3G Alternator swap

[Skoobie]

Ok Im in the middle of this swap and Im trying to figure out the wiring. Its not too complicated Im just confused by the white wires /w black stripes. There is one going to each plug (2 plugs) on the stock alternator and only one single wire going to the new alternator. Are these grounds? Do they splice into the green or yellow wires? Any help would be great. Thanks guys!


-Marc

 

[Skoobie]

Well it turns out you can just tie off those extra wires...I think. It runs ok so far. Let it idle to running temp. Lights, stereo, power acc. all seem to be running. The wires its turns out was the least of my problems. The alternator was out of a 2000 GT and was advertised as a direct fit, just need an adapter harness which was included, and a longer upper bolt, washer, nut, etc...well here we go. I fit the lower stock bolt, so far so good. Then I try to rotate the alternator up to line up the upper bolt and it catches on something...turned out to be the main accesory support. One of the ribs on the support was sticking out about 1/2-3/4 in. so I couldnt line up the holes. No problem right? Just grind it down. Well I dont have a grinder...but I do have a drill with some huge ass titanium bits...let work with it. After MULTIPLE slips, nicks, and other abrasions I manage to get it down to a point where I can use a file to smooth out the edges. After I get the upper bolt in I start torquing down everything. While Im tightening the lower bolt I hear a *SNAP*....WTF was that...The arm of the main support that attaches the alternator to the block snapped...F**K! As it turns out since the alternator was thicker I didnt need to tighten it down so much, most of the support was from the upper bolt. Well crap, big mistake # 1. I back out the bolt a little so things line up better...it still seemed to be snug, no play at all even with the broken arm. Then I start to look at the alignment of the pullies...the alternator pully sticks out about 1/4 in. more that the rest of the pullies... what else can go wrong!?!?!?!? Well the upper bolt is tightened ALL the way down so 1/4 is something I have to live with I guess. I thought I would get a wicked squeel from the belt or something but when I started it up everything seemed ok. There was enough side to side play in the other pullies that the alternator being out of line didnt seem to effect things too much but time will tell I guess? The good news is that its charging like Richard Simmons on crack. I blasted the stereo, with the lights on, blinker on, map light on and every thing else I could think of and the alt guage barely moved, nice and steady just above the halfway mark. Next purchase: A FREAKIN GRINDER! Oh yeah one of the 'slips' with the drill put a good sized gouge in my fuel rail...its not leaking but damn does that make me nervous...

 

[time only]

If you need to eyeball a 3 G alternator setup on a fox body Mustang,my car is up in Marysville getting a tranny put in,you are welcome to give the shop a call and see if they will let you in and take a look at my 3 G alternator.

Bill's Custom Auto 360-653 7284




Kin.

 

[Frankenstang65]

Gotta love those "guranteed bolt right in, direct fit, even your arthritic grandma can do it!!!" projects that go strangely off-course. Sounds like you got it mostly figured out at least, may consider doing that swap when my alternator finally starts to go downhill.

And don't feel too bad, I had my share of fox bodied nightmares this week as well. Missed a day of work when my fuel pump died and stranded me waaay down in Chehalis, ouch. Dropping the tank in a gravel driveway in 100 degree heat was fun indeed. Then, my little radiatior drip decided to enlarge itself significantly on the way back home. Oh yeah, and my TPS sensor is freaking out, making my car idle like a harley with a misfire.....wahoo good times!!!!!

Good luck


-Scott

 

[The Factor]

Nice pics wish I could of beem there.

 

[Cue-Ball]

I've done the 3G swap on two fox bodies and was under the impression that the 2000 alternator was not the same and would not fit correctly. I used a Shucks alternator (Autolite) made for a '95 GT in my first swap, and a 160amp unit from Alterstart (i think) and the PAPerformance kit in the second swap. Had no troubles with either of them. I did have to clearance the brackets a bit, but it only took about 15 minutes and that was with a hand file.

 

[89MustangGX]

What happened to the old alternator? If it's decent I may save you the trouble of getting rid of it...

 

[Skoobie]

Theres nothing wrong with the stock alt, I just had charging problems because of the underdrive pullies and a huge stereo. Although I dont want to part with it until I get the new alternator sorted out, just in case I have to revert. As it stand I have to put the stock pully back on the 3G cause the underdrive pully is too fat for the threads, the stupid nut keeps shaking loose. I just ordered a new Alt mounting bracket but its gonna be a little while before I get it. BTW does anyone know where I can pick up a fuel rail cheap? Yeah Scott my TPS is acting up a little too, the idle gets a little TOO rough if it sits too long. I need to get a digital volt guage before I can tinker though. Oh I called Meridian Performance about the rear main seal and he said he could do it for around $110-120. I think I may just save myself the trouble and have them do it, thats a great deal.

-Marc

 

[89MustangGX]

Keep me in mind for the stock alt, no biggie -- I'd just rather avoid guessing games at the junkyard (the $7.50 price isn't bad, just the hassle of finding a good one).

 

[Frankenstang65]

Oh I called Meridian Performance about the rear main seal and he said he could do it for around $110-120. I think I may just save myself the trouble and have them do it, thats a great deal.

Right on, if you do decide to do it then let me know how it goes - assuming you have a good experience with them I'll probably go the same route.

 

[5oh]

That white wire with the black stripe goes to the stator connection in the top of the new alternator. It is the single wire that pugs into the top of the alternator.

 

[Ford289Mustang]

Skoobie, if you are just looking for stock fuel rails I still have mine in my garage in Bremerton.

 

[Skoobie]

Im interested in the rails. As far as "stock" is conserned Im not sure if mine are or not. They came with the car (I've only had it 3 months). How much would you like for them? Fire me a PM