WTF? Mechanics say higher output alt. doesn't make a difference

[Aftrbrnr]

As I've mentioned before, my car's alt is toasted. Because of this, I see this as an opportunity to get a 3G alt since I've got underdrive pullies and some high-draining electrical accesories. However, after talking to two mechanics, they both say that a higher amp alot won't make a difference in charging, and that they won't fit. I know they probably won't fit the stock bracket, but is it true that a higher amp alt won't alleviate charging problems, or are these guys using the wacky tabacky?

 

[Rerun]

Sh1tacular mechanics you got there fella. Get the 3G, grind the bracket, upgrade your wiring and call it a day. There's tons of posts about this, if it didn't have an advantage people wouldn't be doing it.

Just my .02.

 

[TIMMY2734]

yup....

Your so called "mechanics" are morons.

 

[ratrapp]

yeah you better find some other mechanics.i upgraded to the 3ga and i have underdrive pulleys and at night i can run my lights and heater and still have almost 14 volts.do the upgrade,you won't regret it.

 

[88stangmangt]

seriously....................you have to do a little grindng that is about it.

 

[RacEoHolic330]

seriously....................you have to do a little grindng that is about it.

don't forget to upgrade the stock wiring

 

[87'GTstang]

From a stock standpoint with most vehicles - i'de have to side with the mechanics. There are only two jobs of an alternator - replenish the power used from the battery to start an engine and to maintain vehicle-running power. In most cases like I said, this shouldn't matter. What they probably are not thinking of (and this is why I then disagree) is the fact that for 1) the mustang's charging system was under-engineered to begin with, and 2) they are probably not factoring in the high-draw accessories we all like to add to most cars. However being the vehicle it is anyway, technology big time as well as better engineering (94' and up stangs) has given us a reason to point out ford's miscalculation and this is a popular upgrade because basically, we all know ford ****ed up. Be it a 94' stang or something where the alternator went out, no one really opts for any major upgrade because there is no point - the problem that fox owners had to deal with was fixed. So i'de have to partially side with the mechanics' opinion (with regards to what I posted).

Upgrade away however, these cars needs a lot more juice that the measly 65-75 amps.

 

[jrichker]

Figure this:
Ignition system & computer = 12 amps
Fuel pump = 12 amps
Exterior lights = 15 amps
Fan (heater or A/C) = 15 amps (can run between 5-25 amps depending on setting)
Radio & instruments = 10 amps
Wipers = 10 amps

That's grand total of 74 amps from a 65 amp alternator. Talk about overdrawn at the bank!

Here's websites with pictures of the 3G installation...

See http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/3G_130A_Alternator_Upgrade.htm - all the tech data you could ever want to know
OR
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/alternator.html - excellent pictures of installation

For the right way to do the wiring. Some people will tell you that you can skip the wiring upgrade, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. A fire in the wiring harness is ugly and expensive.

Under no circumstances connect the two 10 gauge black/white wires to the 3G alternator. If the fuse blows in the 4 gauge wire, the two 10 gauge wires will be overloaded to the point of catching fire and burning up the wiring harness.