Alternator for 90 C4

[NitroNutt]

Has anyone upgraded thier stock 105 amp alt. to higher amperage alt.?
If so, how's it working out?
Thinking about rebuilding mine and upping the amperage with this kit?
Any sugestions?

 

[Hib Halverson]

What have you done to the car's electrical system which has increased power demand such that you need an upgrade?

 

[Dustoff529]

I recently rebuilt mine with prts supplied by an auto electric place in lawrenceville , ga.... Parts cost $35 and < 2 hrs of my time.....
Charlie

 

[NitroNutt]

What have you done to the car's electrical system which has increased power demand such that you need an upgrade?

Hey Hib. Not adding anything. Alternator went out and wondering if I should go back with same alt or rebuild with higher amperage. Have heard some bad things about 1990 alt. Just thinking if a higher amperage would help electrical system. Should I leave at 105 amps?

 

[Hib Halverson]

If you're alternator lasted 18 years, I'd say that those "bad things" you've heard about 1990 alternators aren't much to worry about.

I'd replace it with a reman from NAPA or similar quality brand of autoparts and not worry about modifying it for higher ouptut.

 

[NitroNutt]

If you're alternator lasted 18 years, I'd say that those "bad things" you've heard about 1990 alternators aren't much to worry about.

I'd replace it with a reman from NAPA or similar quality brand of autoparts and not worry about modifying it for higher ouptut.

Thanks. Going to rebuild mine with original specs

 

[NitroNutt]

Thanks. Going to rebuild mine with original specs

I keep forgetting that this car is that old. It's show room condition but parts can deteriorate sitting still.

 

[NitroNutt]

Had Kragens test alt. Test failed. Alt. was original TS. Replaced it. Everything AOK

 

[geekinavette]

I did an upgrade on my '84 from the stock SI12 (90-something amp I think, maybe right at 100) to a 140 amp CS144...mainly because when that large 16" cooling fan turns on it pulls enough current to bog the engine down (sometimes), and I want to increase the cooling, which means more current.

I would agree with Hib though...if there's no real need for increased current output, just rebuild the stocker (or replace with a rebuilt) and leave it.

BTW Hib, your alternator article from a while back came in quite handy!

Bill

 

[Ugolino]

As a past owner of several c4s, I speak from experience in saying that the cs-130 alternator is a piece of junk. On all the c4s I owned, the alternator was the part that failed time and again. On my 86 alone I replaced the alternator five times in eight years, I don't know why it was designed so poorly or why they keep failing. Many people have upgraded to the much more reliable cs-144 alternator of later c4s, just do a forum search and you'll find all kinds of advice about the upgrade.