Last weekend, my alternator took a dump on the way home from the track. So, on Tuesday, I had my wife call some Ford dealers. No one had one in stock, but one could have it on Wed morning. So, on Wed, she went to the Ford dealer hoping to get a warranty swap (using the naive blond card.. hehe). Anyway, they said they would need the car, and the blower was a deal killer. So, she bought the new alternator. What a rape... $470!

But, then one of the guys at the dealer told her about a place nearby that might be able to rebuild it. She went there and found out the guy could rebuild it for a lot less. I talked to him on the phone, and decided to let him do it. Donna took the other one back to Ford for a refund.

We picked up the rebuilt alternator this afternoon, and it looks great. Everything is basically new, including the case and a new 8-rib pulley. Out the door price was $270. And everything is working great!

Also, the guy had given my wife some paperwork showing a 200A alternator that would work on our cars. It would need a different regulator connector, and needs to be re-clocked 1/3 turn, but this guy said it would be a simple change. I don't know the exact price for the 200A alternator... all he told her was that it was "expensive". But, if you absolutey need/want a 200A alternator, it seems like you have an option. Check out the attached pdf files.


http://www.2005stang.com/gallery/alb...Alternator.pdf

 

$470 huh? Grab your ankles! I spent a lot of years in the auto industry and most Automotive electrical shops can rebuild and alternator and provide windings that will produce higher output for a lot less than what a stealership will charge.
Sounds like you found the best solution anyways.

 

Not to sound dumb, but why would someone need a 200A alternator? What could we run that would need it?

 

For "real" 1000 watt stereos.

1000W/12V = ~83A @ 100% efficiency. At 70% efficiency it would be well over 100A for the stereo alone.

Just makes you wonder how much power the 1000 shaker really makes.

 

Probably the biggest need would be for a high-powered audio system, but there could be other reasons. Maybe a bigger alternator wouldn't crap out as easy as these stock 130A ones do. Especially for those of us who use the electric water pump and fan to cool down at the track. But maybe not... haha

 

Thanks for sharing the info Don.......

 

I see. So if I ever want to do an over-the-top radio, then I would need one. We all have electric fans, right? So, I wouldn't need one if I just added the e-water pump. Got it, thanks.

 

That is probably the same one that comes on the Crown Vic Police Interceptors. They have a 200A alternator, but they kind of need it with all the radio equipment and lights and crap. Heck, just a lightbar can draw 30-40 amps. Add in a hot day with the A/C cranked up while idling at an accident scene for an hour, headlights, etc...

 

Thanks for the info Don, good stuff.

 

It is the Crown Vic Police Package unit.

 

Thats what I'm sayin...

 

The funny part about all this is that if you knew what the real actual price of that alternator is through WAI, you would all be really ****ed. I have not looked it up yet, but it is not expensive I am sure.

I rebuilt alternators on the side for mostly classic muscle. It is a pretty good field, alot of markup for sure.

 

Can you get them at a good price?

 

I take it you run the vehicle on the high-side of the RPM band often and, do you have underdrive pulleys (alt.)? I dunno, I've heard that road racing Mustangs usually kill theirs because of the time spent at high RPMs on the track. At least your problem is solved and at a decent price. Dealer parts pricing...

 

No road racing for me... just drag racing.

 

Curious as to why they would not honor the warranty just because of the Supercharger. It in noway made the alternator fail. That is some BS. Ask them to prove how the SC made the alternator fail. I would fight that.

Richard

 

I'm sure they would say something about my 8-rib pulley system. It doesn't use a one-way clutch type pulley like the 6-rib stock alternator. Not to mention, my entire electrical system has been modified drastically for many reasons. I don't have the time or patience to fight with dealers over petty stuff. Especially since I would have had to tow the car there, and who knows how long it would have sat there, too. At least they didn't get $470 from me.

 

Ahhh I see

Richard