midnightleadfoot

Hello, Is there a way to tell what rating an alt. in a car has?
I'd assume the full power cars got an higher amp rated one than the non power everything ones.
I'm going to guess (dangerous ) that my 75 salon has a basic gm 68 amp one.. but have no way of knowing, is there tell tale signs?


I'd like to figure it out before I start adding loads to the car.. I'd hope the 43 amp ones were not in use by 75 but I don't know.


I most likely will upgrade to the 80's t/a(85/6 ho) alt that is 96amp unit..
What sized wire should I run from the alt to the battery if the one there (stock) isn't large enough for the higher amp output.


Might never need that many amps. better be safe than sorry, Thinking the stereo and efi & fuel pump will be enough of an extra load to require the higher amp alt.


Also has anyone gone to the newer cs130 or cs144 units?
Thanks..

joe_padavano

If it's original, the amp rating is stamped right on the alternator.



I have a CS130 in my 62 F-85. The CS130 has several different cases, but only one bolts directly to the old 10DN style brackets. Order the CS130 for a 1989-1990 Custom Cruiser with Olds 307. You can get a 105A unit from RockAuto. I'm very happy with it, but be aware that the CS130 requires a ground strap from the rear housing to the block. Factory installations use one of the mounting brackets to provide this ground path, but the older 10DN brackets do not.

The CS144 is too large to fit the 10DN brackets and the case is only designed for a non-adjustable mount for a serpentine belt with spring loaded idler. It's considerably more work to install one of those.

midnightleadfoot

Thank you..