This is topic alternator recommendations in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://californiafords.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=001685
Posted by 89lx (Member # 1703) on :
 
Had an alternator fire last night. Just took out the alt and connector. Glad I got that fire extinguisher for Christmas!!

Anyway, anyone have a suggestion for a replacement alternator. I've seen a 90amp and a 140 amp from Ford and a 140 amp from powermaster. I'd like to move away from the stock 75 amp to help with the charging at idle (under drive pullies).
 
Posted by sic91sleeper (Member # 779) on :
 
opps

[ September 19, 2002, 11:42 AM: Message edited by: sic91sleeper ]
 
Posted by sic91sleeper (Member # 779) on :
 
Get the power master 140 amp withg a optima yellow top battrey and your charging problems will be taken care of.
 
Posted by unfknblvbl89 (Member # 1522) on :
 
off topic:, but what's the difference between the yellow and red top optima.
 
Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
This should answer all your questions:

http://www.racesystems.com/3gproj/index.htm
 
Posted by 89lx (Member # 1703) on :
 
Thanks st5150. Great post. Looks like a great way to go. I'll probably get one from Napa this evening! [worship]
 
Posted by 93PONY (Member # 60) on :
 
PA Performance also sells the 3G w/50amp diods as opose to 45...just a little more insurance. They also sell the wiring kit which comes with 200amp fuse, instructions, etc...also with a lifetime warantee. Mine actually tested 93amps at idle & 182amps under full load.

FYI, they also sell a 95amp alt for $169.
 
Posted by FasterDamnit (Member # 442) on :
 
3G alt. from Autozone, lifetime warranty, $105 + $40 core.

JL
 
Posted by IKE (Member # 435) on :
 
I have to agree with jim Autozone special!! I have had mine on for allmost over a year no prbs yet,,,, I run around a thousand watt system on this to!!!!
 
Posted by LAST302 (Member # 808) on :
 
I bought a powermaster 200 amp for my 95 about a year and a half ago. A couple of weeks ago it took a shit. Called powermaster, they said to send it to them and they would fix it free of charge. I did and I got it back from them in Tennesse in one and a half weeks and it works great. Shit can go wrong with any type of product but as far as customer service I think that was pretty awesome. Other than that it puts out a shit load of power so I like the powermaster. I dont think you need to spend the extra money on a yellow top optima. Red top will be more than suffice.
 
Posted by 93PONY (Member # 60) on :
 
The 3G's at the autoparts stores are re-manufactured. Not necissarily a bad thing, but I've fried 3 of these 3G's.... 150watt stereo, underdrive pullies & hot weather & you could smell them burning. Blew at least one diod in each one. Eventually had a 3G custom built with 50amp diods & no more problems.

However, I've seen pleny autozone specials last just fine....a few other go bad fast, but it happens.

The powermaster alternators are actaully GM units. Ugly mo-fo's...at least compared to the 3G.
 
Posted by LAST302 (Member # 808) on :
 
My powermaster is exactly the same looking as the stock unit. This is for a 95 though so a fox body may be different. I truely think that quality is the issue here though. I do know that Kragen offers autolites with a lifetime direct replacement warranty. That sounds good. If you break it just take it back and they hand you a new one over the counter right there on the spot. I know because I was there last night. Good luck
 
Posted by AZdude (Member # 1532) on :
 
The stock 87-93 is a crap altenator. You should just get the 3G from autozone. I do have to warn you though, My diode went out on mine, from PA and I couldn't wait for shipping so I just bought the one from autozone. Well the autozone one fits but where the connecter sits is to close to the stupid bracket! so you have to cut the bracket a little.
 
Posted by 89lx (Member # 1703) on :
 
Picked up the 3G yesterday. Ground off the needed area. The top bracket arm now hits the top of the alternator. It looks like I would have to grind of most of the upper bolt to get this thing to work. What's going on here!!! [Confused]
 
Posted by IKE (Member # 435) on :
 
Hey man go to Corral.net and go to tech articles and then go to maintenance and they have a article that will walk you hrew it... You do have to grind down your bracket a bit no big deal really!!!!
 
Posted by 89lx (Member # 1703) on :
 
Got the alternator in and wired. It seems to heat up (it's hot before the upper radiator hose is even warm. There's 14.2V at the battery at idle and something smells electrically hot. Wiring seems to be correct (per both articles). Doesn't seem right to me. Any thoughts or is this normal?
 




Fueled by Ford Mustang Owners
on CaliforniaFords.com