2004 Exploder V8...need input for install - UPDATED

007 · Post by **007** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 2:23 pm

After reading this thread:

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=24995

I still have some questions:

We will be taking delivery of a 2004 XLT Sport with the 4.6L V8 shortly, and I'm wondering how many of you have done installs on the new body style. I doubt very much that my other half will let me replace the factory console with an aftermarket one, so that is not on my list...

Looking for ideas, pics etc.

My permanent equipment list is short for this truck:

AVA
100w VHF Spectra or X9000
Some type of front driving lights
FS halogen SML8 SignalMaster (8 light...it's just laying around)

Since this truck has the V8, I'm assuming I can shop for aftermarket alternators for the CVPI, correct?

Can someone supply part number(s) of HO alternators that will bolt up to the 4.6 V8?

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 5:46 pm

Jimmy,

Get the Jotto Desk or Havis Shields drop in console that fits over the factory one.

jim · Post by **jim** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 8:25 pm

Jotto-Desk all the way!

007 · Post by **007** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 11:15 am

What about alternators???

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:45 pm

What's the stock alternator output?

Leese-Nevil makes the heavy duty ambulance rated stuff

007 · Post by **007** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 2:12 pm

130A stock

Looking for 200A in the same case and as a bolt-on option....no screwy stuff.

jim · Post by **jim** » Fri Dec 19, 2003 4:37 pm

I've never had one of these lack charging with an extensive lighting package installed. If anything, idle the engine up.

hooknladder · Post by **hooknladder** » Fri Dec 19, 2003 7:20 pm

I agree with Jim. We have an '01 Sport for a paramedic interceptor with the 130A alternator and not so much as a hiccup. We run a 100W UHF Maratrac, 45W VHF Maxtrac, Whelen 9M 8 strobe, hide-aways in every corner, and led's in the grille and the a/c on high. No problems.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Fri Dec 19, 2003 7:47 pm

That's probably 130amp peak at highway speed not at idle. Probably idles around 90 amps.

jim · Post by **jim** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 6:32 pm

Most modern OEM alternators are rated peak. It will do 130A, but not continuously- even if at speed.
Although this is the case, rememeber- a radio draws just about nothing just sitting there. Neither does the video and MDT.

Even with a Vector or MX7000, corner strobes, grille and deck halogens, all OEM lights, HVAC, wipers and such, I've never had a problem with one of these. This is the same as the CVictoria alternator.

I have an unmarked traffic unit operating locally with 32 lightheads, MDT, video, K9 controls, XM satellite, dual Maglight chargers, VASCAR, scanner and other small toys. This car never has a problem with charging and it's on traffic stops just all shift long.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 1:58 pm

Jim I agree to a certain extent - call me the Tim Allen of installs but I prefer a bigger alternator whenever possible.

Key down a 110w radio while everything else is running and you've got a hefty draw on the alternator and the battery on top of what the vehicle takes from them to begin with.

Yes low draw LED will improve this problem as well as vehicle moving to 36v operation.

007 · Post by **007** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 5:28 pm

Took delivery of the truck last night....blew my socks off when I test drove it on Friday - 4.6 SOHC V8, 5 speed auto tranny and 3.73 locking rear end...it's fast for an SUV. I haven't checked 0-70 yet, but it's quick off the line and pulls hard to the 6k redline thru the 4 shiftpoints (3 real gearshifts and the torque converter lock-up)....damn quick truck.

(2002+ has an SLA independent rear suspension. Ford should consider a lowered 2WD police version that is speed rated on 16" V rated tires/rims....this truck is not flacid and wobbily like it's predecesor)

Anyway, all the wiring under the hood is in wiring looms that are taped (except for short runs to ground, etc.) and the 12v wiring has adhesive shrink wrap at the terminals...very impressive! This is a well built system, unlike most GM vehicles that still have a lot of bare terminals (my Impala included)

From an install standpoint, there is plenty of room to run wires and based on the comments above, there is plenty of capacity for a couple of radios and lights. I noticed that there is a large void above the right wheel in front of the firewall...nothing there but a factory harness thru the firewall - is this the best spot for putting a hole to run power thru the firewall?

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 6:11 pm

I was also amazed when the burb got here - no bare wires, everything loomed and ground braid straps on everything!

007 · Post by **007** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 6:35 pm

This truck is not short on chassis grounds, either. Here is what I've found so far...

6ga. ground that goes from the battery to the front of motor near the alternator

8ga. ground from the battery to the chassis behind the left headlight in a dry spot (on a huge stud with a locking nut that has about 1/4" of thread left for adding more grounds)

Ground strap from the firewall to the back side of motor

I think I saw another one underneath, but I can't remember where now...These grounds, and the 2 huge B+ wires to the starter and underhood distribution box, make this a easy platform to add to.

My plans are:

Add 8ga. ground from the battery to the chassis,

Run 8ga. thru a 50 or 75A fuse to the front seat area for small items

Run 4ga. thru a 150A fuse at both ends to the rear for the radios, etc.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 8:40 pm

I'm almost completely done with my setup. Just small stuff is left right now.

MelroseAUX · Post by **MelroseAUX** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 7:12 am

the 2004 Crown Vic P71 Police comes with a 200amp alt. Go to Ford and pick it up, it's a 4.6 bolt up alternator.

007 · Post by **007** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 2:27 pm

I just talked with a buddy that works parts at a "Ferd" dealer, and he just told me the same......Hmmmm

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 2:48 pm

Jimmy, I'd run 4ga for both leads

007 · Post by **007** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:03 pm

I know where you are coming from, but there is nothing going in front in this truck that I need that capacity for.

(famous last words

)

I don't have a problem building in capacity, but I'm gonna use a P71 6-posistion fuse block like one in another thread...got it for cheap at Grayslake a few years ago and it's just waiting for a home...all I need is a map light, ign for the radios and maybe another power point (cig. lighter style)

I'm working on the ignition bypass harness right now, which is stand alone from other power sources.

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:09 pm

I agree with apco25... I ran dual 4 awg lines in my Lumina. 1 to the console (which allows for expansion in the future) and one to the trunk (again allows for some expansion). Everything is fused in the engine at at termination. And with all that 4 awg I ran I still have about 60 feet left on the spool. Go figure.

007 · Post by **007** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:12 pm

What the hell, as long as I'm doing it....I may as well do it all the way, right

I've got her truck and my Impala and Caprice to do, so I may as well start buying 100 foot rolls of big wire.

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:19 pm

007 wrote:What the hell, as long as I'm doing it....I may as well do it all the way, right

I've got her truck and my Impala and Caprice to do, so I may as well start buying 100 foot rolls of big wire.

I dunno where anyone else procures their supplies from but I bought all my wiring at DelCity.com The 100 foot roll of 4guage was $35 if I recall correctly. I also bought a 4 wire 14 guage roll for about $30 as well. Only downside I think was shipping. 2 big heavy rolls of wire cost a lot to ship. FWIW

007 · Post by **007** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:34 pm

I was gonna check out Napa and see what I can get from Belden with SAE rated wire in 4,8,12 and 14 ga. wires...

I'll see what I can get...

Anybody got any ideas about WeatherPak connectors?

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 4:42 pm

Napa has Amphenol cable in 25,50 and 100 ft lengths - top quality stuff.

I wired mine up

100amp fuse to front ignition switched 75amp relay for front bus

300amp fuse to rear power tap and 9 always hot fuse panel then split to another 75amp ignition switched relay.

Works nicely.

In fact I'm doing some additional wiring right now.

2004 Exploder V8...need input for install - UPDATED

2004 Exploder V8...need input for install - UPDATED

Got the truck....UPDATE