Ford Focus Alternator for TCs?

[sptcoupe]

Saw a 1980 FI 124 spider at a local car event here in Houston this weekend. The owner had a huge stereo in it, and had found a way to get the power he needed to run the stereo and everything else electric on the car. HIs answer - the 105 amp alternator off a Ford Focus! All he had done was put some washers on the top mounting bolt (to the top of the bracket) to shim it up, and make one wire connection differently. Damn! Everything worked really well, including the wipers, which ran like your dad Buick's wipers do. Looked terrific, and, of course, presumably will be reliable.

Guess what's going on the coupe with my new 2.0L???? Any else ever seen this??

[TJC]

Did you see how they worked the belt? The Focus' normally use a wide serpentine belt for the accessories.

[mbouse]

MORE!! gotta have more info on this conversion. if you would, please document your steps

[ga.spyder]

You have my full attention! I would also love to see some pix and any more info you have available.
Craig

[sptcoupe]

I'm working on the details, but it was not from a Ford Focus as I reported earlier, but apparently an early 90's Escort. He just had a stack of washers to shim the bolt on the upper bracket. I think I would just use a tube cut to the right length, rather than washers. The belt was standard. There was one wire connection that was different (I think to hook up the alternator dash light), and that was all that was done. He said it bolted right up, and he has had no problems whatsoever with any other system like the FI or anything. No dimming lights, wipers that work. Wow. More to follow.

Jeff

[launieg]

Okay, I'm sold. I'm off right now to the local wreckers for my wife's Toyota, and I'm taking Spider alternator measurements with me. Hopefully I come back with "the one".

[sptcoupe]

These are the models of Fords that the higher amperage alternator will cross to our Spiders

92-94 Ford Tempo 2.3 liter

91-96 Escort 2.0 liter

[skumandeth]

Did you see how they worked the belt? The Focus' normally use a wide serpentine belt for the accessories.

I agree I'm thinking all those have "multi-v belts" so are they swapping pulleys? And if so I believe those are internally cooled. More info please I have a wrecked '94 Ranger sitting here I might have to go do some measurements I think that is close to the same as Escorts and Tempo's.

[Kevin1]

How low is the output of the stock alternator compared to the Ford units? I want to install seat heaters in the spider. Each seat heater draws 70 watts (5.8 amps).
Does the stock alternator have 16 amps left over when running headlights and the heater fan?

[sptcoupe]

The only modification on the application we saw was that the top bolt on the bracket jhas to be shimmed, and there was one wire that had to be re-routed, but I didn't have toime to ask him what it was. He said it took him no time at all to install it, and he made no other modifications.

[pope]

But that one wire connection makes all the difference. Wish I knew what it was.

[ga.spyder]

I am waiting for someone to do this and post a pic of the infamous 'one wire' .This could be a great upgrade for some of us.Snails outrun my wipers.

[mbouse]

i agree, Craig. someone needs to post a step-by-step

my stereo is pulling a tremendous load. i cannot warm up with lights on and the stereo playing... stocker 55 amp is not enough. cannot imagine what 70 amp seat heaters would do to this system

[Kevin1]

Mike,
The seat heaters pull 12 amps, not 70. But if the stock alternator is only rated at 55 amps total, it may very well still be too much for it. Maybe I can squeak by with one heater for my wife's side?

[sptcoupe]

I'm working on the step-by-step and will try to get a pic of the application we saw. I intend to out one in with my new 2.0L engine.