Anybody see any issues using a 3rd gen alternator in my 87 TII

 

I installed one in my 88 na it charges like a beast.

 

You'll need to upgrade the output wire and related fuse. You'll also have to decide which alternator pulley to use as one generally underdrives during idle while the other does the opposite.

 

You'll need a Pig Tail off an S5, rewire the 'sensor wire' to connect directly to the battery (I saw a write up on this when I was surfing the forum), and need a replacement pulley (they sell them at Mazdatrix) since the mounting shaft is bigger. They're also a bigger housing, so can be a fun alternator Belt R&R since it won't adjust down as much.

But, for all that effort you car will be rewarded with many more amps available to your electrical system. So worth the effort.

 

I think the FD alternator is overrated for as much as they cost. It wasn't much more difficult to install a Ford 3G alternator, which came on most 90s v6/v8 engines. Puts out 130 amps, dirt cheap, and you can get parts anywhere. I got one out of the junkyard for $20, $20 for the rebuild kit, $15 for a double sheath pulley, and I don't know $10-20 on new connectors.