How To: High Output AD244 Alternator for ~$80

[B_Rich]

Here is a little write up/explanation on how to swap your stock CS130D alternator for an AD244 alternator off of most of the full size trucks.

For those of you that NEED a bigger alternator, weather it be because of off-road accessories (winches, lights, etc) or because you need the extra amperage due to a bigger sound system, you would probably upgrade to an aftermarket alternator to meet your needs. Well, unless you are paying $300+ for a built alternator with a good stator and regulator put in, you will loose voltage at idle when you purchase the upgraded one. This is where most people have their concern, especially you off-road guys.

For example, when you put a 160 amp stator in a stock CS130D (4.3L) case, you will get the 160 amps, but only at about 1000 engine RPM's. Our 4.3L's idle at ~550-600, so the output is a lot less, voltage and amperage. I've found that my "built" CS130D only put out 45 amps and 12.8v at idle, when I needed a LOT more than that to keep my lights from dimming at idle.

So, our goal here is to get output (amperage and voltage) at idle as well as our required output at speeds greater than idle. With the AD244, you can have the best of both worlds.

*You can pick up a used AD244 alternator from your local junkyard for ~$40-$50, depending on mileage/condition*

The AD244 alternator came off of several full size pickups, from different years. There were two versions of the alternator made, a 130A version and a 145A version. You can call your local junkyard/salvage yard and ask them what it came off of, how many miles are on it, and what version it is (130A or 145A). Here is a link to everything you need to know (including what vehicles it came off of) about the AD244 (thank juddspaintballs for the link)

http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2419-21DR

*The AD244 alternator will bolt right up to the stock alternator bracket on the 4.3L with NO modifications to the bracket. The only thing that is different is that you won't be using the 3rd bolt that is on the backside of the alternator. The CS130D has this, but the AD244 doesn't. You won't have any troubles with the bolt not being there.*

*The AD244 uses the same wire harness as the CS130D. It is a plug-and-play application.*

Now, I know what you guys are thinking..... "well dude, I need wayy more than 145 amps." That's what I was thinking too when I was doing this mod. I've got a decent sized sound system in the truck and some aftermarket fog lights on my safari bar, so I needed the extra amperage.

Bench tests have proven this alternator to put out 200+ amps at idle when cold. Yes, that's right, at idle.

When the alternator is warm it will easily put out 100 amps at idle,which is way better than the CS130D which is only capable of producing ~40 amps at idle.

It is a slightly underrated alternator (you audio guru's out there know what the term 'underrated' means and how it compares to the quality of a product). I can crank my system to the max and have no voltage issues with it when I'm at idle. I'll maintain a 14v and my lights don't dim.

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Now that you have the alternator, you'll be needing a longer belt. I can't say how long of a belt you'll be needing, but the stock one won't work. If you DO get the stock belt to work (some have) I STRONGLY don't recommend it. It will put a bigger strain on the bearings in the alternator and can cause premature failure. It's worth the extra $35 for a new belt.

*You will need a belt that is 1"-1.5" longer than stock. For some reason, the lengths of belts changed from year to year (even 98+) so you'll have to do a little bit of math and figure it out on your own *

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I also highly recommend doing the "Big 3" upgrade when doing the AD244 mod. Stock wiring CAN take the 200+amps that the AD244 puts out, but if you are having problems with it, then it is probably the wiring.

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Here are some pictures of my AD244 in action:

Output at idle with just my headlights on:




Output at IDLE with my system cranked to the max:




Output at IDLE with all accessories on (all 4 headlights [quad beam mod], a/c on MAX with fans at #3, fog lights, and my system cranked to the max:






13.96 can be lower than most would like to be.... but a stock CS130D would be gasping for air if I was treating it like that.

So, if I had things my way, every s10/blazer would have an AD244 as their alternator, even if they have a stock electrical system.

[Speedy2222]

any idefa if this will work on 1st gens? i know they bolt in different locations but i have no idea, havnt looked into even swapping between 4.3s

[B_Rich]

Yes it will. I got this information from neo71665 in this thread, post #45:

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f27/fo...nators-365674/

I haven't done it myself, but from what neo is saying, it will.

[Speedy2222]

hot damn!!!! this is exactly what my 91 blazer needs :-D especially with a winch and (hopefully) a shit ton of lights

[01cherryreds10]

Thank you very much for making this a sticky! I always suggest this alternator to people looking for a higher amperage one. I'd love to get one but just too many winter projects and too (two) many jobs! haha.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by 01cherryreds10

Thank you very much for making this a sticky! I always suggest this alternator to people looking for a higher amperage one. I'd love to get one but just too many winter projects and too (two) many jobs! haha.

Thank orangesonoma, he's the one that stickied it. I just re-wrote things in a better format

[01cherryreds10]

Ah that bastard has heard enough of my gratitude toward what he does on this forum

THANK YOU BRIAN

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by 01cherryreds10

THANK YOU BRIAN

Welcome

lol no I'm kidding (my name is Brian as well.... see: sig underneath avatar )

[jshelton441]

You said this fits the 4.3L V6, is the alternator for the 2.2L different or will it bolt right up as well?

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by jshelton441

You said this fits the 4.3L V6, is the alternator for the 2.2L different or will it bolt right up as well?

We are waiting on a reply for this answer. I can't tell you for sure. Ancona is thinking about trying the alternator out here soon. I'm sure he'll post some feedback if/when he does try it.

Sorry I don't have an answer for you.

[jshelton441]

Well, I guess a simple way to just cross check part numbers would be at a local auto parts computer, at least we could know if the I4 and V6 alternator part numbers are the same... I can take pics of mine if you think it will help.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by jshelton441

Well, I guess a simple way to just cross check part numbers would be at a local auto parts computer, at least we could know if the I4 and V6 alternator part numbers are the same... I can take pics of mine if you think it will help.

It's up to you. If the part numbers are the same, then the alternator bracket is the same obviously. I've heard that there are clearance issues when upgrading to the AD244 on the 2.2's, but not 100% sure. Like I said, I don't own one, so I don't know for sure.

If you'd like, jshelton441, you could do a little bit of research and post it back in this forum. The more info we have on this swap, the better.

[juddspaintballs]

I cannot confirm nor deny if they'll fit the 2.2, but here's the description of the 2.2 alternator off a 2001, and then the same off a 4.3 from 2001.
http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...=1-2175-31DR-1

http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2398-11DR

from what i can tell, they are the same casing but with the plug location at a different position. so maybe the ad244 would actually fit...
http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2419-21DR

[raven2510]

i also did this mod. got the alt from a group buy on Zr2USA.com
great mod...my lights no longer dim while idling.

[jshelton441]

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

I cannot confirm nor deny if they'll fit the 2.2, but here's the description of the 2.2 alternator off a 2001, and then the same off a 4.3 from 2001.
http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...=1-2175-31DR-1

http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2398-11DR

from what i can tell, they are the same casing but with the plug location at a different position. so maybe the ad244 would actually fit...
http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2419-21DR

Yeah you can physically see it in relation to the bolt pattern of the case, its probably just the plug location being an issue. Once I get my freakin title to my truck, I am doing this upgrade and we will know for sure.

[ancona]

i haven't had any time to track down a ALT for my 2.2 but i am thinking about trying it when i get time

[nigel]

would you happen to know which models and model years had the 145 amp AD244 in them? I wouldn't mind doing this upgrade but was looking at getting a new alternator but need the model and year for the local store to find the alt.

thanks.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by nigel

would you happen to know which models and model years had the 145 amp AD244 in them? I wouldn't mind doing this upgrade but was looking at getting a new alternator but need the model and year for the local store to find the alt.

thanks.

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

I cannot confirm nor deny if they'll fit the 2.2, but here's the description of the 2.2 alternator off a 2001, and then the same off a 4.3 from 2001.
http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...=1-2175-31DR-1

http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2398-11DR

from what i can tell, they are the same casing but with the plug location at a different position. so maybe the ad244 would actually fit...
http://www.wai-wetherill.com/product...um=1-2419-21DR

edit: that link was also in the OP

[Forklift]

great info, now I just need to figure out how to up the voltage on my "cop car" alt on my LT1

[Jadesmarine]

On the alt. since you have to get a diff belt bc of the pulley sizes. cant you just change the pullies from one to the other? will this work by taking the stock pulley off and putting it on the ad244 and use the same belt?

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jadesmarine

On the alt. since you have to get a diff belt bc of the pulley sizes. cant you just change the pullies from one to the other? will this work by taking the stock pulley off and putting it on the ad244 and use the same belt?

No it won't, the actual case of the AD244 is bigger than the CS130D, so the alternator pulley is about 1 to 2" further away from the crank pulley than your stock alternator. The smaller pulley size won't make up for this difference.

Plus, I believe that the pulley sizes are the same on both the AD244 and the CS130D (I wanna say they're both 53mm, but I could be off a couple millimeters).

[supasoulja]

will this work on a 95 vortec 4.3? i noticed the alternator on mine has one stud on the back the the wires go to as opposed to a plug at the 12 o'clock position

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by supasoulja

will this work on a 95 vortec 4.3? i noticed the alternator on mine has one stud on the back the the wires go to as opposed to a plug at the 12 o'clock position

I'm not sure what you mean by the "plug being at the 12 o clock" but yes, the alternator will work.

[supasoulja]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

I'm not sure what you mean by the "plug being at the 12 o clock" but yes, the alternator will work.

i looked up some alternators out of escalades on ebay and it has a plug on top and mine has a post in the back
EDIT: scratch that, i was looking at the wrong one

[juddspaintballs]

The clock position of the plug on the stock cs130 alternator is at 1:00. The clock position of the plug on the ad244 alternator is at 12:00. It's not that big of a deal because you have more than enough slack in that wire to move it sideways a 1/4"...

[ancona]

i noticed on ebay i seen the cs130 for a camaro puts out 145 amps? im guessing this would bolt right up to the s-10 right?

[Gearstix]

I might try to find one and see if I can get it to fit on my 94 2.2...
I would like the 145 amp one.. heck if I can find two I'll run two.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by ancona

i noticed on ebay i seen the cs130 for a camaro puts out 145 amps? im guessing this would bolt right up to the s-10 right?

Um.... don't get another CS130D..... get the AD244..... that's what this whole write up is about..... how sucky the CS130D is, and how awesome the AD244 is

My guess is the output at idle on that 145A CS130D is ~40 amps and 12.8v, just a guess though.

You have no reason NOT to upgrade to the AD244.... the amperage is the same at full tilt, but the output is WAY better at idle on the AD244.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gearstix

I might try to find one and see if I can get it to fit on my 94 2.2...
I would like the 145 amp one.. heck if I can find two I'll run two.

If you could give us an update in this thread on what you find out, I'd be highly appreciated

[ancona]

the whole thing is i dont know if the ad244 will fit on my 98 2.2....and the junk yards around here only let you return something if it is defective

[juddspaintballs]

But Autozone does let you return stuff :-)

Buy, try it on for size, clean it up, and return whether or not it fits. If it fits, then go to the junk yard and pick one up. Or wait on someone else to try it. Rebuilt cs130 alternators aren't going to produce great amperage at idle and will lose effectiveness at speed once they heat up since they are a smaller case and can't shed heat as quickly.

[ChrisInVT]

Someone needs to get this working on a 60*V6

[Jadesmarine]

so i just scored an alt off ebay for 40 bucks shipped hehe i hope this works!

[Gearstix]

What vehicles did they come off? I need year, engine size, model etc.
If I can find one cheap, I may try it. Might give me motivation to pick up some of my audio gear.. or get a job..

Does anybody know if theres any plugs or anything on the AD244, and if there same as the 2.2s... or what? I've never swapped an alternator yet..

[neo71665]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChrisInVT

Someone needs to get this working on a 60*V6

Gonna work on it some more once it warms up and I have more time.

[Jadesmarine]

I just got this alternator off of ebay for 40 bucks. it works great. its the 130 amp ad244 from 2002 tahoe.



The thing was as easy as they get to install no modding it at all.
*o yea my truck is a 2002 and the belt I used that fit perfect with the same tention as the stock one had is the goodyear gatorback belt part #4060960

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gearstix

What vehicles did they come off? I need year, engine size, model etc.
If I can find one cheap, I may try it. Might give me motivation to pick up some of my audio gear.. or get a job..

Does anybody know if theres any plugs or anything on the AD244, and if there same as the 2.2s... or what? I've never swapped an alternator yet..

Read the original post, or even some of the previous posts, and you'll answer your own question.

I'm not trying to be a dick here, but don't expect us to help you if you haven't even read the thread.

[Jadesmarine]

my truck -4.3,auto,2002 s10
donor truck-5.3,auto, 2002 tahoe
parts needed
-goodyear gatorback belt part #4060960

[ancona]

i just replaced my bad cs130d on my 98 2.2. i can tell you for sure that this wont fit because the cs130d just barely fits and its stock, there isnt room for anything bigger

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by ancona

i just replaced my bad cs130d on my 98 2.2. i can tell you for sure that this wont fit because the cs130d just barely fits and its stock, there isnt room for anything bigger

Alright, thanks for the feedback ancona, good to know.

Sorry it didn't work out for ya

[ancona]

i never tried it .but i know for sure it wont work the stock one only fits by a hair in fact i had put in one of the bolts before i lined it up and it wouldnt fit i had to un-bolt it to slide it in

[Gearstix]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Read the original post, or even some of the previous posts, and you'll answer your own question.

I'm not trying to be a dick here, but don't expect us to help you if you haven't even read the thread.

I did read the thread, but all I got out of it was various fullsize years, and all I got was the 130amp ones..

Anyways, I missed the last few posts..

What if you made a bracket for it to fit on the 2.2?

[juddspaintballs]

You can get that alternator off of these vehicles:
Used On:
(2005-03) AM General Hummer 6.0L
(2005-04) Buick Rainier 5.3L
(2004-02) Cadillac Escalade 5.3L, 6.0L
(2005-99) Chevrolet, GMC Pickup, SUV, Van 4.3L, 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.5L, 6.6L, 8.1L
(2005-03) Isuzu Ascender 5.3L
(2005) Saab 9-7X 5.3L

They all say they are a 130 amp alternator according to the manuals, but if you pick one up, most of them say they are 145 amp models instead. No one is going to complain about the extra amperage.

[neo71665]

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

You can get that alternator off of these vehicles:
Used On:
(2005-03) AM General Hummer 6.0L
(2005-04) Buick Rainier 5.3L
(2004-02) Cadillac Escalade 5.3L, 6.0L
(2005-99) Chevrolet, GMC Pickup, SUV, Van 4.3L, 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.5L, 6.6L, 8.1L
(2005-03) Isuzu Ascender 5.3L
(2005) Saab 9-7X 5.3L

They all say they are a 130 amp alternator according to the manuals, but if you pick one up, most of them say they are 145 amp models instead. No one is going to complain about the extra amperage.

Just saying from personal experience but 90% of the time the ones I have seen on the hummers and suburbans are 145 amps and the rest are 130. I'm sure the rest came with them also but thats just from my dealings.

[B_Rich]

It will say "145A" or "130A" right on it. It's engraved in the case.

[Jadesmarine]

mine off a 02 tahoe is a 130amp but doesnt say it

[ChrisInVT]

I'm going to see if my local junkyard has any of the above trucks and get one. I'm going to MAKE IT FIT on my Lumina

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jadesmarine

mine off a 02 tahoe is a 130amp but doesnt say it

Look closely, it should be there.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChrisInVT

I'm going to see if my local junkyard has any of the above trucks and get one. I'm going to MAKE IT FIT on my Lumina

[Jadesmarine]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Look closely, it should be there.

where bc i dont see anything at all on it. no markings no stamps or nothing lol