fe alternator question

[wrench87]

has any one run a 3g alternator on a ford fe?. i have a 95 amp 3g alternator, a edelbrock waterpump, edelbrock heads, shelby alternator brackets,
the back of the alternator hits the cylinder head where the bearing housing is it is a little raised. i was wondering if anyone has successfully run one?.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by wrench87

has any one run a 3g alternator on a ford fe?. i have a 95 amp 3g alternator, a edelbrock waterpump, edelbrock heads, shelby alternator brackets,
the back of the alternator hits the cylinder head where the bearing housing is it is a little raised. i was wondering if anyone has successfully run one?.

Yes, many times. It's discussed over on the FE forum 332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum at length every year or two. For instance, this: 332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: 3g alternators

[RICK LAKE]

wrench87 Yes have done this change. 1 problem found over time,IF you are running a 60 amp gauge in your dash, it needs to be changed to a volt meter or you could and will have a dash fire from melting insolators on the gauge studs. These insolators will take about 60 amps and a spike to 70 for a short time but with a possiblity of charging in the 70-80amp range on startup they will melt over time. Indy or Pat have an SW gauge without the color in it mine is colored. Simple to hook up. Connect the 2 main 10 gauge wires to each other and have a small 16 gauge wire go to the new gauge. Find a good ground and use the light from orginial gauge in dash. Dropping the dash is the pain. Max fuse of 125amps off the alt output is not a bad idea either. Rick L.

[wrench87]

rick, my car is already wired for the 3 g beacuse i am running it with my small block with efi, i also already have a volt meter. my qustion is more about the alt hitting the cylinder head if i run it low the plug will be inboard i dont know if i can take apart the alternator and clock it?. does any one have pictures of the low mount with a 3g alt.

[RICK LAKE]

wrench87 You can reclock Alt. Just watch out you don't put apart to far and have brushs pop out. If this happens pull apart and reassembly with small piece of wire to hold brushs in holders. Once assemblied remove brushs. Rick L.

[wrench87]

i bought my alternator from pa performance so these are aftermarket units, i think i can surface plane a little off the bearing cup and recut a new spacer or add a washer it still looks like the alighnment wil be fine. if i go to the bottom mount i will have to come up with a new adjusting bracket, i bought my brackets from shelby and there aluminum and i have no way to add to it.

[wrench87]

here is a picture witht he alt installed

[RICK LAKE]

Wrench87 You are not the first guy to install an after market ALT. Mine was a direct bolt on except for the output stud for the battery. I added an extension on it for easier connection. The other issue is,IF you modify this Alt, you MIGHT loose the life time warrantty on the unit? Calling PA first might be a good idea. It sound like a 1/4" is what you need for clearance. Could you add spacers to both other pulleys and clear everything? Just a thought. Good Luck. Rick L.

[wrench87]

rick, i did get a spacer with the professsional products dampner, do they make a spacer for the edelbrock waterpump?.

[RICK LAKE]

wrench87 I made mine from aluminum stock. Used 2, 1/8" pieces. Measure the diameter you need and cut with a round saw to the right diameter. drill out the 5 holes for the rest. 4 bolt holes and 1 center hole. bevel the front edge no the spacer to not touch the inside edge of the pulley. this way you get a true spin on the pulley. Took about 20 minutes with a drill press, and belt grinder to smooth edges. You can use bolts or studs to make this spin true also with torqueing down the bolts or stud nuts. Have spin mine to 6,200 rpms and no problems. Good luck. Rick L. Ps how about a first name with all this free info????

[wrench87]

rick , for information sake i found that weiand makes a spacer kit part number 8230 they show they are available at advanced auto.
thanks for all the information. steve t.