03' Crown Vic alt upgrade

[Jexx1]

I was reading this: http://www.pfmmag.com/MarchApril2004...atterylife.htm. I have a 2003 Crown Vic PI with the 135A alternator on it. I would like to upgrade to the 2004 alternator (Mitsubishi 200A w/130A at idle) as the article said it will retrofit to mine. What additional cables would I need to replace in addition to the alternator itself? I've heard that the 'Big 3' cables need to be replaced if I upgrade the alternator (alternator to battery, battery to ground, engine to chassis). In addition, how much would a 2004 crown vic alternator cost me? Does anyone know of a good place to get it for a good deal?

Are there better alternatives for a 200amp max alternator than the 2004 OEM one? I really need a new one. My extra equipment on my cop car has killed the alt once, and I can't have it happen again. Thanks.

[madsnax]

Did you also get the fix for the exploding gas tank?
Gotta love FORD... eew.

[JakeLock]

My question would be are you an LEO? If not why do you have extra equipment? 135A is enough unless you're running a big aftermarket stereo.

[Jexx1]

I'm not sure what an LEO is, but I'm assuming it's a type of officer, of which I am not.

And yes, I have a lot of aftermarket stereo equipment That is the reason I need a better alternator. My system is purely sound quality based, I am NOT going for sound pressure or loudness. My amps are all class A/B and take a lot of current.

I find it interesting that Ford has used the same 130A alt from 1992-2002, then slighly modified the mounting system on the 03, THEN finally added the 200A alt as stock.

It was the worst in the winter when I had to use the defrost constantly, it draws 35A alone...and when the car is at idle with everything running, it's not a pretty sight.

EDIT: Exploding gas tank? Are you talking about the rear end collision thing? http://www.crownvictoriasafetyalert....gnproblem.html

I haven't taken any precautions to protect myself as I wouldn't know where to get the shield...

[madsnax]

If you want to remedy your exploding gas tank, you can go to the dealership and have them install a protective shield. I used to have the part number for it, to give to my mom since she has a CV.

Yes that link is what I'm referring to.. Ford won't recall it, but they offer a fix that you have to pay for.

THANKS FORD!

[Jexx1]

Thanks for the heads up! I'll definitely be looking into that.

I decided to go with the '04 alt. I was able to get it for $267 shipped overnight. Only thing I need now is the wiring harness from an '04 model.

[gringoscott]

Pick-n-pull, here you come!

[Jexx1]

haha, yeah. Only problem is I don't think I'll be able to find any wrecked '04 Crown vics...the majority are repaired, aren't they?

[lprocter]

Jexx1,
For your info, LEO means "Law Enforcement Officer."

Also, I wouldn't worry about the gas tank shield, unless you make a habit of stopping on the side of high speed highways. The CV's tanks exploded when hit in the rear at 70+ mph. That is, the CV was stationary, and the approaching vehicle was going over 70. Ford paid for the shields to be installed on Police Interceptors, but civilians have to pay for their own, since, again, civilians in CVs aren't generally stopped on the side of the highway all that often.

Also, I'd check local junkyards for junked CVs. After getting 150,000 miles as a cruiser, and maybe a few hundred grand more as a cab, the cars are junk. And there's likely a few that were smashed up by some dumbass drunk thinking it would be a good idea to ram a cop. Anyway, I'm sure if you look hard enough, you'll find a few.

[Jexx1]

Wonderful, thanks for the help! I also realize now that this is much more appropriate in forum two, sorry about that!