Recomend a 1-Wire Alt + More

[Ogre67]

Can someone please recomend me a 1 wire alt? I just dont know which one to get and how much I really need. Im using a autozone cheapy at the moment and would really like to upgrade. I dont need anything serious and would like to stay around 100, pref under.

Questions:

How hard is this project did a search and talked about splicing wires, which I am afraid of doing All electrical stuff scares me. Ghetto rigging does not matter to me either if itll make sure it works fine and I have no chance of messing it up

Was going to buy a new battery as well. I allways hear great things about the optimas and was going to buy one. I know theres a few diff types so opinions on those?

Is this the proper part number for the power cylinder drop bracket (long tube headers) At Jegs part #520-10961

Thanks in advance.
Ogre

 

[69 302/351c]

Check with Summit, I got a Powermaster 100 amp one wire, simple installation. Just let them know it's for a Ford.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

Powermaster is the best alternator in my opinion, but I don't think you'll get a 100 amp unit for $100.00. Installation is simple, just connect the charging wire to the alternator and the other end to the battery terminal...done!

I use the Optima yellow top battery, but I also run alot of electronics. If i had to do it again, I'd save a few bucks and get the red top...about $109.00 at parts stores.

If it comes down to a choice, spend more on the alternator and get a cheaper battery. The battery just starts the car, the alternator keeps it running.

 

[rmrfstar]

Does the Powermaster use the original brackets? Belt?

 

[66P51GT]

Does the Powermaster use the original brackets? Belt?

Yes. Just be sure to get the one for your model year. I've heard that some people have to get longer/shorter belt due to the difference in size of the alternator pulley. I didn't have to change mine.

As far as wiring goes, you can simply tie the unused wires back out of the way. If you want to remove all of the unnecessary wiring, you will have to cut two wires and and shorten another. I did a writeup about a month ago. Haven't heard any feedback yet but it worked for me. Just be sure to study the wiring diagram.

Link to one-wire excess wiring removal writeup.

 

[GypsyR]

There's a simpler alternative unless you are dead set on going with a "1 wire".
86 F150's with the 460 engine came with a 100 amp alternator. This alternator is larger but usually will bolt right on to your existing brackets. There is a difference in wiring, instead of separate wires on the back, this one uses a plastic plug-in on the top. I like to cut the plug-in off the truck's wiring and use it but you can easily use two of the "female spade" type crimp connectors instead. You just need to cut off the "eyelet" type ends off your existing wiring and use the new connector(s). The two tabs are clearly stamped "F" and "A" just like your current alternator. The other wires "B" and ground hook up the same way.
The same alternator is also to be found on 1989 Ford Taurus's with 3.0 engines. A difference is they will come with a "sepentine" type pulley. You can swap on the pulley from your existing alternator and it will work just fine.
If you want a 130amp alternator, they are to be found on 1990 Taurus's with the 3.8 engine. Same alternator, just a higher rating. If you buy one look on the front edge of the casing first. You'll see some numbers stamped into it. The first numbers in the sequence should be "100A" or "130A" and tell you that you are getting the one you are paying for. If you care to look at your current one you should see something like "45A" or "65A".
If you do this swap, it's a very good idea to swap your regulator for an 80's electronic version if you haven't already.
Most people have found this to be a straight bolt-in. But a few have found they needed a longer lower "adjustment bracket" to fit the larger alternator. I've put them on an 82 F150, a 68 Mustang 289, and an 86 5.0 Mustang with no problems.
If you're determined to use a 1-wire you might look into a "3G" from something like a 98 Mustang with the V6 engine. Rated at 130 amps I believe.