ok, here with the '74 Maverick, 250 I6 again. The altenator's dead. Cost is $40 for another one. Questions: 1) Are these internally regulated? aka one wire, or do they have the external regulator? And if external, can they be switched to internal setups? (Please keep in mind, I know almost nothing of Ford. Other than I'm pissed the altenator is on the bottom, instead of the top, but that's neither here nor there) 2) Are there any higher amp altenators out there, that will pop into place of the existing one? I know it's only like 48 amps, and the girl DOES want a stereo system, so I figure it should be up to the task, you know?
If it's stock it's externally regulated. I replaced the alternator in my '70 with a single wire, internally regulated, 80 amp model. I used a (shhh) Delco I bought for about $70 from good old J.C. Whitney. I see where they have Ford replacements now in Summit and some other catalogs. Back when I did mine about eight years ago these weren't availabe. The Ford pulley fit right on. The hole for the long bolt had to be opened up slightly and I had to use a smaller bolt and a washer to go through the adjustable bracket. The voltage output is higher too, makes the dash lights and headlights brighter.
I did the same thing and used a GM 1-wire chrome alternator from Summit...I think it was $100....one of the first upgrades I did....
CometGT1974; what did you do to convert the alternator? This is one mod I have been wanting to do, but don't know what is required. Any help will be appreciated. Earl
well, I removed the stock alternator and the wiring from the alternator to the starter selonoid etc. I was using stock pullies at the time so it didn't take much spacing to get the belts lined up.....I used some different length bolts and tube spacers to get the alignment correct. Shortly thereafter I changed to the underdrive pulley setup, I also changed water pumps so this threw everything out of wack and I had to start over....I ran the one wire from the alternator to the battery side of the selonoid and that's that....the biggest part is getting the belt lined up... I'll see if I can find a picture.....
That answers my question. Just one more...How much alternator can you run without hurting your electrical system? Or, will it put out only what the load will let it make? Thanks for all the help. Earl
The amount of current flow is determined by the load applied. You will just have more current capability in reserve.
alternator Hi, As for your alternator problem, the internal one wire alternator is great if you want to go that route. You'll wind up spending a little more money and may have to make a modification or two when mounting it up. The big question is do you really want to go to that trouble? The most simple and least expensive thing to do would be to just replace it with another standard alternator. You really don't need anything any bigger than stock. You can usually get a stock alternator built up which would put out around 55-60 amps and it would be more than sufficient. Going with a 100 amp alternator w/internal regulator is really overkill in your situation if you want my opinion. Again, this is just my opinion but I did rebuild alternators for an electrical shop for 12 years and I have to say I built a many of these Ford alternators. You should be able to find a local rebuilding shop to cater to you on the amperage you desire...but again, just adding even a high powered stereo doesn't need anything more than 55-60 amps. Of course like "bmcdaniel" said, the alternator is only going to put out what it needs to keep the battery charged. A 100 amp alternator does not charge 100 amps but it is capable of doing so...it's just never needed. To give you an example of your amperage needs, when I was in the business we serviced a lot of ambulances and they ran 70-100 amp alternators...nothing more. I don't think you'll be using as much power as those guys. Good luck, Ray
very true, he probably does not need the 100 amp unit, the first one I used was a GM unit from Napa and the amps were something like 50-60.... Now I am running multiple fuel pumps, electric fan, MSD ingintion, nitrous system,bottle heater.....blah blah blah....so the 100 amp is insurance for me!! IMO, you can't beat the 1 wire setup, the only reason I went to it is because there was a short in my wiring harness that nobody could find....I was told it was due to a bad design by ford!! You can't find a better or cleaner installation as the 1 -wire......they even make them specifically for fords these days, there just a little more expensive then the GM unit....they look better and they're not hard to install.....
I dont mean to change the subject but from the looks of you pic how in the world would you fit a 302 with power brakes ... looks like there would be no clearance what so ever ...BTW nice comet !!
