CS144 alternator charge wire question

[Mobius]

I’ve seen that one or more of the wires/cables need to be upgraded when changing from a stock alternator to a higher amp unit like a CS144. Exactly which wires do I need to change/upgrade? Just the one that connects to the back of the alternator? Where does that wire go on a 79 GMC?

 

[Arkansas_V8]

I’ve seen that one or more of the wires/cables need to be upgraded when changing from a stock alternator to a higher amp unit like a CS144. Exactly which wires do I need to change/upgrade? Just the one that connects to the back of the alternator? Where does that wire go on a 79 GMC?

Assume its the same as my 88 Suburban.

1 to the battery, 1 to the junction on the firewall.

If not- it only goes to one of those places.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Or from alternator to starter. Probably how it was on a 79.

I’d go with a 2ga wire for the new charge wire.

 

[Arkansas_V8]

Or from alternator to starter. Probably how it was on a 79.

You are absolutely correct. Didnt think about that. Thanks.

Most I have worked on just switched to the way I explained.

 

[Mobius]

2 gauge from the back of the alternator to the battery? Or to the starter? Does it matter? Also, that seems awfully large, considering the stock wire can’t be more than about 8 AWG. I understand the cables going from the battery to the starter and the frame have to be beefy, but even the Powermaster 150 amp charge wire is 6AWG, iirc.

 

[Arkansas_V8]

2 gauge from the back of the alternator to the battery? Or to the starter? Does it matter? Also, that seems awfully large, considering the stock wire can’t be more than about 8 AWG. I understand the cables going from the battery to the starter and the frame have to be beefy, but even the Powermaster 150 amp charge wire is 6AWG, iirc.

6 will be fine. Trace the wire, and replace it. Or bring it to me, and I will help you.

Thats 6, and its been fine.

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[Arkansas_V8]

2 gauge from the back of the alternator to the battery? Or to the starter? Does it matter? Also, that seems awfully large, considering the stock wire can’t be more than about 8 AWG. I understand the cables going from the battery to the starter and the frame have to be beefy, but even the Powermaster 150 amp charge wire is 6AWG, iirc.

I have like 8 foot of 4 gauge you can use. Just buy the lugs for it.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I have a 175 amp alternator and I just like overkill like that. 2ga is what I run.

Look up wire gauge amp chart and go from there.

 

[Arkansas_V8]

I have a 175 amp alternator and I just like overkill like that. 2ga is what I run.

Look up wire gauge amp chart and go from there.

What are you running, the whole darn tailgate party? Lol

Mine is like 105 amp
Inverter
Winch
Lights
Electric fans
And usuals.

You could damn near run all my stuff at once.

 

[Mobius]

Cool. So the wire that currently runs from the alternator into the harness, and I assume to the starter, isn’t necessary? I can just run a larger one from the alternator to the battery? Or should I leave the one connected to the starter?

 

[Arkansas_V8]

Cool. So the wire that currently runs from the alternator into the harness, and I assume to the starter, isn’t necessary? I can just run a larger one from the alternator to the battery? Or should I leave the one connected to the starter?

Battery to starter, battery to alternator, starter to junction block, alternator to junction block. Those are what are necessary.

 

[Mobius]

I guess I have some looking around to do. I don’t know where thins junction block is.

 

[Arkansas_V8]

I guess I have some looking around to do. I don’t know where thins junction block is.

Be like this on the firewall. Or some iteration of that.

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[Frankenchevy]

What are you running, the whole darn tailgate party? Lol

Mine is like 105 amp
Inverter
Winch
Lights
Electric fans
And usuals.

You could damn near run all my stuff at once.

Not much, but I’ll never run out. Like I said, overkill. I do everything to the umpteenth degree. I have slight OCD.

Nice thing about my alternator is how many amps it makes at idle. That’s where the biggest difference is.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Not sure what year GM went to the firewall junction, but before that it was at the horn relay.

 

[Arkansas_V8]

Not sure what year GM went to the firewall junction, but before that it was at the horn relay.

You could be absolutely right. It has just been so long since I have seen one not upgraded to the later model setup.