3 wire vs 1 wire alternator? Need some advice

[Nausea]

Seems the rage these days to convert to a 1 wire alt. Since I'm having to 'touch' everything on this build including a new harness, I figured a 1 wire would work fine - until I read this : http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical ... wire.shtml
The jist of the article is simple and makes sense... since the alt is up front and has fat wire to the battery and the volt sensor comes right off that leg, it won't compensate for voltage drop in other areas of the harness fed off smaller (higher resistance) wire.
If you notice on the original harness, it appears the sensor wire comes back from the cab after some significant length (resistance) and thus forces the alt to maintain a more solid voltage at the dash & fuse box (where it actually matters!). Of course, too much voltage on a battery isn't healthy, but neither is an under-voltage condition on accessories/gauges/etc.

Anyway, so I'm thinking of keeping the 3 wire setup. The original alt on a 70 CS is only 65A, right? At some point in the near future, I do plan using electric fans and some other higher amp goodies - for which I'm betting 65A with headlights and w/ac running won't cut the mustard.

Option A : So there's this kit available that is supposed to 'upgrade' it (including stator) to a 105A - and its around $55! (See http://www.alternatorparts.com/ford_alt ... e_kits.htm) Anybody tried that?

Option B : Somebody on ebay is selling what is claimed to be a new higher amp alternator for our trucks - thing is, clearly visible in the pics it has 'Delco-Remy' cast into it!!! So GM made an alt that'll fit our mount? If so, anybody know which model it is? (Yes, appears to have ears in right place)

Option C : Screw it! Use the original one until it smokes, *then* worry about this.

Thanks in advance...

[fmartin_gila1]

I think I would go with your option "C". It also looks like their Alt. is a Serpentine Be.\lt driven item, which means it may or may not turn the same way(think cooling) even if you could just change pulleys. Also looks like it is a direct mount so you would have to make up some kind of adjuster setup. I just used a Delco on mine
Fred

[bluef250]

Been several threads on alternators.

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... alternator

Also search for 1 wire, single wire, etc.

[heep70]

Yes, there has been some great info in prior discussions about alts.

I run a one-wire on my old Ford with dual batts. I like it, it is easy and I never had any issues. I also have a one-wire on my 80 Toyota trail rig.

Alot of folks here like the 3 wire set up.

[Nausea]

That pretty much answers it then. I read the 3G conversion thread before, but I think the best route is keep the 3 wire.
So nobody knows anything about that 105A upgrade kit?

[Thunderfoot]

That pretty much answers it then. I read the 3G conversion thread before, but I think the best route is keep the 3 wire.
So nobody knows anything about that 105A upgrade kit?

I have the 105 upgraded alternator on my 68 Mustang and it works great. I have electric water pump and fan on it... I bought one off of ebay that was already done and polished for it as a blemish on the polish for like around $65 + shipping...
For my 69 Bump I'm going to do the 3G alternator on it, only because I already got the alternator... After seeing the amount of rotating mass in it I would go the 6G rout next time, it has like 25% less rotating mass.

[fitzwell]

Got a 3G on the 46, will install one on the 68 when i get the time.
One wire alternators are great for forklifts & tractors......and not much else.
alt off 97-98 mustang v6 will bolt in place of the 1g unit...some machining of the back of the pulley may be needed to get the alignment correct.

[Nausea]

Thanks for your replies, folks!

[wt4speed#2]

Got a 3G on the 46, will install one on the 68 when i get the time.
One wire alternators are great for forklifts & tractors......and not much else.
alt off 97-98 mustang v6 will bolt in place of the 1g unit...some machining of the back of the pulley may be needed to get the alignment correct.

Yea fitz did mine and it works great far as we can tell . I had it pretty much figured out with the 3-g upgrade info he came over and finished it up for some research he was doing, but i don't think he change or waviered from the original plan much. but better ask him for sure.