Hi all,
As I lurk looking for the right GT for me, I see many threads about the stock (and problematic) GT alternator.
I have some experience with alternators, including having OEM high output models rebuilt for my diesel pusher RV, external regulators for lithium battery banks, DC-to-DC chargers to charge a second (smaller) LiFePO4 battery (with low self discharge to keep things charged while not in use).
I did similar modifications for a 1966 Batmobile replica I built (cooling problems, parasitic drains, lots of 'Bat Gadgets', not driven daily), and it worked really well.
Looking at the location in the GT, (1) it looks like cooling is a big problem, cheap built-in internal regulators and diodes with insufficient cooling, and (2) R & R looks like a giant pain.
Question: Is there any reason not to use a different alternator (assuming the mounting can be matched)? Perhaps one with better bearings and an external voltage regulator which can be remotely mounted for easy replacement? There are also ways to get colder air to it...
If not, could a stock GT alternator be modified the same way? (better bearings, better cooling, outboard voltage regulator) by a competent alternator rebuilder?
Do it once and forget about it for 150k miles would be nice...
I picturing how we relocate oil filters relocation kits for cars with terrible access....
Also, adding a small extra battery (Lithium for low self discharge and high capacity) via a DC-to-DC charger in the trunk might help the drain problems. My Mercedes has that setup too.
Ideas?
Batmobile:
![Image]()
As I lurk looking for the right GT for me, I see many threads about the stock (and problematic) GT alternator.
I have some experience with alternators, including having OEM high output models rebuilt for my diesel pusher RV, external regulators for lithium battery banks, DC-to-DC chargers to charge a second (smaller) LiFePO4 battery (with low self discharge to keep things charged while not in use).
I did similar modifications for a 1966 Batmobile replica I built (cooling problems, parasitic drains, lots of 'Bat Gadgets', not driven daily), and it worked really well.
Looking at the location in the GT, (1) it looks like cooling is a big problem, cheap built-in internal regulators and diodes with insufficient cooling, and (2) R & R looks like a giant pain.
Question: Is there any reason not to use a different alternator (assuming the mounting can be matched)? Perhaps one with better bearings and an external voltage regulator which can be remotely mounted for easy replacement? There are also ways to get colder air to it...
If not, could a stock GT alternator be modified the same way? (better bearings, better cooling, outboard voltage regulator) by a competent alternator rebuilder?
Do it once and forget about it for 150k miles would be nice...
I picturing how we relocate oil filters relocation kits for cars with terrible access....
Also, adding a small extra battery (Lithium for low self discharge and high capacity) via a DC-to-DC charger in the trunk might help the drain problems. My Mercedes has that setup too.
Ideas?
Batmobile:
