Upping the Alternator Output ...
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Senior User
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From: Outside Providence, RI
Upping the Alternator Output ...
I'm looking at putting a mega cooling fan (electric) on my 1996 F150 and I want some thing that "just bolts up" in the place of the current one.
mralternator.com
Advertises ones that range in output from 133 to 200 amps.
Anybody deal with them / try their stuff / have recommendations on other vendors or alternative part numbers to use?
Do higher output units tend to come with any better quality / survive wear and tear better?
Like: If you only need a 133, but put in a 200, would you have any reason to expect the bearings / other parts would last longer because the alternator was operating far from capacity?
mralternator.com
Advertises ones that range in output from 133 to 200 amps.
Anybody deal with them / try their stuff / have recommendations on other vendors or alternative part numbers to use?
Do higher output units tend to come with any better quality / survive wear and tear better?
Like: If you only need a 133, but put in a 200, would you have any reason to expect the bearings / other parts would last longer because the alternator was operating far from capacity?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Ryan (aka Fireguy50) at RJM offers high output 3G alternators and accessories at a reasonable price: RJM Technologies High Power Alternators
I see no reason why a 200 AMP alternator would last any longer than the 130 AMP models from a given manufacturer. It's usually the electronics side that is "beefed up" not the mechanical portion. If your power needs are always 130+ AMPs, meaning 100% duty cycle, then it would behoove you to look for something with more rated output. Running anything at 100% of it's rated output will shorten it's life considerably.
I see no reason why a 200 AMP alternator would last any longer than the 130 AMP models from a given manufacturer. It's usually the electronics side that is "beefed up" not the mechanical portion. If your power needs are always 130+ AMPs, meaning 100% duty cycle, then it would behoove you to look for something with more rated output. Running anything at 100% of it's rated output will shorten it's life considerably.
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Senior User
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From: Outside Providence, RI
So 3G is generic, an under driven alternator? Only made by Ford? A higher output introduced by Fords for the Mustang? I'm confused about the difference between 2G and 3G.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
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From: Kentucky
Ford replaced the inefficient (and fire prone) 2G alternators with the 3G version around 1991. The 3G is used in many different Ford vehicles including you '96 F-150. It's a good alternator to swap to for older vehicles. As noted in the information at RJM Technologies there are versions available with a higher output.
Is it necessary for your Mega fan conversion? Hard to say without knowing what the current draw is on it as well as what other devices you may have installed and their current draw.
Is it necessary for your Mega fan conversion? Hard to say without knowing what the current draw is on it as well as what other devices you may have installed and their current draw.
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Senior User
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From: Outside Providence, RI
The other thing I'm looking at is supporting an even more radical AC setup, not running a compressor off of the engine:
"Keeping your cool" challenge ...
That would be another 20 to 40 amps. I don't have that sorted out just yet!
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,052
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From: Jacksonville FL
Ive had my 200 amp alternator for about a year now with no problems.
Got it from
romeo electrical items - Get great deals on 3G alternator, eBay Motors items on eBay.com!
Mine puts out more at idle than my stocker did max.
Got it from
romeo electrical items - Get great deals on 3G alternator, eBay Motors items on eBay.com!
Mine puts out more at idle than my stocker did max.
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Senior User
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From: Outside Providence, RI
The other option I considered was sort of a special one. If I dump my decrepit FS10 in favor of a electric compressor of some sort, I might like to run a 2nd alternator in the position previously occupied by the AC compressor.<br /><br />Is there any bracket kit I can buy that would help with that?
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Posting Guru
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From: Perry Georgia
I"m running a 1987 F250 Diesel. I changed my alternator from the original 75 amp 2G to the 130 amp 3G that came off a 1993 Ford Taurus. Works fine and cost less than $50.00.
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From: Outside Providence, RI
[quote=86F150302;8894771]Ive had my 200 amp alternator for about a year now with no problems.
87-93 Ford Mustang 3G Alternator Upgrade Kit 200 AMP 79
Would this do me? Which of the other parts of the kit can / can't I use?
87-93 Ford Mustang 3G Alternator Upgrade Kit 200 AMP 79
Would this do me? Which of the other parts of the kit can / can't I use?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Not sure if the mustang and F-150 alternator brackets are the same but would assume they would be since the mustangs had 302's just like the trucks of the same vintage. You should be fine with that 200 amp kit. You may just want to email the seller to make sure the kit would be ok... They may make a F-150 upgrade kit. The cables could be shorter or longer depending on where the mustang battery was placed.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Jacksonville FL
[quote=lasitter;8896538]
Yes. You also might need a goodyear gatorback belt.
I didnt use his wiring though. I did mine myself.
Ive had my 200 amp alternator for about a year now with no problems.
87-93 Ford Mustang 3G Alternator Upgrade Kit 200 AMP 79
Would this do me? Which of the other parts of the kit can / can't I use?
87-93 Ford Mustang 3G Alternator Upgrade Kit 200 AMP 79
Would this do me? Which of the other parts of the kit can / can't I use?
I didnt use his wiring though. I did mine myself.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 40
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From: Tennessee
Pretty sure this is mentioned on Ryan's site, but you will never get the full 200 amps with a 6 rib serp belt. It will only be able to put out around 180 amps max with a 6 rib belt. Why pay for 200 amps if you'll never get it? Just saying.
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