Alternator choice for my 81 malibu wagon

[Ernest Kuk]

I've built a sb 400 for my wagon. I want to upgrade the pulley system to a serpentine set up. I have an entire set up from a 97' vortec 350. My question is can i just splice the wire to the alternator or buy an adapter to fit? Someone told me that the alternator from the 97 engine wouldn't work with the wiring of the wagon, something about a chip inside the newer alternator not being compatible with the wagon. If so, what alternator do i need to buy that will fit the brackets of the 97 and work with the electrical of the wagon. I also have some parts to go the v-belt route but would mean i would need a lot of parts. I'm so close to finishing this project and would like to keep costs down.

 

[pontiacgp]

For a SI to CS alternator Napa has a connector EC80 without resistor if you have a light or EC82 with resistor if you have a gauge. If you want more info..

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/upgrade-to-cs-style-alternator.30335/

 

[Longroof79]

Go with either the CS130 or CS144 alternator. The CS130 puts out approx. 105 amps and the CS144 about 140. You can't go wrong with either one.

Here's the adapter that I used ACDelco PT2145 Professional Inline to Body Pigtail This one has the built-in resistor if you don't have the charge light in your dash.

 

[Ernest Kuk]

Go with either the CS130 or CS144 alternator. The CS130 puts out approx. 105 amps and the CS144 about 140. You can't go wrong with either one.

Here's the adapter that I used ACDelco PT2145 Professional Inline to Body Pigtail This one has the built-in resistor if you don't have the charge light in your dash.

Will the CS130 fit in the same bracket as the delco remy alternator that the bracket came with?

 

[Longroof79]

Will the CS130 fit in the same bracket as the delco remy alternator that the bracket came with?

Yes, it will. Just make sure you have the right size spacer for the lower mounting point. I can take a picture of it to show you what it looks like installed.
Then again, I'm still running a V-belt system and you'll be going to serpentine.

Is this alternator going onto the serpentine setup? If so, then it should be a direct fit.
You might have to clock the alternator in a different position. I guess you won't know until you've acquired it.

I suppose you can order your new alternator for the same type vehicle that your serpentine setup came from. There should be no fitment issues then.