My 2006 GT 'vert has 120K miles on the clock with the original alternator. I am not having any problems, but everything I read says the OE alternator is marginal at best. I have also read great things about the PA performance alternator from American Muscle.
I don't have any high wattage accessories like a monster sound system or anything like that. I just have the Shaker 500 system, everything else is as received from the factory.
I am thinking I would be fine with the 130 amp alternator and upgraded power wire. Would there be any reason to go to the 200 amp monster? I can't imagine any. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

My alternator failed a few months ago with no warning signs from the voltmeter gauge or "Check charging system" light. I purchased a Duralast alternator from Autozone, and while the alternator is working properly I occasionally get a "Check charging system" light. From everything I have read the alternators from American Muscle are the best ones to buy. I have also learned that there really isnt a need for 200 amp alternator if you are still running a stock electrical system.

 

As much as I'd like to think that a replacement alternator from an auto parts store or even from a Ford dealer would be sufficient, I'd just go with the PA Performance unit just for the peace-of-mind.

 

Yes there is. Ford put such a little
alternator in the S197 that it will run
100% capacity if you have most of
the electricals on (fan wipers headlights ect).

www.PAPerformance.com

200 amps will give you a little 'headroom'
so the alternator wont ever be working
at 100% capability.
It should last for the life of the vehicle.
It will also be nicer to the battery.

Duracast are DuraCrap.
The internals are just not up to snuff
as a well built alternator.
But if the bucket (battery) is not up
to snuff, a bigger pump (alternator)
will not work as it was designed.

 

Makes good sense to me. For the little difference in price, and the fact I plan to keep this 'Stang until one of us dies, I'll go with the 200 amp monster.

 

i just did the PAPerformance 130 (black and roush SC modified) and power wire..

 

It may be time to start thinking about an alternator. I wouldn't worry about it until it actually goes bad but it may not be a bad idea to know what alternator you'd like to buy, when it does go bad!

The PA Performance is the best Alternator option available in my opinion. The PA Performance Alternator produces 100+ amps at idle (2000 alternator shaft RPM), and 200+ amps at maximum (6000 alternator shaft RPM). , has a manufacturer warranty and is not rebuilt like a lot of alternators you could get! It's also a direct replacement so install is very simple.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions or need some assistance in the near future.

-Dan

 

Any links to the "power wire upgrade"?

 

http://www.americanmuscle.com/powerwire-0509.html

 

Cool, thanks!