Welp (thnx RPM)........
IF it was me,  I would................


Just kidd'in!!!
May this me the first (and best) straight answer you get!
6sally6

With mixed product reviews on the most popular choices, I would be looking at warranty/defect/ return policies to see whose is best. Reviews for warranty issues might be another good search.

Bolted to Floor wrote:

With mixed product reviews on the most popular choices, I would be looking at warranty/defect/ return policies to see whose is best. Reviews for warranty issues might be another good search.

I agree and place of purchase that honors the warranty,
 

For the new folks looking into alternators, 1G alternators were nice upgrades to the generators before them and so they lasted for many model years.  Then Ford came out with a 2G alternator that had under sized wiring that was a fire hazard and so it was quickly replaced by the 3G design which cured these issues.  The 3G alternators lasted many model years before being replaced.  The 3G alternators produce good power at lower RPMs which combined with the reliable design is the reason it is a very popular choice.  The predominately GM 1-wire alternators are only chosen by those that think the wiring simplicity outweighs the inferior load detection capabilities.  Research all of these points yourself and I'm sure you'll also choose a 3G alternator.

Here is list of Ford alternators that will work, they are much cheaper than aftermarket. I used one from the Taurus, needed reclocking and slight mods.
If you are using a 130 amp alt. and you are using other than serpentine belt you will need double v belts, a single will scream like a banshee.

93-96 Taurus 3.0 V-6 (non SHO)
94-96 Mustang 3.8 V-6
94-95 Mustang 5.0
94-96 Thunderbird 3.8 V-6 (non SC)
95-96 Windstar 3.0 V-6 (most are 3.8's)
93-96 E/F series Trucks/Vans 4.9 L6*
96 Sable 3.0 V-6
94-96 Cougar 3.8 V-6

Last edited by Rudi (7/30/2022 7:39 PM)

Rufus68 wrote:

For the new folks looking into alternators, 1G alternators were nice upgrades to the generators before them and so they lasted for many model years.  Then Ford came out with a 2G alternator that had under sized wiring that was a fire hazard and so it was quickly replaced by the 3G design which cured these issues.  The 3G alternators lasted many model years before being replaced.  The 3G alternators produce good power at lower RPMs which combined with the reliable design is the reason it is a very popular choice.  The predominately GM 1-wire alternators are only chosen by those that think the wiring simplicity outweighs the inferior load detection capabilities.  Research all of these points yourself and I'm sure you'll also choose a 3G alternator.

Here's the thing with those GM alternators: they aren't really one wire either.  They are mostly GM's 10SI alternators, which are good, internally regulated units.  To make them one wire they are simply tying the feedback wire to the output post.  The alternator then operates under the mistaken belief that whatever its putting out is a measure of voltage through the system.  They tend to charge fine at low RPM, but if you throw a real load on the system they don't produce enough juice.  They were created for early street rods, where typically there was little to no draw.  Once guys started wanting power windows, etc. in those rods the issues became apparent pretty quick. If you wanted a one wire alternator you could wire any internally regulated alternator like that.  It would have all the same issues as the GM ones, so not sure why anyone would do that.