I have replaced two alternators in the last 5 months after the stock unit failed in January. Both of the replacements were remanufactured Motorcrafts. At idle with air, lights and radio on and any 4th electrical item i start going into negative charge on my guage. My mechanic confirmed it twice. I do have underdrive pulleys but no other major modifications. No other electrical system mods or issues. Does anyone have a recommendation for a hight output unit? I hear of Powermaster alts but the Steeda sales rep just ripped them. What about PA-performance? Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Chas

 

When you say "Remanufactured Motorcraft" what exactly do you mean? A remanufactured unit from the dealer, or one of those from autozone? I used to work at autozone and I can tell you that most of their alternators are crap. They say motorcraft on the casing, but theyre filled with cheap internal parts. I saw customers bringing them back left and right. My alternator started having problems even while driving, so I got one from the dealer. Funny thing is, they didnt give me a motorcraft part. Theres no name on it but the box says motorcraft all over it. This one has been working fine for me and I have underdrive pulleys.

Did you charge the battery before hooking up the alternators? The battery needs to be charged up before running the new alt.

 

I can tell you one thing about FORD electrical parts, usually you have to go with FORD cause those no namer brands are crap and mustangs are picky about no namer electrical parts. My 95 GT was like that with non oem starters, over 6, then i bought and OEM ford starter and it never happened again. Usually the TPS, IAC or other sensors, I would stick with FORD.

But I did get an autozone alt for my 97 Saleen over a year ago and have had no problems with it, atleast so far. PA alts are great and i plan on getting one when this one craps out or gets more miles on it.

I can see your UDP's taking some power but not that much and usually when you give it gas, it goes back.

 

The UDP's were put on shortly after purchas when new with no problems there until the alt started to fail. The mech i use is very reliable and the alts are motocraft remanufactured, not rebuilt and are supposed to be good units. they were cheaper than oem but not that cheap. Battery was replace with ford oem unit with first alternator replacement.

 

Does PA have a good reputation? When I give it gas, no problem charges fine.

 

Yes, PA has a good rep.

 

Sounds like the same type of alternator I had put on. I dont have any charging problems at idle now but it used to be normal with the old one.

I think PA is a good choice.