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Author Topic: 3G alternator in a Pinto  (Read 2605 times)

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Offline dick1172762

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3G alternator in a Pinto
« on: April 10, 2016, 01:18:50 PM »
To install a 3G alternator in to a Pinto go look at  http://www.rothfam.com/svo/3g
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Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 3G alternator in a Pinto
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2016, 07:53:42 PM »
And for anyone thinking of using a 3G alternator, there is a very good chance you'll need to use a double v-belt pulley setup or it will slip.

I had to modify the back of my stock '86 2.3T double v pulley so it wouldn't rub on the 3g's case.
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Offline robertwwithee

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Re: 3G alternator in a Pinto
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2016, 11:17:17 AM »
Mine worked fine with single pulley.  Have gone back to original alternator now that big stereo, lights removed.

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Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 3G alternator in a Pinto
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2022, 08:35:11 PM »
And for anyone thinking of using a 3G alternator, there is a very good chance you'll need to use a double v-belt pulley setup or it will slip.

I had to modify the back of my stock '86 2.3T double v pulley so it wouldn't rub on the 3g's case.
Since I made that post in 2016, a fair bit has changed. At the time I was using an improvised mount on the passenger side that started life as a 1986 A/C compressor bracket.
I moved the alternator to the driver's side by use of a '77 Pinto 2.3 low-mount bracket set. A large-case 3G alternator requires grinding the lower bracket to clear a bolt boss on the case otherwise it won't rotate enough to bolt to the upper bracket. If you manage to get a twin v-belt pulley on it(I had to modify one on a lathe so it wouldn't rub the case), then only the outer groove will line-up with factory '83-86 2.3T pulleys. It will also likely need a longer belt than whatever fit on the 1G. In my case it was a 43" and it can be installed with some difficulty. Really should be 2-3" longer.
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Offline Wittsend

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Re: 3G alternator in a Pinto
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2022, 12:30:53 PM »
I had to go back to the original post Dick (RIP) made to remember this. My '88 engine came with the flat belt and as I recall the alternator was mounted to one of those big, aluminum, multi mount brackets. No room (and it's ugly too) for that in a Pinto. My recollection was getting an alternator bracket from some 2.3 (likely a Pinto) that bolted to the head and then fabricating the tensioning brace from a piece of bed frame angle iron. I had to cut/bend/weld and notch it in specific places but it has worked very well. The alternator is tight to the engine and up out of the way. There is minimal wrap on the water pump pulley but cooling has never been an issue. I don't recall having alignment issues like the V-groove pulleys seem to create. I guess each situation has a method of being dealt with.