Belts or serpentine

[69Shakar]

While building 428 I decided good time to upgrade charging system I have picked up a good motorcraft 3g alternator but it’s recommended to use either 2 groove v-belt pulley or go with serpentine...I have power steering Eaton pump what are guys using?

[RustyCrankshaft]

What size 3g? I swapped a 90 amp onto one of my pickups and then later a 130. The output was fine with one belt. The high output will squeal for a couple seconds on startup if the battery is a little low but is otherwise ok. It may slip the belt a little but it's not enough to see it in belt condition. Been like that with the high output 3g for probably 4 years now. It's just a truck so I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on serp set up and I haven't gotten around to finding all the truck pulleys to put a double groove on the alt.

[69Shakar]

It’s a 130 amp alternator, it’s been a headache trying to find pulleys ... one business offers a steel 2 groove and the 3 groove crank pulley is aluminum would be nice if one could find all matching pulleys from someone......

[cattleFEeder]

Maybe these guys can help, https://www.cvfracing.com/ford/ford-fe-engine-390-427-428/

[jayb]

You don't need to go to a full serpentine setup, you can just go with one of those 10 rib belt setups.  I buy March 10 rib pulleys for a big block Chev, drill the mounting holes out a little and they will bolt onto an FE damper.  The 10 rib alternator pulleys are also available, they always come with the Powermaster 3G alternators.  Then just find a 10 rib belt to fit.  It is a good idea to either go 10 rib or dual v-belts, otherwise you will get a lot of belt squealing with the single v-belt setup.

[CV355]

Maybe these guys can help, https://www.cvfracing.com/ford/ford-fe-engine-390-427-428/

This is the kit I bought- very clean, no more worries about belt slippage or ejection.

[Jim Comet]

I am running a Tuff Stuff 140 amp 1 wire alternator. I have a 6 inch crank pulley and a 3-3/16 march alternator pulley that runs a single V belt. I have experienced no squealing even with my 6700rpm shifts. Maybe I am just lucky or --- can't hear it with the open headers! I have been outside the car when my son is driving and cannot hear any belt noise. Jim

[Thumperbird]

445 stroker with single v belt.
Mine squeals at startup for a second or two, very annoying, worth a fix if you find something you like.

[Falcon67]

I run a single groove belt pulley alternator on my dragster - 5.40s @ 125 1/8 mile, shifted at 6800.  Single belt should be no issue in your application.  I run a 6 rib on the door car because I have the parts. 

You can swap - usually - stock older pulleys onto the 3G units as the shaft is the same diameter.  You may have to either lightly machine the front of the case or add a couple of thin shims for the pulley to clear the case.  The pulleys have a bit less "stick out" from the bearing. 

[447 Stroker]

I mocked up my CVF serpentine the other week (waiting on heads) and absolutely love it. It was a little steep price wise, but as of now I'm happy I went in that direction. The picture is not the best.

[amdscooter]

^^^ Damn that does look nice.

I had to put a double v-belt pulley on my alternator, car came with AC and power steering stock so I already had double on the water pump. The flex fan was just too much resistance for a single and the belt would squeal like a banshee when I got on the gas. Wonder if the single v-belt from these guys would do any better. The power steering and AC are long gone. Looks great and the tensioner looks really handy.