Need Alternator Upgrade?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2007
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Need Alternator Upgrade?
Have a 90 Ford F-250 Plow truck, that needs some kind of upgrade so I can plow snow without draining the battery down. I don't know what the current alternator amp rating is, but it's a stock alternator. Under normal use, NOT plowing, all is well, but most of the plowing is done at idle speeds, where the voltage output of the alternator is minimal. Raising the plow really sucks the life out of the battery. The engine has died more on me a couple of times from the battery voltage dropping too far, leaving me stranded in a driveway. I've learned to put the tranny in neutral and reving the engine to get the voltage up, before raising the plow, but that's a pain....... and forget about plowing in the dark with the lights or the heater on!
What would be a simple, cost effective upgrade? Just a new altenator? If so, how big, and will it put out enough volts at idle speed, or do I need a special pulley size on it? Thanks, Tom
What would be a simple, cost effective upgrade? Just a new altenator? If so, how big, and will it put out enough volts at idle speed, or do I need a special pulley size on it? Thanks, Tom
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Formerly Nawlins
Get the 3G alternator from a 94 -95 Mustang. Your stock alternator is probably a 75 AMP model that puts out around 40 AMPs at idle. The 3G is a 130 AMP alternator that out about 70 AMPs at idle. There are instuctions on the upgrade here http://soderblom.net/bronco/tech/alt/body.html and here http://fordfuelinjection.com/index.php?p=75 . The fordfuelinjection site also sells the wiring harness parts.
I have not done this yet, but will when I convert my mechanical fan to the Tuarus Electric Fan.
I have not done this yet, but will when I convert my mechanical fan to the Tuarus Electric Fan.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 50
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I just posted a similar problem today in this forum. Where do you find these 200amp alt.? And are they a direct replacement or are mod's required? Oh and one more ?, are the 130A's sufficient or is it worth the extra $$ for the 200A? sorry about intruding or your thread.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
check out www.fordfuelinjection.com. he carries the proper alt/wireing harness and fuse block all setup. good luck
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 395
Likes: 11
PA Performance sells alternators and wiring kits. I purchased the 95amp model with the wiring kit that just consists of a new larger wire that goes from the alternator to the starter solenoid that has a big fuse hoder and fuse. Could have easily made that myself for half the price. The 95 amp model was the biggest model that would fit my 87 without trimming and grinding stuff. It has worked great for me. Amp gauge never moves now, used to easily be able to kill it with my stereo.
http://www.pa-performance.com/store.asp
http://www.pa-performance.com/store.asp
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