What type of alternator should I use?

[tmann166]

I am going to replace my alternator in the next week and would like to get some other opinions on what kind of alternator I should buy. I do not have a winch or any thing electrical in the vehicle other than the engine related items. May add a winch in the future and possible a set of H4 headlights. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks
Tyler

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

Tyler,
If you want you can give me a call at 1-888-214-7774 and I can give you some of the possible units I have for you.

 

[Duke Nukem]

If you're going to replace your alternator my recommendation would be a 3G. There are several reasons for this:

1. With the right housing they are a bolt on replacement for the stock unit with no special brackets or modifications required
2. They are plentiful in wrecking yards and were used on lots of different Fords so you can usually get your hands on a used one fairly cheap
3. The 3G offers twice the amperage of a stock alternator, which you will definately need to run H4 headlamps and a winch
4. Has an internal voltage regulator which simplifies your wiring and allows you to discard some of the old rats nest wiring under the hood
5. With only one wire it is clean and easy to hook up
6. Can be used with either a V-belt or Serpentine setup
7. Lots of guys around here have done the conversion and can answer any specific questions you might have

 

[Mark]

Here's what I did...easy and I couldn't be happier

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40332

 

[Broncobowsher]

Off road lights, fuel injection with 2 pumps, computer controlled transmission, winch, twin wiper motors, heated mirrors, the list goes on.

I run all this off a single red top Optima and a stock 60 Amp alternator. Best part is my stock ampmeter still works. It will charge at idle even at night with everything (except the winch) going.

 

[Mark]

maybe... but you Arizona guys don't need a heater going full blast on a 10 degree day either while running other accessories.
That would show the slug that the stock alternator really is.

 

[Gator809]

Get a 1G alternator for a 78 T Bird/460 with power EVERYTHING. It will have 100 amps. While you are there, get a new voltage regulator for the 78 T Bird, it is a solid state one. It will look just like the old one on your truck, it will just be 1/2 as thick in the body. While it is not required, your stock one will work fine, it's not a bad idea to replace a possible 30+ year old part.

These will bolt and wire up EXACTLY as stock, and for a fairly reasonable cost, you have a part that is easily found in any parts house across the nation.

Later

Hank

 

[Miley]

I went with a Leece Neville that is rated at 145 amps at only 1200 engine rpm. Granted, I went this route because of the low rpms of my diesel engine. I had a 3g on my 5.0 engine but was suprised to find out that it never truley put out 130 amps. I had it bench tested and it only put out 95 at 4500 engine rpm.

At 2200 engine rpm it only put out 50 amps. Interesting huh?

Miley

 

[Duke Nukem]

I went with a Leece Neville that is rated at 145 amps at only 1200 engine rpm. Granted, I went this route because of the low rpms of my diesel engine. I had a 3g on my 5.0 engine but was suprised to find out that it never truley put out 130 amps. I had it bench tested and it only put out 95 at 4500 engine rpm.

At 2200 engine rpm it only put out 50 amps. Interesting huh?

Miley

That's because there are two different versions of the 3G alternator. There is a 130 amp version and a 95 amp version. You obviously had the latter. When picking out a 3G you've got to be sure to get the right one. There are also two different styles of housing. But once you know what you're looking for its not hard to spot the right version.

 

[76rustomatic]

How about from a 78 Mark V with a 460 ?

 

[SaddleUp]

I run a 135 amp. 3G for a 94 Mustang in mine. Quite a few of us here run this setup and can dig up a wiring diagram for it if that is what you decide to use.

 

[Gator809]

How about from a 78 Mark V with a 460 ?

Yes it will work. If you are getting it used, just have it tested to make sure it's OK, and what it's output is. The 60 amp G1 was also used on the large cars of the day.

Later

Hank