Anyone want to baby spoon-feed me?

[98lincmk7lsc]

I need a new alternator. I'd like to spend less than $200. I don't really have time today to look them up. I've got to go to work in like 10 minutes, so no time to search. If anyone would like to search for me, I would appreciate it. Basically(like everyone), I want the cheapest good one I can get, with a lifetime warranty. Or is Motorcraft the best one to get? I've also got a pretty big sound system, so maybe a higher amp one would be best?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[mespock]

Best place to go is Max at 5 Star Ford... He'll set you up right.

You won't get under $200 unless you pull your Alt and take it in with you. They will run about $300 at most parts stores without the core or about $150 to $180 with the core.

 

[luxuryrules]

If you've got a big stereo, get one of these:
http://www.paperformance.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=57

I know, slightly beyond the budget, but I assure you the quality will be remembered long after the cost is forgotten.

 

[kustomizingkid]

I would bite the bullet and go with a Motorcraft unit from Max...

I have heard to many stories about vatozone rebuilds and the like failing repeatedly...

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

Alright, thanks for the replies. I'm gonna try calling Max today. Right now, I've just taken the one out of the 98 to put in the 97. The 97 is the one that is bad. The stereo system is in the 98, so I'm gonna put the new one in that car.

I don't see how the PA performance one is gonna be worth it. I think I saw that Fastpartsnetwork had it for $160. It's the same 130 amps too.

 

[unity]

Yes, ONLY get a Ford rebuild, nothing else. I can honestly say there is about a 70% failure rate of other. For whatever reason.

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

Can someone with the Cobra alternator tell me exactly what needs to be done to put it in? Max said something about extending the wiring harness, but I looked at a picture of one, and I think it looks like it's in the exact same spot?

 

[topher5150]

If you have the cobra supercharger then you would have to extend the harness so you can put the alternater by the power steering pump but I'm pretty sure a regular cobra alternator woul work fine

 

[kustomizingkid]

You need to do a battery cable and cable end upgrade before you need to upgrade the alternator....

 

[MediumD]

I've run a Duralast from Autozone for 2 years and about 40k miles with no failures or complaints. Considering the fact that it takes about 5 minutes to change it, I don't plan to switch brands. And with the lifetime warranty, I can get a new one whenever, I've already replaced the one on my new Mark, and (don't tell Autozone) used the warranty for my friends 97 as well.

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

So, am I right that the wiring harnesses both plug in at the same physical location?

 

[luxuryrules]

I don't see how the PA performance one is gonna be worth it. I think I saw that Fastpartsnetwork had it for $160. It's the same 130 amps too.

Because you're comparing peak values, which are the same. That is fine if your engine spends most of its time at 5-6k RPMs, but for everyday driving you want something that outputs a little more throughout the whole range.

But, yes, a Cobra one will do the trick too - you're doing the right thing by getting a brand new Motorcraft one. Same location for the harness, to answer your most recent question.

 

[kustomizingkid]

Have you upgraded your factory battery cables?

 

[98lincmk7lsc]

I have not yet upgraded them yet. I will when I get the alternator, though.

 

[ford nut]

So, am I right that the wiring harnesses both plug in at the same physical location?

I didn't have a problem with my 93.
It reached just fine.
One spot were the harness attaches to the motor I took off and the harness reached fine.
BUT the was a 93.
+1 for Max hes the best.
Never had a problem after I put on his ALT.