ago I upgraded to the 12SI for the extra amps.
 
The problem with the 12SI is the same problem many people have with their 10SI, just as Rich alluded to in his first post. The diode trio is notorious for blowing the diodes when overworked. Usually you will blow the diodes when you are jump starting your buddy's Ford, or Dodge. When unhooking the jumper cables one should always turn on the headlights. This gives a path for the alternator's current to take so it doesn't damage the diodes. The 12SI uses the same diode trio, and rectifier bridge as the 10SI.
 
The main reason I went to the CS130 is to avoid the issues with the diode trio. It has a few more amps, and it is more "modern". Lol.

This is the connector that you replace. It splices into the wire from the 10SI/12SI that is switched from the key.



Here is my CS130 from a 88~95 TBI 454 with a deep groove racing pulley installed in place of the 6 groove serpentine pulley:



It is a direct bolt in to the older v-groove engine brackets.

When I get my '77 back together it will have a serpentine belt assembly so I'll be going back to the 6-groove. I may also go to a "one wire" regulator so the wiring change won't be necessary.

This above alternator works in place of the 10SI/12SI because it is from a 454. The 350 TBI had a different mounting ear arrangement so the 350 types won't work with the standard v-belt brackets.

Of course if you have a 454 that you are converting to a serpentine drive, and have a CS130 meant for a 350, you can replace the smog pump with the extra alternator for a cool dual alternator set up. Which is something I'm considering as well.




Sorry Rich for jacking your thread.

[rich weyand]

... Sorry Rich for jacking your thread.

Not a problem at all!  The whole point is to make it easy for people to upgrade their alternators to handle all the extra crap we put on the trucks, like extra lights, and more powerful headlights, and heavy-duty stereos, and electric fans, and whatever.  Adding to that discussion is excellent.