[Flye]

Am I just asking for trouble by considering addition of the (evidently popular) two speed fan from a 3.8L Taurus/Sable? It appears it has big AMP draw, which I assume will overwhelm my stock Alternator. What should I try to upgrade to? I don't want to start a "this leads to that" type nightmare and wind up redoing half the car, especially since I just put new wiring harnesses in.

Any thoughts?

 

[Theo]

It is easy to add a 1-wire 100 or 140amp alternator. I love my electric dual flex-a-lite fan. Now my sb400 does not even come close to overheating.

If you want, I have a like-new (~100 miles) chrome 140amp alternator, which I removed because I switched to serpentine belt system. Make me an offer.

Theo.

 

[Flye]

Thanks for the offer. Is "one wire" the newer style alternator (internal regulated?)?

I'm probably going to stay away from Chrome at this point.

Are there higher AMP alternators that are the same style as '69? I see other codes and not sure which one I actually have. (CS, whatever?)

Any other thoughts on going to electric fan and having to bump up alternator (without having to rewire entire engine or front light harness....)?

Thanks.

 

[wayner]

The taurus fan especially on high speed will out draw your current alternators output and your battery will slowly go dead. You do need to upgrade.
There are several options, but the good options are replacing your externally regulated alt. with an internal regulator type. Either the CS or a high amperage SI-12.
I chose the 94 amp SI-12, its a direct bolt in, but the wiring has to be changed. Same with the CS style, but the CS style may require a modification to braketry.
The 1 wire high output alt. will work, but I personally stay away from 1 wire setups. I like the remote voltage sencing of the stock setup (both internally and externally regulated have this feature).
Here is a couple links to sites that have good info and the pros and cons on alternators and upgrades.

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

http://207.158.221.52/gw/alt/Alternator_Theory.html

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref14.html