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Fox Mustang Alternator - Leading The Charge



Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
With the battery connected, amperage checked in at 350 amps on Extreme's Auto Meter battery tester. PA recommends using the large OEM pulley on its 3G alternator, so Saul swapped the two prior to final installation. A smaller underdrive pulley, which reduces the speed that the 3G spins and improves the unit's output at idle, is included with the kit.		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
After disconnecting both of the battery cables that we plan to replace, Saul removes the airbox lid and serpentine belt.		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
With the power-output plug already removed (left), Saul uses a screwdriver tip to gently separate the voltage-regulator plug (right) from the stock alternator. Once these plugs and other wires are disconnected, the alternator is unbolted and taken out.
Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
This bushing in the factory alternator bracket must be knocked forward in order to create enough clearance for the 3G.		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
Because the 3G's case is slightly larger than a stocker's, it's best to mock-fit the new alternator first to determine where the factory mounting bracket needs to be modified.		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
Using a marker...
Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
...Saul traces the area that must be cut away from the bracket...		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
...then grinds it...		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
...to create the necessary amount of space for the new alternator.
Fox Mustang Alternator Comparison
This comparative look at the stock (right) and PA Performance 3G alternators shows how different they really are. The 3G features an internal regulator and two internal cooling fans, as well as sealed bearings, which help make it more efficient than the stock piece. It stays cooler and doesn't work nearly as hard to produce greater amperage.		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
While a small alternator pulley was included with our 3G (pulleys are not always included), PA recommends using the factory wheel if it is larger than the pulley they supplied. The larger pulley slows the alternator's shaft speed to within the 1,600-rpm (idle) and 16,000-rpm (maximum) window that allows it to achieve max power when shaft speed reaches 6,000 rpm.		 Fox Mustang Alternator Installation
As we mentioned earlier, one of the main problems inherent to the factory alternator is the spade-connector setup on the power-output side of its wiring. The 3G unit feeds power through a single terminal, so it may be necessary to modify the stock harness. Saul cuts the black/orange and yellow wires and removes the stock power-output plug. Next he solders ring connectors (included) onto both black/orange wires. The yellow stator-signal wire is then soldered to a separate, white-wired connector.
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