Stock alt... it is literally located in the worst position imaginable.
Got the USAlt wiggled in through the top. Because it's a large case, I had to flip it multiple times in this tiny space to plug in the computer and run wire to both posts. I ended up scratching the hell out of the custom paint //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif
Belt put back on. Can't really see, but there was no need for me to go with a smaller belt. I added washers to the bolt to extend the alt and the clutch pulley was not much smaller than the stock size. Belt is super tight and so far has zero whine. Some friends have had their H/O alts chew through belts because they are a tad bit off, but this one is dead on.
Two runs of SHCA 1/0 CCA. Each run goes to it's own post on the back of the alt. It's sooo nice having two posts instead of trying to wedge huge lugs onto a single post while working in a tiny space.
I went ahead and replaced the stock battery with a new JuiceBox Apple (basically an XS D3400). I'll get the stock wires cleaned up more, but what I have now will work.
So 100% knowing that this car is PCM regulated, Daniel and I needed to run some tests to make sure we can get the voltage where it needs to be. The early Escapes like mine have a terrible regulation issue. Stock electrical would HOT idle at 13.6v. So the first time I started the new USAlt, it too HOT idled at 13.6v and 2,000 rpm only took it to 13.7v. Many people would be super pissed at this, but I knew 100% that these few days were going to be tests so that Daniel can better his product. By simply unplugging the PCM, now HOT idle is 14v on the dot and 2,000 rpm is 14.1v with no engine issues or triggered battery lights on the dash. Between Daniel's awesome customer service and my testing, we should be able to do something to get this alt right to where it should be ~14.3-14.4v. My competition is in one week, so that's when we'll see what this alt can really do.