ok so my alternator is starting to go on my 83 bird LG4. i have the stock 85 amp 12si unit from USA industries. i want to get a 105 amp 12si unit from http://www.alternatorparts.com/alternators_gm.htm

my question is do i need to upgrade the wiring at all (thicker gauge or anything) to install the higher amp alternator or can i just leave the stock wiring???

also if i can maintain the stock wiring, should i go higher than 105 amp?

(keep in mind i have a 200W stereo deck with a 400W amp and 2- 8'' subs and fog lights)

suggestions?

 

For the record, I'd say upgrade your wiring. Doesn't matter if you're using stock alternator or not, the wiring just helps everything flow more efficiently.

Anyway, 105A alternator should be fine for what you're doing. Your stock wiring can handle it as well. But better wiring will allow better flow- the same way you wouldn't choke your engine with a small exhaust. You'll notice your lights won't dim when your bass hits as well.

 

Just thought i'd mention an alternative. The CS-144. I put one into my '82 bird with SBC and v-belts. It was a VERY easy swap, and it's been working peachy ever since. Do a search under my name as the thread starter and "higher output alt" or something along those lines.
I bought it used for $50, and it kicks out 140A. Just had to swap pulleys to use my v-belt one, and add a resistor to the sense line. Oh, and I tweaked the bracket I think. Nothing an angle grinder and some common sense couldn't figure out though.

 

wow awesome response time guys!!! lol.

what gauge wire should i use for the upgrade and should i re-use the old connector or get a new one?

 

I used 4 gauge, I believe stock is 10 or 12 maybe? Get a good quality connector- you can usually get gold plated ones (resists corrosion) for $1 each.

 

4 gauge for everything! damn that's huge. i'll prob. go a little bigger than stock but not that much.

thanks for the help guys

 

Old thread but I just got a cs144 alt and it wouldnt charge. So I searched and realize you have to place a resistor on the smaller gauge wire. I didnt know this and just ran 12v to it,Is the alt toast?

What ohm resistor do I need? Ive read 35-500ohm,does each app have to have a certain ohm?

Im running a carbed 355 sbc.

 

It's not crucial. Try a 50ish ohm one, should work fine. Who knows if it's toast. Try the resistor and see if it works then?

 

Yep,its toast,gonna grab another one. So all I have to do is connect any 12v hot when ign on to the L pin-out on the harness with a resistor in between,or is there a certain wire i need?

So it would be... (12v wire)---(resistor)---(alt harness)...?

The PO had the old 10si alt connected to a thick black wire ran across the intake,but I tested it and it does not have power key on or off..? I diodnt get a chance to see if the old alt was working.

Would THESE resistors work? Or do I need a certain kind?

 

You need a resistor to match the resistance of a small light bulb. Most agree its 470ohms

Install it like in this thread. Its for LSx engines, but the basic pinout is the same. Essentially, if you've got a L terminal wire, it needs a resistor. If you have a F terminal wire it gets 12v IGN (generally shared on the fan relay fuse)
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...aq-thread.html

The 1/4watt resistors will work fine. You can get a 5 pack for about a dollar