I posted this in the Chevy forum but haven't gotten a response. Hopefully someone here can help me out?

I'm swapping a CS-130 alternator into a system that previously used an externally regulated alternator so basically I'm starting from scratch with this install and I need some help. I searched here and found this link:
http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs130_sbpage2.htm

Very informative but it left me with a few questions. First, the article mentions a light, resistor, or both on the "L" lead but doesn't give any specs for the light or resistor :confused: The wiring diagram shows them but also fails to list any specs. Then I found this diagram page which confused me even more:
http://www.tunedport.com/newhtml/smallalt.html

What size bulb and/or resistor do I need for the "L" lead or should I just run it to 12V ignition-switched power? It does go to an ignition-switched source correct?


Second, what to do with the "S" lead? From the article above it can be used to sense the system voltage but the article also claims it isn't necessary. What should I do with this sucker... should I run it to the starter solenoid like the alternator output lead, just jump it to the output post, or just leave it disconnected?

Finally, from the article it sounds like the "F" and "P" leads can be left disconnected. Is this correct?

Thanks for any help!!

In the first link on page 6 they say to use anything from a 35 ohm 5 watt resister to a 500 ohm 0.5 watt resistor to check the alternator output, so the resistor value is not critical.

Thanks for the input, I didn't know if the quickie "test" configuration was recommended as the installed configuration or not.

Anyone else have any comments about the resistor and/or the "S" terminal? I'd really like to wire this thing up this weekend.

Originally posted by Eric Ruhl
Thanks for the input, I didn't know if the quickie "test" configuration was recommended as the installed configuration or not.

Anyone else have any comments about the resistor and/or the "S" terminal? I'd really like to wire this thing up this weekend.

Gimmie a minute, I'll get info for ya:D

I forwarded this to my Bro, he was a plant Engineer at a Alt & Starter remanufacturing plant for a few years. He should know:D

I don't know if the 130 and 121 use the same plug (I think they do from looking) but when I put mine in my Toy I just hooked up the brown lead (sorry don't remember the letter) to a switched 12v source (key). BTW, I got that plug from Advance. Then I just hooked the big terminal up to the battery and voila, instant charge. Here's a pic:http://hatchery.gg.utk.edu/people/milan/Alt.jpg

I run a 130csi and I just use a 12 or 24 v light bulb inline with the brown wire to switched ign. I use the small dash lights. There needs to be some resistance to ensure the longevity of the alt. Ign. on and motor off the light lights. ign. on and engine runnig, the light is out and it is charging.

From my brother:


1. The light is for the dash light.
2. S terminal. I believe you leave it alone. It depends on the car.
3. Either this guy is swaping a CS in for a old Ford or Chevy. Tell him to
do niether because the CS sucks.
If its a ford put in a 3G
If its a Chev put in a 94AMP 12SI
Or even better, put in a Bosch
A monkey could install the 12SI or Bosch, but the 3G is similiar to the
CS130

Originally posted by Lame
Tell him to
do niether because the CS sucks.


LOL I've heard that a few times now but of course only AFTER I got the CS :flipoff2: I'll give it a go and if it truely sucks I'll swap in an SI.

Thanks for all the help!! :beer: :beer: :beer:

the 10 and 12si are the true ass suckers, unless you like minimal amperage out then they are great. 12si you can get a factory 94A unit. If you do a lot of winching, you'll kill it. I went thru 2 12si 94A and 3 10si's before I upgraded. They aren't rated for continuous max output thats a peak rating, and if you expect it it will die.
I lied above, I run a csi144, but I believe the wiring is the same. 124A factory. I winch alot in the winter and it lives, so I like it. Don't have the money for a premier.

Originally posted by Eric Ruhl


LOL I've heard that a few times now but of course only AFTER I got the CS :flipoff2: I'll give it a go and if it truely sucks I'll swap in an SI.

Thanks for all the help!! :beer: :beer: :beer:


Keep an eyeball out for a 17SI:D they came in older cop cars and ambulances..Lots of AMPS.... We slapped one on the 7HP test bench, and fully magnatized it almost stalled the motor in the test bench, lol.

Although, when the rear housing on the CS cracks from having the belt a little too tight, look into Bosch Alts, many of 'em have externally adjustable voltage, and usually only the brushes fail... I raped and rebuilt one out of a '86 Mecur Scorpio 105 amp, tough as nails:D