Author Topic: one wire alternator recommendation  (Read 1619 times)

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ron bidstrup

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one wire alternator recommendation
« on: June 08, 2023, 06:36:20 PM »
Recently purchased a car set up for a one wire alternator. looking for recommendations. thanks  ron

GerryP

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2023, 08:25:20 PM »
I recommend you ditch the one wire alternator and go with a Ford G3 conversion.

AlanCasida

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2023, 09:05:07 PM »
X2 on the Ford G3 conversion. OEM unit is rated at 140 amps and is available at any parts house.

Stangman

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2023, 10:17:06 PM »
Funny I was just on Jegs looking at a 140 amp alternator 1 wire from tuff stuff. What is the benefit of the G3 conversion and what does it entail

Rory428

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2023, 10:26:53 PM »
Funny I was just on Jegs looking at a 140 amp alternator 1 wire from tuff stuff. What is the benefit of the G3 conversion and what does it entail
With the 3G, your factory dash warning light will still function properly, and it will start charging at idle, without needing to rev the engine up, to make it "kick in". Not to mention it looks like a Ford part, not a Chevy.
1978 Fairmont,FE 427 with 428 crank, 4 speed Jerico best of 9.972@132.54MPH 1.29 60 foot
1985 Mustang HB 331 SB Ford, 4 speed Jerico, best of 10.29@128 MPH 1.40 60 foot.
1974 F350 race car hauler 390 NP435 4 speed
1959 Ford Meteor 2 dr sedan. 428 Cobra Jet, 4 speed Toploader. 12.54@ 108 MPH

AlanCasida

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2023, 07:50:39 AM »
Funny I was just on Jegs looking at a 140 amp alternator 1 wire from tuff stuff. What is the benefit of the G3 conversion and what does it entail
I made the switch because I run a couple of drag-n-drive events and with an aftermarket 1 wire alternator I felt the need to carry a spare one with me since most parts stores do not carry them.  When I wrote "parts houses" I meant the local O'reilly's, Auto Zone etc...

Tommy-T

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2023, 09:49:32 AM »
Funny I was just on Jegs looking at a 140 amp alternator 1 wire from tuff stuff. What is the benefit of the G3 conversion and what does it entail

This subject comes up quite a bit and has as much controversy as spark plugs or engine oil.
I ran the Powermaster 12SI 100 amp GM 1 wire alternator on a couple of different cars. Part #8002. Fits on the stock bracket with minimal modification. You do have to blip the throttle to make it work. No problems ever.
I only run a voltmeter so the dash light means little to me.
On my Comet I have a Powermaster 1 wire 3G. It's listed in their catalog especially for FE Ford applications. I've never had someone at a car show or the drags tell me I have a Chevy-look'n alternator on my car. Maybe they whisper about it behind my back or maybe they can't tell because I use a low mount alternator bracket.
There are folks who don't like Powermaster products for whatever reason. I personally have never had one of their products fail.

Stangman

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2023, 10:26:03 AM »
All valid reasons. I don’t know why actually never looked into it but my alternator like doesn’t work. The alternator that I’m looking at is actually a Ford alternator identical to the one I have. I have seen the GM ones and have heard that they are a little deeper and some people complain that the BAT stud practically touches the cylinder head. I think the best reason is the easy availability. Although you can just put the old alternator in and plug in the regulator.

Urgefor

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #8 on: June 09, 2023, 09:34:44 PM »
I converted my '66 Galaxie (390 high mount alternator) to the 3G not long ago.  Upgraded the stator and rectifier to bump it to 240 amp output and converted to serpentine belt as well.  You can keep the original pulleys if you want, but I didn't think a single V-belt would handle the stress if the alternator was under a heavy load.  Motortrend had an excellent write up about this conversion back in 2019.  https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/install-high-output-ford-3g-alternator-older-fords  Please ignore the rats nest of wiring.  I'm currently in the middle of switching to an electric fan for the radiator which led me into the alternator upgrade.   ;D

philminotti

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #9 on: June 10, 2023, 09:08:21 AM »
I've had a one wire from PA Performance in my Cobra... I've replaced it twice in 8 years for heat related failure.  Cobras tend to have pretty high under hood temps, but that's kinda lame.  Definitely not using that particular unit on my new build.

Falcon67

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2023, 01:52:30 PM »
All the race cars I've run with exception of the dragster use a regular junkyard Ford small case Gen 3 with 3 wire hookup.  No issues.  I have a spare new in box I bought at a swap meet for $25.  The rest were $45.

turbohunter

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2023, 06:51:27 AM »
Here’s a list of cars with 3G alts that I have used for many years in case you go yard diving. I’m sure there are more but this’ll get ya started.
130G Alternators:
94-96 Mustang 3.8 V-6
94-95 Mustang 5.0
94-96 Thunderbird 3.8 V-6 (non SC)
95-96 Windstar 3.0 V-6 (most are 3.8's)
93-96 E/F series Trucks/Vans 4.9 L6*
96 Sable 3.0 V-6
94-96 Cougar 3.8 V-6
Marc
'61 F100 292Y
'66 Mustang Injected 428
'66 Q code Country Squire wagon


Nightmist66

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #12 on: June 21, 2023, 11:15:06 PM »
I have used two 1 wire alts. from Powermaster. ZERO issues with either. Started with a 100A and upgraded to a 150A just cuz. The "rev it up to turn on" is not the inconvenience it's made out to be. I mounted in the low position because the rear bearing will nearly touch the cylinder head and it gives a cleaner look. Oh, and there is a terminal to connect the factory warning light in the cluster if you want.

« Last Edit: June 21, 2023, 11:21:17 PM by Nightmist66 »
Jared



66 Fairlane GT 390 - .035" Over 390, Wide Ratio Top Loader, 9" w/spool, 4.86

machoneman

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #13 on: June 22, 2023, 08:02:06 AM »
Did you order the unit with the v-belt pulley installed or you need to swap one on? 
Bob Maag

GerryP

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Re: one wire alternator recommendation
« Reply #14 on: June 22, 2023, 09:01:54 AM »
Did you order the unit with the v-belt pulley installed or you need to swap one on?

If you're referring to the 3G, you swap over the serpentine pulley with the V-belt pulley.  Very easy.  Just remove the nut, and swap over the pulley.  There are no 3G with a V-belt pulley that I am aware of.