So on Saturday the 2G alternator in the Thunderbird decided to take a dump (I changed it 12 years ago). Since it died I figured I might as well do the 3G upgrade. I ended up using a 95 amp 3G as it should be plenty as I only plan on adding the load of a subwoofer to the electrical system in the future. If anyone plans on using a 95 amp 3G you can get one from a 92 to 94 Aerostar 3.0 that bolts right in with no bracket modifications. Instead of following the 3G upgrade from here I did it the way PA Performance recomends: sticking the stock voltage regulator plug into the 3G voltage regulator, tpuppies the 2G alternator plug off and connecting the stator wire to the stator on the 3G and connecting the two charge wires to the lug on the back of the 3G alternator, then adding the extra charge wire. The swap is well worth it. With the stock 2G alternator at idle with no accessories it would put out 14 volts. With the headlamps, stereo, and A/C on high the output dropped to 12.7 volts at idle. With the 3G the output at idle with no accessories is 14.4 volts. With the headlamps, stereo, and A/C on high the output is 14.2 volts at idle. Far better. I have no idea why I waited so long to do this swap. Well yes I do. I didn't want to get rid of a perfectly functioning alternator, even if it was a 2G.
I did mine years ago, glad I did....and for the same reasons. I have the 130 amp piece on mine. I also have a 160 amp one wire 3G in the garage. I was going to use it, but decided to stay with what I had. It really is a worth while swap.
Yup same here, my 2g ped out all at once for me. The rectifier must of failed badly because it was fine up until it wouldn't even let me start up my car because it was pretty much shorting out my battery.
This mod really gives you piece of mind.
Btw 12.7 with a load... Yea your 2g was done
I really like that now at night with the A/C, headlamps, and radio on the headlamps and dash lamps stay at the same intensity whether the car is at idle or driving :hick:. 3G FTW
Really like mine, had to replace the voltage regulator in my used one, after a few years of use.
Engine on and no fans on I had 14.4v on my stock system.
Engine on and fans on, I had 10.6 :D
I've already ordered a 200A alternator from PA Performance.
Should do the trick and a whole lot more!
Yeah that 2G is a little overworked.....
Yeah one 16" radiator fan and one 8" radiator fan was definetly too much for it :)