The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

After owning my 140 for 26 years I feel it’s time to upgrade to an alternator. I’ve done some reading and am leaving towards the “Barnstormers aviation” which is the Cessna 150 style alternator. Any other advice? The plane power kit looks a little more pricey.

Plane Power is pricy but easy install. I did it last year.

I did the Plane Power as well with Tim Mix up in Mulino, Oregon. He did an incredible job and also swapped fuses to circuit breakers (a bigger job). The Plane Power install is very seamless and requires only moderate effort. The others are more involved (especially the fiddly B&C voltage regulator wiring and install). I'm very happy with the Plane Power (going on 15 months since install) and the difference it made is dramatic.

Plane power has grown exponentially in price, but if it's at all like the unit I installed 8 years ago, I've been beyond pleased! Installation was straight forward. There is a trick to the wiring of the regulator, contact me if you do it.

V529 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:37 pm Plane power has grown exponentially in price, but if it's at all like the unit I installed 8 years ago, I've been beyond pleased! Installation was straight forward. There is a trick to the wiring of the regulator, contact me if you do it.

Agree with that! I paid $1,095 back in 2021, and after a quick check with someone like Aircraft Spruce the unit is up to $1,897.00 + your old generator($200 core charge if it's rebuildable).

Fred Lago has an STC (STC SA800NE) to utilize the Ford type alternator and mounting that was utilized on the 0-200 installed Cessna 150. I would be curious if that installation is as good, better, or worst than the unit provided by Plane Power Hartzell.

Last contact I had for Fred is:

BARNSTORMERS AVIATION
911 Sportsman Neck Road, Queenstown, MD. 21658
Tel: 410-827-7896, E-mail train@intercom.net

6183 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 9:56 am I would be curious if that installation is as good, better, or worst than the unit provided by Plane Power Hartzell.

I have that alternator in my plane. It charges at idle and can handle that million candle power retracting landing light. As good? Better? certainly no worse.

I expect it's a little heavier than the plane power option, just because it's older technology. But, if you can find a 150 alternator, it's easy and probably a lot less than $1900.00.

I also bet it's lighter than the generator it replaces.

I haven't spoken with Fred since I sold my business back in 2009, but he was always a pleasure to deal with, and his price was very reasonable.

6643 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 12:49 pm

6183 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 9:56 am I would be curious if that installation is as good, better, or worst than the unit provided by Plane Power Hartzell.

I have that alternator in my plane. It charges at idle and can handle that million candle power retracting landing light. As good? Better? certainly no worse.

I expect it's a little heavier than the plane power option, just because it's older technology. But, if you can find a 150 alternator, it's easy and probably a lot less than $1900.00.

I also bet it's lighter than the generator it replaces.

I haven't spoken with Fred since I sold my business back in 2009, but he was always a pleasure to deal with, and his price was very reasonable.

Good Afternoon John,

I have agree with you on that price and weight, the older unit that was used on the 0-200 is probably a lot more economical to purchase than the Plane Power unit, and no doubt it is heavier.

Last time I talked to Fred was at the convention in Peach Tree City, GA several years ago.