2001 Mustang Convertible -- Second Attempt

**PaulF** · 05-24-2009, 11:20 PM

Good luck with those debts. The alternator is the last thing I'm looking to do in my install also. Right now, if I play my music loud for an extended period of time, I just use a battery charger when I get home. I have an 85 AH battery which pretty much takes care of power when my alternator can't handle the draw. The issue is, it doesn't get recharged when I have the volume turned up, so I just charge it at home.

**Jitters333** · 05-25-2009, 02:32 AM

Originally Posted by PaulF

If you haven't bought the alternator yet, http://powerbastards.com apparently has some pretty good alternators. I haven't tried them out personally, but I'm planning on buying one...

yeah no doubt there nice but it looks like hes in a bit of a money jam, i believe this will fit his ride and thats a very good price

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Musta...#ht_1335wt_758

**PaulF** · 05-25-2009, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jitters333

yeah no doubt there nice but it looks like hes in a bit of a money jam, i believe this will fit his ride and thats a very good price

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Musta...#ht_1335wt_758

The problem (usually) with a recoiled alternator like that is:
1. they don't last very long
2. they only reach their specified output at high RPMs and may actually have a lower output at 1000-2000 RPMs than the sock alternator did.

I'd say don't waste money and wait until you can afford a good one.

**colin** · 05-25-2009, 05:19 PM

Yeah that's what I've heard too. I won't buy an alternator off eBay because they put out lower at idle RPMs, which I can not live with. I switch gears at 2,000RPM and at 120km/h I'm only at 2500RPM in 5th. An alternator has to be pretty powerful to give me full power.

**Efess** · 06-06-2009, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by PaulF

If you haven't bought the alternator yet, http://powerbastards.com apparently has some pretty good alternators. I haven't tried them out personally, but I'm planning on buying one...

Beware of power bastards. Not sure if you bought one or not yet, but I'll offer my 2 cents so people don't get scammed like I did.

I bought an alternator from them a few weeks ago since mine died and I needed more amps for my system.

First of all the alternator the guy shipped me didn't have the correct mounting on the bottom (they advertise one OR two mount points, they shipped me the single) - and it was too big in general to fit, not to mention the pulley wouldn't align correctly with the serpentine belt.

I wanted my money back, but the seller refused even though it was never installed. He even went as far as saying its an easy install and they installed it in a similar model. All I had to do was use "spacers". Right.

Knowing that I wasn't getting my money back, I ended up grinding down some of the mounting brackets in my car, and grinding down the mounting on the alternator in order for it to somewhat fit (using various spacers, and hacking it together)

After finally getting it somewhat aligned, it was still 2mm off from the rest of the pulleys in my car, I started my engine, and the damn thing started making sounds and burnt up... Now I have a $300 paperweight.

What i'm going to end up doing is having a local guy who specializes in Alternators and starters hook me up with an Alternator that outputs more than the OEM from the parts stores. He said that the Alternator from Powerbastards couldn't possible output 220 amps knowing their size. He sounds like he knows what he's talking about.

-Joe

**colin** · 06-06-2009, 07:54 PM

Oh, crap.

Well, good to know before I spent the money! The front right tire makes a weird noise whenever I turn the wheel far for a wide turn. I'm thinking that either my power steering fluid is low, my brakes need to be done (shouldnt, they look great!), or theres a problem under there that needs to be fixed ASAP.

**PaulF** · 06-06-2009, 09:56 PM

Hey thanks joe, you saved me some trouble too I was bout to buy an alternator from them.

**rdholtz** · 06-06-2009, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Efess

Knowing that I wasn't getting my money back . . .

When you're dealing online, it's a really good idea to use a credit card, not PayPal, money order, or debit card. If you get scammed, or just want to return the still-new part within a reasonable time, you can call the credit card company and complain that the vendor refuses to take the product back. The credit card company should go to bat for you and reverse the charge (assuming you return the part). It takes a while to get the charge reversed, and you pay return shipping, but it works.

**Efess** · 06-07-2009, 10:22 AM

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately I did pay with a debit card

, otherwise I would definitely go down that road.

**Efess** · 06-07-2009, 10:46 AM

Back to the OP-

If you're willing to spend the money http://www.highoutputalternator.com/ will custom make you a HO alternator. I've read good things about them online. They took a while to get back to me with a quote, but they quoted $600 for my car. Your's might be different, they even may have something in stock.

Also check out JCWhitney.com, they might stock some HO alternator alternatives for your car.

There might even be a mechanic who specializes in alternators in your area, if there is you should consult him. You can ask around specialized car audio shops - they should have someone they refer their customers to.

-Joe