> Is there a way to swap a high output GM-style alternator into a 1980
> Ford
> F-150 pickup?  I can only get up to a 60 amp alternator for my pickup
> from
> the local parts stores, and it's also a 3 wire unit.  I'd like to go to
> a 100 amp or so unit if I could.  Is there a way I could swap in a GM
> (or
> any 1 wire alternator) unit for the remanufactured Motorcraft?  Could I
> still use the brackets in there now? (1 is an adjustable swinging-style
> bracket)  Can I lose the external voltage regulator I'm running now, and
> go
> with a 1 wire alternator?  Keep in mind whatever I swap in there must
> look somewhat decent, since this truck will eventually see car audio
> competition events (which is why I'd like to swap in a higher output
> alternator).
Hi Sean,
  No reason why it could not be done, it will just take some fancy work on
your part to fabricate and line things up.
First, 1 wire alternators; unless specifically said to be so, you'll have to
buy your own 1-wire regulator from the AC Delco parts guy.  This baby will
swap into any 10SI alternator you find on every GM product from the 70's
thru most of the 80's. The Delco unit is good to 100amps (theres only one
regulator for 100amp and below) Also, there are two dummy terminals on it,
for the "normal" stator/field connector. So, unfortuneatly it looks
identical to a typical 3 wire regulator.
  I would rig it up to be mounted similarily to the way generators where
mounted on pre-67 GM products, a pivot,and long curved arm for the
adjustment.
You may be lucky at an autowreckers, just look under lots of different
hoods, fullsize pickups, buicks, olds, pontiacs..each are a bit different.
Some are longer, some shorter, my trucks bracket looks identical to my cars,
cept its "stretched" for a slightly different mounting posistion.
I'd also suggest taking the pivot bracket from a straight six cylinder with
the alternator below the power steering pump. This bracket could be handy if
you have to rig up something.
Also, look under Chrysler hoods for the adjustment brackets.
For pre-made stuff and ideas,
Take a look through just about any Street Rodder magazine and you will find
hordes of custom brackets for mounting GM alternators and air conditioning
pumps in just about any conceivable posistion.
And of course, take a look at vehicle in those rolling stereo competitions.
I-net e-mail me if you want some more of my thoughts on the subject.
(Don't use my real.on.ca  if you have my other address kicking around as the
real server is being reconstructed currently)
Alex.
 | AmiQWK 2.7 - S/N 0261 |
.. To a man with a BFH and a Gas Hatchet, nothing is impossible.
--- OLMS 2.60p.a1+ [EPMBP73M]
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