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Topic: Finally did the 3G swap (Read 2458 times) previous topic - next topic

Finally did the 3G swap

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.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #1 –
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.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #2 –
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
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #3 –
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
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #4 –
Really like mine, had to replace the voltage regulator in my used one, after a few years of use.
Mike

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #5 –
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!

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Thunderbird88;451489
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.....
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.
 

Finally did the 3G swap

Reply #7 –
Quote from: thunderjet302;451519
Yeah that 2G is a little overworked.....

Yeah one 16" radiator fan and one 8" radiator fan was definetly too much for it :)