Upgraded alternator
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Albemarle, NC
Upgraded alternator
What are you guys doing for alternator replacments? Before I go and buy a new ford unit, what are my other choices? (I won't use advance or autozone junk) I dont mind upgrading my battery cables, I just want to get a good upgrade that wont ruin christmas for my family money wise 
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
DC power: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/vaf/produ...404&engine=908
Heard nothing but good things about it. I know Mark is running one.
Heard nothing but good things about it. I know Mark is running one.
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From: Albemarle, NC
Thanks for the link. I'm sure if Mark is using it, he did plenty of homework and is a good unit. However, the price is a little more then I'm comfrotable with right here at christmas.
Wonder about this. I have heard of this company many times over the years, but no first hand experience.
200A High Output F-Series Diesel Truck Alternator
Edit: The 190amp DC power OEM series is the same price and is also a large frame upgrade....hmmmmmmm.....$350 is in the budget....now which one.
Wonder about this. I have heard of this company many times over the years, but no first hand experience.
200A High Output F-Series Diesel Truck Alternator
Edit: The 190amp DC power OEM series is the same price and is also a large frame upgrade....hmmmmmmm.....$350 is in the budget....now which one.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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I know it is not the alternator you are considering, but here is an interesting article on a PA Performance alternator for a Mustang.
FORDMUSCLE webmagazine: PA Performance 6G Alternator. 200-amp Alternator
FORDMUSCLE webmagazine: PA Performance 6G Alternator. 200-amp Alternator
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Lakewood, Ca.
Take a look at this one Scott: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-185-oem.html
Not too much difference from the 190amp unit, other than price: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-190-oem.html
DC's come with a 2 year warranty, compared to 1 year on PA's high output units.
DC uses all new components in theirs...don't know if that's the case with PA.
I know a few guys that have the DC Power alternators on their trucks and I've never heard of a problem.
Not too much difference from the 190amp unit, other than price: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-190-oem.html
DC's come with a 2 year warranty, compared to 1 year on PA's high output units.
DC uses all new components in theirs...don't know if that's the case with PA.
I know a few guys that have the DC Power alternators on their trucks and I've never heard of a problem.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,929
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Take a look at this one Scott: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-185-oem.html
Not too much difference from the 190amp unit, other than price: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-190-oem.html
DC's come with a 2 year warranty, compared to 1 year on PA's high output units.
DC uses all new components in theirs...don't know if that's the case with PA.
I know a few guys that have the DC Power alternators on their trucks and I've never heard of a problem.
Not too much difference from the 190amp unit, other than price: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-190-oem.html
DC's come with a 2 year warranty, compared to 1 year on PA's high output units.
DC uses all new components in theirs...don't know if that's the case with PA.
I know a few guys that have the DC Power alternators on their trucks and I've never heard of a problem.
I have a brand new Advance Auto alternator for my '97 7.3L because the first one I bought from them failed within a year. I just have it in the garage, because I refuse to risk getting stranded somewhere (stranded at the hunting lease would be OK, but my luck I would get stranded at work)!
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
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From: Illinois
I like my dcpower alternator (I have two now - one recently installed on my 7.3L also).
I have a brand new Advance Auto alternator for my '97 7.3L because the first one I bought from them failed within a year. I just have it in the garage, because I refuse to risk getting stranded somewhere (stranded at the hunting lease would be OK, but my luck I would get stranded at work)!
I have a brand new Advance Auto alternator for my '97 7.3L because the first one I bought from them failed within a year. I just have it in the garage, because I refuse to risk getting stranded somewhere (stranded at the hunting lease would be OK, but my luck I would get stranded at work)!
Did you upgrade your cables when installing the DC alternator?
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Fleet Owner
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I upgraded the positive cables - went to 2/0 cable. I have not upgraded the ground cables yet.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Illinois
I've been considering their 250 amp alternator, but didn't wanna screw around with cables. How long do they tend to last?? I'm on the edge of needing a higher output alternator. In the winter I plow, with the added stress I've only been thru 1 alternator and 1 set of batteries. I'll replace them again next year anyway.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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I can't answer how long they last. A lot of folks in the "audiophile" circles brag on them. I am convinced they are well made and a 2 year warranty is fantastic! I also like the "American Made" part.
I had my cables made up while I was in the parking lot at an Interstate Battery store. They were great. NAPA can do the same thing. I can take some pics of the way I routed it if you are interested. It isn't pretty or fancy, but it works.
My intent is to install a 2500 W power inverter and an extra battery. I just haven't had the time or energy.
I had my cables made up while I was in the parking lot at an Interstate Battery store. They were great. NAPA can do the same thing. I can take some pics of the way I routed it if you are interested. It isn't pretty or fancy, but it works.
My intent is to install a 2500 W power inverter and an extra battery. I just haven't had the time or energy.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I can't answer how long they last. A lot of folks in the "audiophile" circles brag on them. I am convinced they are well made and a 2 year warranty is fantastic! I also like the "American Made" part.
I had my cables made up while I was in the parking lot at an Interstate Battery store. They were great. NAPA can do the same thing. I can take some pics of the way I routed it if you are interested. It isn't pretty or fancy, but it works.
My intent is to install a 2500 W power inverter and an extra battery. I just haven't had the time or energy.
I had my cables made up while I was in the parking lot at an Interstate Battery store. They were great. NAPA can do the same thing. I can take some pics of the way I routed it if you are interested. It isn't pretty or fancy, but it works.
My intent is to install a 2500 W power inverter and an extra battery. I just haven't had the time or energy.
Some project you got in mind there, I'd love to see pics. Whenever you get time, pm me some please, no hurry. Thanks for your help.
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Posting Guru
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From: Albemarle, NC
Thanks guys. I found a local guy on CL that is always advertising Motorcraft parts under wholesale, he has offered me a reman motorcraft 140amp (my stock is 110 I think) for $175, no core charge. I may end up going with this. Thoughts?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Albemarle, NC
Take a look at this one Scott: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-185-oem.html
Not too much difference from the 190amp unit, other than price: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-190-oem.html
DC's come with a 2 year warranty, compared to 1 year on PA's high output units.
DC uses all new components in theirs...don't know if that's the case with PA.
I know a few guys that have the DC Power alternators on their trucks and I've never heard of a problem.
Not too much difference from the 190amp unit, other than price: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/8307-190-oem.html
DC's come with a 2 year warranty, compared to 1 year on PA's high output units.
DC uses all new components in theirs...don't know if that's the case with PA.
I know a few guys that have the DC Power alternators on their trucks and I've never heard of a problem.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,424
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From: Albemarle, NC
Mark, did you upgrade all your cables? To the starter and junction block etc or just the alternator wire to the battery?
I'm going to order the DC 185 tonight, hope its a wise choice. I think it will be more then what I need. I dont run a plow or inverter or anything, just a stock XLT with some gauges and 4 hella 500's on the front that are not used often.
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