3G page is up - need more info, pics, tips, and suggestions

[gadget73]

There is no advantage to the large frame 3G vs the small frame. Not only do you need to find the rare bracket, the large frame actually requires more work since you have to ground down the mounting tab to make it fit behind the 100a bracket. The upper ear is fatter on the large frame and it doesn't clear properly. Same nonsense as installing it on a Mark VII. Its do-able but theres no point to the extra work.

[86GmLsCoupe]

The small case was a perfect fit for me and I didn't have to change the pulley or grind a bracket. I do recall reading somewhere the large case had somewhat better cooling because of the size or fan but even if that's true the difference is probably negligible. As for the Instaclear windshield, I have read somewhere they are affected in some way with changing over to the 3G but really have no clue why.

[interceptor1985]

There is no advantage to the large frame 3G vs the small frame. Not only do you need to find the rare bracket, the large frame actually requires more work since you have to ground down the mounting tab to make it fit behind the 100a bracket. The upper ear is fatter on the large frame and it doesn't clear properly. Same nonsense as installing it on a Mark VII. Its do-able but theres no point to the extra work.

I didnt think of the extra work, I got power tools and know how to use them...Actually the 89Vic has the 100 amp in it now and I happen to have a large frame 3G which we saved from some scrap so Free beats out a little extra work anyday

[89mercury]

I have a 135A (65A at idle) 3G alternator that is a large case (from a 94-95 mustang), but it will bolt right up to the stock mounting bracket. You can get HO models that output 150A, 160A, 175A, or 200A. It would save you the trouble of finding the mounting bracket off a 100A car. I have not installed my 3G yet, so if this site needs pics I can take them.

[gadget73]

94-95 mustang alternator is actually the small frame, and yes it does bolt into the stock bracket. 3.8 Taurus and Windstar have the large frame alt.

[83countrysquire]

so a 93 mercury sable with a 3.8l would have a 3g? That I could make work on my vic?

[interceptor1985]

If it is a large case 3g you WILL need a 100 amp bracket in order for it to fit and from what I hear those are hard to come by.

[83countrysquire]

I just have a 93 sable that i am junking and wondering if its worth taking off the alternator for a 3g conversion : )

[interceptor1985]

I would ...and did. I took the electric fan off and the radiator and the alternator and the harness that went to it and many other bits I even took the gear selector handle because i figured I could modify it to fit an 89 Vic....I also too the radio as Well and all the fuze's and light bulbs too!....lol I stripped that poor car.
Oh and I also took the dome light.....It had that bug eye style light and I'm going to put that one in the 99Interceptor

[91waggin]

94-95 mustang alternator is actually the small frame, and yes it does bolt into the stock bracket. 3.8 Taurus and Windstar have the large frame alt.

I thought the 3.8 taurus had the small case. I got a 3g out of one and it bolted right up.....are you sure?

[interceptor1985]

if it wont fit its the large one and you will have to
A. track down the 100 amp bracket.
B. Find a small case 3G to mount up.

In my case I need to put a V belt pulley onto my 3G in order to mount it into my cousins Capri (2.8v6...as of next week)

[89mercury]

The pic shows both the small case and large case 3G alternators. The one on the top is part of an old 3G from a Explorer and the one on the bottom is a large case 135A for my 1989 Mercury. I have the 2G 65A model and the 3G large case 135A alternator in the pic should bolt right up without a 100 amp bracket.

[89mercury]

The main thing is to match the mounting tabs on the 3G to the mounting tabs of the old alternator. The 130A 3G for a taurus will bolt up to cars with a 100A alternator bracket, but the mounting tabs are wrong for cars with a 65A alternator bracket. That's why if you have a 65A alternator you want a large case 3G that fits a 94-95 mustang (v6 models up to 2000). Some 3G large case & small case alternators both use the same mounting brackets, so if you know what you are looking for you can just get a 3G with the correct mounting tabs for your alternator bracket. I read all about 3G alternators when I upgraded my explorer to a high output 200A large case 3G that was a direct bolt on to the old small case 3G.

[89mercury]

Also, the mustang 3G electrical connections are in the same position as the old 2G since both come from a RWD car, the taurus 3G is from a FWD drive car and the connections are not in the same position when bolted up using the 100A bracket.

[89mercury]

Small Parts needed for the 2G to 3G swap.