Alternator choice
12-13-2013, 09:59 PM
#1
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location:
Posts: 3,319
Alternator choice
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.
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.
12-14-2013, 10:14 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: TX
Posts: 255
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.
12-14-2013, 10:16 AM
#3
6th Gear Member
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.
12-14-2013, 11:41 AM
#4
Cut & Paste Expert
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 13,322
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.
Last edited by 157dB; 12-14-2013 at 11:43 AM.
12-14-2013, 12:52 PM
#5
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location:
Posts: 3,319
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.
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.
12-17-2013, 09:36 AM
#7
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.
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.
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
12-18-2013, 10:23 AM
#9
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 369
