140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
#1
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Since there has been a lot of interest in my 140A alt. upgrade, I figured I'd start a thread here detailing some aspects of it.
Currently, I am reaaaalllllly close to releasing a final product. I'm on my 7th prototype bracket and have been making subtle changes to get it exact. This bracket allows you to bolt an adapter bracket in place of your stock serpentine alternator and in its place install a 6" case 140A alternator found on 1994-97 Impala SS applications, among others. I'll be posting pics very soon-I am sourcing hardware for the kit as well as a rear brace design-the brace itself will be a heim-ended design with hardened steel 3/8 him ends. Any questions shoot em my way!
Currently, I am reaaaalllllly close to releasing a final product. I'm on my 7th prototype bracket and have been making subtle changes to get it exact. This bracket allows you to bolt an adapter bracket in place of your stock serpentine alternator and in its place install a 6" case 140A alternator found on 1994-97 Impala SS applications, among others. I'll be posting pics very soon-I am sourcing hardware for the kit as well as a rear brace design-the brace itself will be a heim-ended design with hardened steel 3/8 him ends. Any questions shoot em my way!
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,725
Received 773 Likes
on
520 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Sure its pricey but Y not do this?
http://www.powerbastards.com/product...4&navsid2=2319
http://www.powerbastards.com/product...4&navsid2=2319
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,345
Received 298 Likes
on
234 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
I just bought a CS144 from this place and told them what I was trying to do and they sold me the CS144 with the proper cases and clocking and it dropped right into my serpentine brackets. I only had to buy a new belt afterwards.
The bearings on the CS130's suck
The bearings on the CS130's suck
#4
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Problems I see with all of those options are:
Can't use a rear mount dual rectifier bridge alt. on a serpentine with tall series valve covers. They offer no adjustable rear bracing which you need with these heavy units and your stock rear brace can't be used with the larger 6.5" cased alternators. Also, who cares about a 1-yr. warranty when you can buy new with lifetime for 1/2 or less than half the cost? I've been down that road looking into aftermarket alts and I'm aware of both sides of it. What I offer is just another option-imo a cheaper and more practical solution. But, the look of the 200+ amp units DO look impressive I must say.
Can't use a rear mount dual rectifier bridge alt. on a serpentine with tall series valve covers. They offer no adjustable rear bracing which you need with these heavy units and your stock rear brace can't be used with the larger 6.5" cased alternators. Also, who cares about a 1-yr. warranty when you can buy new with lifetime for 1/2 or less than half the cost? I've been down that road looking into aftermarket alts and I'm aware of both sides of it. What I offer is just another option-imo a cheaper and more practical solution. But, the look of the 200+ amp units DO look impressive I must say.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
The pic shows an alternator that has the wrong clocking for the serpentine setups as I see it. Looking at the front of it, the 2" ear should be on the right and the smaller ear on the left and, that left one should be threaded....8mm x 1.50 threads to be exact. And you still only get a 1 year warranty.
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,345
Received 298 Likes
on
234 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
The pic shows an alternator that has the wrong clocking for the serpentine setups as I see it. Looking at the front of it, the 2" ear should be on the right and the smaller ear on the left and, that left one should be threaded....8mm x 1.50 threads to be exact. And you still only get a 1 year warranty.
How much $$ do you have into your 7th prototype bracket?
#7
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Cool, well it sounds like it a pretty good deal....there should be more companies doing that. The cost of he fab work hasn't been calculated yet-I had 25 pieces routed knowing several would get scrapped after several mock up attempts. I have an order put in for 75 kits after I get the first bracket approved. It difficult because of the two offset ear angles and keeping them flush to the press brake backstop to get accurate breaks. But, this last one should be it. I see a final cost to a customer of about $70-80 for a bracket kit.
Last edited by formula1LE; 06-19-2014 at 04:01 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,725
Received 773 Likes
on
520 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Something I just ran into
http://www.montecarloss.com/communit...&Number=636622
http://www.montecarloss.com/communit...&Number=636622
#9
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Here's some pics of the primary mounting bracket CNC cut from 11 gauge mild steel and bent on an ExPert 150 Bystronic press. You can see how this bracket will be able to mount to a stock serpentine bracket and allow the use of a 140A, 6" case GM alternator.
Along with this is another small bracket and spacer along with 10.9 grade metric hardware to match the existing 10 and 8 mm hardware for the OEM serpentine brackets. Also, my kit will include a rear support brace for the larger alternator and will secure at the upper part of the rear case and extend across to anchor to an existing bolt which secures the AC compressor or delete bracket. With everything engineered to provide 5 points of contact, there will be no worry of breaking a serpentine bracket ear-these 6" alternators are substantially heavier which exponentially increases fatiguing of the existing aluminum serp. bracket. I feel confident this is going to be the best long term route for upgrading.
Kit will be etch primed and painted satin black and will include all hardware and brace with QA1 heim ends and jam nuts. Final price is to be $89 plus shipping for anybody interested.
I just noticed the alt. pic is upside down but you get the idea....lol
Along with this is another small bracket and spacer along with 10.9 grade metric hardware to match the existing 10 and 8 mm hardware for the OEM serpentine brackets. Also, my kit will include a rear support brace for the larger alternator and will secure at the upper part of the rear case and extend across to anchor to an existing bolt which secures the AC compressor or delete bracket. With everything engineered to provide 5 points of contact, there will be no worry of breaking a serpentine bracket ear-these 6" alternators are substantially heavier which exponentially increases fatiguing of the existing aluminum serp. bracket. I feel confident this is going to be the best long term route for upgrading.
Kit will be etch primed and painted satin black and will include all hardware and brace with QA1 heim ends and jam nuts. Final price is to be $89 plus shipping for anybody interested.
I just noticed the alt. pic is upside down but you get the idea....lol
#10
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
There....that's better! This is a 124A alt. but I also verified a 140A alt. fits just as nice.
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,040
Received 394 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
A CS-144 from my 1997 Express with the 5.7 Vortec dropped right onto the stock 1992 TBI F-car brackets I have in my 1980 Vette. I upgraded the Van to a 200A AD-244 and used the old stock 17 year old van alternator on the Vette.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: California
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1989 Chevy Camaro RS
Engine: L30 TBI 5.0L Vortec
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock
I still don't get how that is possible fast. That goes against everything I've ever read. Got any pictures?
#13
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Yds...I too would have to see pics....you'd have to drill the threaded hole to allow for a through bolt which weakens that ear and, you still have to relocate the rear brace-not quite a drop in deal.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Here's some pics of my CS144 bracket adapter installed-it is a snug fit but it all lines up with a 140A 1994-97 Impala SS parts store alternator. This is an unfinished bare bracket w/hardware. After installing it, I have come to the conclusion that this 11ga bracket kit may not require a rear brace as I initially thought. It is very stout and zero flexing. The stock length belt will work but I would suggest a 1.5" longer one to give more travel on the tensioner.
I am using 8mm and 10mm 10.9 grade metric bolts and same grade flanged nuts. You can retain your original torx bolts or use the supplied ones in this kit. Again, I plan to prime and paint the bracket and spacer. Since every GM serpentine brackets may have slight tolerances, I am also including 10mm washers to adjust alternator on bracket adapter to 100% dial in pulley alignment.
So, I am offering these for sale at $89 per kit, painted and with all hardware. Let me know what you think! PM with interest or questions. Thanks! Btw, the pics are underhood shots of a GM serpentine setup on my 86 K-10 shortbox.
I am using 8mm and 10mm 10.9 grade metric bolts and same grade flanged nuts. You can retain your original torx bolts or use the supplied ones in this kit. Again, I plan to prime and paint the bracket and spacer. Since every GM serpentine brackets may have slight tolerances, I am also including 10mm washers to adjust alternator on bracket adapter to 100% dial in pulley alignment.
So, I am offering these for sale at $89 per kit, painted and with all hardware. Let me know what you think! PM with interest or questions. Thanks! Btw, the pics are underhood shots of a GM serpentine setup on my 86 K-10 shortbox.
#15
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,040
Received 394 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
I already posted pictures of a CS-144 on a F-car serpentine belt setup. Did the same thing on the Vette. I fabricated my own rear support bracket since I have headers too although it is really unecessary. The alternator mounting is very rigid without it and the newer AD-244 does not even have a rear bolt hole.
I think an AD-244 would bolt right up too, given the fact it bolts right in place of a CS-144.
If I upgrade my Vette to a dual electric fan setup I may pickup a second 200a AD-244 to install on it. The one on my Express tested at 241 amps when it was cold and puts out over 100 amps at idle when hot!
I think an AD-244 would bolt right up too, given the fact it bolts right in place of a CS-144.
If I upgrade my Vette to a dual electric fan setup I may pickup a second 200a AD-244 to install on it. The one on my Express tested at 241 amps when it was cold and puts out over 100 amps at idle when hot!
Last edited by Fast355; 06-24-2014 at 10:30 PM.
#16
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,040
Received 394 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Notice how the Express alternator mounts. Both ears are at the bottem, roughly 90° from each other, not straight across like the ones you are using. It bolts on just like a CS-130.
Last edited by Fast355; 06-24-2014 at 10:42 PM.
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,040
Received 394 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
The TBI truck guys are also replacing their CS-130s with AD-244s and only having to change the belt length and a few bolts and washers.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: California
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1989 Chevy Camaro RS
Engine: L30 TBI 5.0L Vortec
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock
The one that came factory on my 1997 Express 1500 350 vortec. About 4 and 7 oclock. Its actually nearly upside down in this picture. Has the same clocking as the CS-130 on a factory F-car serpentine setup.
The TBI truck guys are also replacing their CS-130s with AD-244s and only having to change the belt length and a few bolts and washers.
I admire the way you seem to just make stuff work.
I have the caprice bracket and cs144 so I'll be using that
#20
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
The drilling he is referring to is the LH serp. bracket mounting ear-it's a smaller ID since an 8mm bolt goes through it to thread into the stock alternator. So at least this mounting ear would require drilling out larger.
With a 1-piece bracket, you have in effect, 4 points of contact-2 at the bracket and 2 from alt. to bracket-this provides a LOT of rigidity.
With a 1-piece bracket, you have in effect, 4 points of contact-2 at the bracket and 2 from alt. to bracket-this provides a LOT of rigidity.
#21
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
But then, I guess you could use the optional CS140 TBI truck bracket since it must be setup a bit more stout albeit harder to find. But then, you won't get a mounting provision for the upper hose guide tho-its like somebody needs to cast the best of both style into one serp. bracket lol
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,040
Received 394 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
The drilling he is referring to is the LH serp. bracket mounting ear-it's a smaller ID since an 8mm bolt goes through it to thread into the stock alternator. So at least this mounting ear would require drilling out larger.
With a 1-piece bracket, you have in effect, 4 points of contact-2 at the bracket and 2 from alt. to bracket-this provides a LOT of rigidity.
With a 1-piece bracket, you have in effect, 4 points of contact-2 at the bracket and 2 from alt. to bracket-this provides a LOT of rigidity.
The alternator mounts on the OEM bracket with a 3 point setup and I used the rear brace bar although I feel it is really not needed. The alternator mount is very rigid even without the brace.
My mentality to make things work by thinking outside the box has lead to many different setups and engine swaps. I had a TPI setup on my G20 van using a newer serpentine setup from a newer TBI Van. Also swapped a 5.7 Hemi into my 4.7 Ram using a drive by cable throttle body and reprogramming the 4.7s PCM to run the Hemi. Its also how the Mercruiser big block 4 cylinder 3.7 aka 1/2 460 in my boat ended up with GM TBI running it.
Last edited by Fast355; 06-25-2014 at 11:17 AM.
#23
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Ahh...a sleeve OK that explains it....I was curious about that one. Hmm....multiple options it appears....that's the nice thing about GM....they always try to save a buck making parts mostly interchangeable....gotta love it!
#24
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Here's some pics of my CS144 bracket adapter installed-it is a snug fit but it all lines up with a 140A 1994-97 Impala SS parts store alternator. This is an unfinished bare bracket w/hardware. After installing it, I have come to the conclusion that this 11ga bracket kit may not require a rear brace as I initially thought. It is very stout and zero flexing. The stock length belt will work but I would suggest a 1.5" longer one to give more travel on the tensioner.
I am using 8mm and 10mm 10.9 grade metric bolts and same grade flanged nuts. You can retain your original torx bolts or use the supplied ones in this kit. Again, I plan to prime and paint the bracket and spacer. Since every GM serpentine brackets may have slight tolerances, I am also including 10mm washers to adjust alternator on bracket adapter to 100% dial in pulley alignment.
So, I am offering these for sale at $89 per kit, painted and with all hardware. Let me know what you think! PM with interest or questions. Thanks! Btw, the pics are underhood shots of a GM serpentine setup on my 86 K-10 shortbox.
I am using 8mm and 10mm 10.9 grade metric bolts and same grade flanged nuts. You can retain your original torx bolts or use the supplied ones in this kit. Again, I plan to prime and paint the bracket and spacer. Since every GM serpentine brackets may have slight tolerances, I am also including 10mm washers to adjust alternator on bracket adapter to 100% dial in pulley alignment.
So, I am offering these for sale at $89 per kit, painted and with all hardware. Let me know what you think! PM with interest or questions. Thanks! Btw, the pics are underhood shots of a GM serpentine setup on my 86 K-10 shortbox.
thank you.
#25
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Des Moines IA
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 89 forrmula
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
If you have paypal that works for me. Shipping anywhere in the U.S. is normally $6-8 Priority Mail so figure $96 shipped. PM me for paypal info!
#26
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: High plains of NM
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: L98
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
I'm kind of partial to the DR44 serries after I made one into an alternator welder. The abuse that alt will take is very impressive.
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: GA
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1977 caprice
Engine: Sbc 406
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: Ss impala rearend
Re: 140A bolt-on alternator UPGRADE!
Here's some pics of my CS144 bracket adapter installed-it is a snug fit but it all lines up with a 140A 1994-97 Impala SS parts store alternator. This is an unfinished bare bracket w/hardware. After installing it, I have come to the conclusion that this 11ga bracket kit may not require a rear brace as I initially thought. It is very stout and zero flexing. The stock length belt will work but I would suggest a 1.5" longer one to give more travel on the tensioner.
I am using 8mm and 10mm 10.9 grade metric bolts and same grade flanged nuts. You can retain your original torx bolts or use the supplied ones in this kit. Again, I plan to prime and paint the bracket and spacer. Since every GM serpentine brackets may have slight tolerances, I am also including 10mm washers to adjust alternator on bracket adapter to 100% dial in pulley alignment.
So, I am offering these for sale at $89 per kit, painted and with all hardware. Let me know what you think! PM with interest or questions. Thanks! Btw, the pics are underhood shots of a GM serpentine setup on my 86 K-10 shortbox.
I am using 8mm and 10mm 10.9 grade metric bolts and same grade flanged nuts. You can retain your original torx bolts or use the supplied ones in this kit. Again, I plan to prime and paint the bracket and spacer. Since every GM serpentine brackets may have slight tolerances, I am also including 10mm washers to adjust alternator on bracket adapter to 100% dial in pulley alignment.
So, I am offering these for sale at $89 per kit, painted and with all hardware. Let me know what you think! PM with interest or questions. Thanks! Btw, the pics are underhood shots of a GM serpentine setup on my 86 K-10 shortbox.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post