• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Alternator....130 or 200 amp

  • Thread starter Thread starter Methodical
  • Start date Start date Jul 18, 2005

Methodical

15 Year Member
Dec 1, 2003
1,192
11
59
Clinton, MD
Jul 18, 2005
#1
  • Jul 18, 2005
  • #1
My alternator just died. Need help deciding on which alternator to get.

1. Which alternator amperage should I get the stock 130 amp or upgrade to 200 amp or something in between? and Why?

2. If upgrade above stock 130 amp who makes a stock replacement alternator. I hate spending top dollars then having to modify to fit and void any warranties.

3. What would be the benefit of upgrading?

Thanks. Peace
 

95WhiteVenom

Founding Member
Oct 27, 2002
624
0
16
Alabama
Jul 18, 2005
#2
  • Jul 18, 2005
  • #2
I thought about the same thing. Mine just died but funds require me to get my stock one rebuilt.
If you want something top quality. PA-performance makes a 200 but you have to get a power wire upgrade kit for it to handle the added power. You can also get the alternator in chrome or several other powder coated colors. For pricing go to their website PA-Performance.com
 

LoudToy958

Member
Mar 30, 2005
435
0
16
Bremerton, WA
Jul 18, 2005
#3
  • Jul 18, 2005
  • #3
I suggest the same company. I went with the 130, which after speaking to the tech is really about 20amps better than the factory unit from idle on up. I had the provisions for a 200amp, but its a lot of money for something I won't utilize. The pa units require no Mods, and are a direct fit. Most mods are needed on fox cars when doing a 3G upgrade. Our cars have a 3G unit already. No mods.......

If you have a huge stereo, or a lot of external accessories that are power hungry, a 200 amp might not be a bad idea. You DO HAVE TO run the upgrade kit, or there WILL BE a fire or some nice smoke. Seen it a few times in the past. This is with the 200amp unit

Good luck, keep us posted on your decision.........


EDIT: An alternate would be a alterstart unit. They make 160amp units that are pretty nice. I see them selling on ebay all the time. I had one in my old 95Gt, and had no problems with it at all. RC had a chrome one he had some issues with, but most people seem to like them. Lifetime warranty, very reasonable price too........
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Jul 18, 2005
#4
  • Jul 18, 2005
  • #4
As Shane and Chris know, I have an Alterstart 170 amp unit in my '88. Nice unit if you ask me. It has an advertised 75 amps at idle. 135 bucks.

Good luck.
 
M

mackey

Active Member
Jan 25, 2003
1,284
1
38
Beverly, Massachusetts
Jul 18, 2005
#5
  • Jul 18, 2005
  • #5
Autozone 130amp Duralast brand. Lifetime warranty.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Jul 18, 2005
#6
  • Jul 18, 2005
  • #6
Since I just went through this, I can tell ya that the alternator that Mackey notes above was well liked in terms of how it held up. But it is 185 bucks here. Just FYI (other options were more appealing, but part of that was not having to eat a core since I had a 2G - which was in 3 pieces).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Resolved Electrical Help Please
  • Alabama
  • Jan 22, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
266
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 22, 2026
AeroCoupe
S
Preparation for Holley Terminator X install – Foxbody 306 (electrical fan, alternator, MSD Ignition, etc)
  • So_Flo
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 4, 2026
General karthief
Electrical Inaccessible starter solenoid from wire tuck, what are my options for an alternator upgrade?
  • AnthonyA1234
  • Jan 16, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
17
Views
987
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 8, 2025
Mindseye007
E
Alternative IACs?
  • Ethereal_Zer0
  • May 23, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
557
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 7, 2025
CAMTWO1070
Run a 5 channel or use head unit and mono amp for sub?
  • 2000xp8
  • Sep 20, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Sep 23, 2024
2000xp8
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?