Alternator Clocking

[mustangjim]

Hi All-

Last week prior to leaving for Indy & the WFC X, I decided to install a new Motorcraft BX-56L battery in the Eurocoupe so no judges could ding me for a "incorrect" part. I went down to the Ford dealer, had to order the group 56 as no longer stocked. I received it the next day then left for Indy.
All went great for 3 days, no issues, then on the return trip, I noticed my lights dimming, the power windows slowing & reduced performance. Needless to say I made it home & checked the Alternator with a multimeter. The IVR (Internal Voltage Regulator) had failed. I could only figure the new battery was overcharged from Ford causing the IVR to fail from the higher line voltage input.
I removed the Alt & Batt, took the alternator to be bench tested which confirmed my suspicion and returned the battery to Ford for conditioning & cycling (Battery was fine). I inquired at Ford for an OE/NOS Alt and was told it would arrive in 5 days for $158. I went to a local parts house to check availability there. They had several from $75-$100 + core.
When the guy removed the Alt from the box, the rear case was "clocked" 180 degrees opposite as OE. This would not allow enough length to connect the IVR and main harness.
I then remembered the same thing happening on a 87 GT I had back in the 90's. I checked a alt for an 87-302 V8 and saw the same thing. I then asked to see an 88-93 Mustang GT alternator, it was properly clocked w/ the same pulley size. I purchased it for $85 as it was a 75 amp model vs. 60 amp OE for 1986. I installed it, plugged it in. She fired to life, charging at 13.89V.
If you ever need to replace one, please recall this thread, it may save you some aggravation. By the way... WFC X was excellent (I was the sole ASC representative, again). I came in 4th due to being classed in the 86 & up Saleen, Rousch, Steeda & Cobra class!! Not bad considering 1st / 2nd & 3rd were all NEW CARS & Still under Factory Warranty !!! But that's another Rant/Thread.

Jim

[negusm]

Good tip on the alt.

I hate new cars entered in shows. It does hurts the hobby. They are fun to look at but should never be allowed to enter competition.

The guys who busted their ass restoring their cars get squat and won't bother to bring them out again...and the hobby suffers.

At the old local show in my home town, cars had to be 15 years or older to be judged and NO TRAILER QUEENS. The car had to be driven in (unless it was something like a 1909 that was pulled from a barn and was just on display). Many people liked that.

-Mike

[mustangjim]

Good tip on the alt.

I hate new cars entered in shows. It does hurts the hobby. They are fun to look at but should never be allowed to enter competition.

The guys who busted their ass restoring their cars get squat and won't bother to bring them out again...and the hobby suffers.

At the old local show in my home town, cars had to be 15 years or older to be judged and NO TRAILER QUEENS. The car had to be driven in (unless it was something like a 1909 that was pulled from a barn and was just on display). Many people liked that.

-Mike

Thank You Mike !!!

My sentiments exactcly. I do not have a problem with NEW Vehicles in any show - judged/peoples choice - with one exception, if a car is less than 5 years old AND/OR still under factory warranty, it should not be awarded a "podium" (1st-2nd-3rd). It should be given an attendance plaque/award.
We do spend a LOT of Time, Effort & Money to maintain our 20+ year old vehicles. If its a 2007 your showing, don't you just need to wax/vacuum it? What kind of History can you share on an 07' ?
In a way it is O.K though, think of it this way, I can get in my ASC, go anywhere and do not have to worry about making a $800 a month payment + $250 insurance !!!
Thanx again for the input - We are not alone, just smarter

Jim

[ProTouringASC]

What is that, a brand new car being shown with older cars?!?! They should definitely be in a "new car" class.

Glad you had a good time at the show though, I spent the weekend building a shed. Worse, I'm still not finished!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
The Yellow '89

[n20capri]

Thats what happened to me when I went to NMRA a while back...I got 3rd for best interior. 1st was a new Mustang GT and 2nd was a super custom new Lightning...