I'm installing an '88 alternator on my '87 GT. I think I can figure out how to rewire the new pigtail, but I've got a couple of other questions. I got the new alternator in last night, even though the pulley was right, the fan was different. Should I swap the old fan over? Which is the better between '87 & '88? I also noticed that the heat shield from the '87 won't fit the '88. Is it safe to have the alternator without the heat shield? Or is there a different way to mount it up? Have to return the one I picked up last night though. The boss where the adjustment bolt threads into isn't threaded. So I'll have to find another one.

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Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy

I can't remember if I changed the fan on mine or not. (I'd have to look) On the heat shield I moved it over to the new Alt. for protection.
I just used a short straight piece of metal that I bolted the shield to, to offset to one of the Alt bolts so it basically was mounted in the same position like on the old alt. Just used a strip of 1/8 stock about a 1/2" or so wide and about 3 1/2" long.

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 11-14-2007).]

You think you could do a sketch of how you remounted the heat shield? Not quite sure I'm following what you did exactly.

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Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy

I used the fan that came on the new alternator. It's supposed to be the improved design......

It kinda looks like it might push a little more air than the one from the '87. Hudini, did you put the heat shield back on too? Howdjya do it?

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Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy

Hope this helps. Your just offsetting to another bolt on the alt. but keeping the shield in as same position on the Alt.



You mount the strap to an existing bolt on the Alt. with the 3/8 bolt in place and then put the shield on and nut it.

You will have to figure out the distance between the holes on the strap, was not to far as I remember. Maybe 1.5" or something like that.

It all fit under the shield so all you see different in the 2 nuts on the outside.

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 11-14-2007).]

Cool. That's what I was thinking you meant, but I didn't wanna screw it up. I'm good at that. Just thought of something though. If the fan pushes the air through the alternator from front-to-back and the air tube pushes the air through from back-to-front, wouldn't that kind of create dead air somewhere?

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Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy

[This message has been edited by whadeduck (edited 11-14-2007).]

The tube does not push any air thru the Alt. it mostly just puts cooler air in the general area of the Alt. and maybe pushes some of the hot air from the exhaust pipe away.

At least that is the way I look at it.

Just kinda wondered. Hadn't really studied it in-depth or anything.

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Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy

Is there any particular reason to get a higher amperage alternator for the Fiero? For standard use I mean. I've noticed drops in power, engine losing major revs when the headlight motors are running for example. I was chalking it up to either bad wiring or voltage regulator in the alternator.

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1986 SE V6, stock, auto, fastback. GT Trim and Body panels.