steya wrote:

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Hi,

Just in the process of upgrading my alternator. Looking to purchase something around the 140 amp mark.

Have you guys had any experience with the 140 amp 12SI alternators? A few people I have spoken to recommend the 140 amp CS144's for my application.

Anyone know the dimensions of the CS144's? People are telling me that the 12SI ones will not handle the power output and the heat??

Looking at purchasing either the Powermaster or Tuff Stuff alternators. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks in advance.

Steve.

 

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The question is a little confusing. Are you saying the wiring of a 12SI won't handle the CS output? Heat? If that's what you mean, then yes, I'd say for sure the output wire will need to be bigger. Maybe even the sensing wire. And the ground will need to be perfect.  But if you are already using a 12SI, then you're off the external regulator setup, and the wiring is almost there. 

Apparently the bolt in dimensions and pulley centering are pretty much the same between the CS and SI regardless .The CS144 has the biggest body. It's just the clocking that you'll need to get right, along with the plug configuration, wiring and possibly a resistance wire you'll need to add if you plan on using an idiot light. Not sure on that?

I'm totally green on this, but I think it can be done with little trouble. I plan on going with a CS130 on my BB project. So my ears really perked up at your post. I was on line today looking around about it.

I think any Carquest or NAPA part would be fine. You just need the part number that will work as far as the plug and clocking. And obviously a new alternator plug, Carquest will have it.

From what I've read, you also might look at a new battery at the same time, as apparently the CS will not tolerate a bad battery in any form.

Experts please chime in...

Cheers, Mark

steya wrote:

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I'm actually in Northern Australia. The alternator is for a 68 Pontiac Parisienne (Australian delivered) with a Chevy 350 small block in it. Yeah Mark, the old alternator is a 12SI 60amp. I'm in the process of restoring the car with major upgrades including the wiring looms.What's the advantage of going to a CS130 rather than a CS144? There seems to be more alternators available in the 12 SI range than anything else over here. Power master and Tuff stuff are brands that we can purchase, but I was just wondering if anyone has good or bad reviews on them. Thanks.

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I will try to bump this;  hope you get an answer

Dale @ NOS 

I'd think a new rebuilt 12SI would be fine, so long as you're not running electric fans, big stereo, etc. The only disadvantage I know of with the 12SI, is it has trouble with output at low RPM's. I have on on my 67, and it needs around 1000RPM to come to life. The CS series provides better output down low. As far as I know, the CS130 is by far the most common size, and is physically smaller than the 144.