'69 Mach 1 - Alternator and Water Pump Upgrades

I'm considering upgrading the water pump to a high-flow due to cooling issues. I have an 8-rib serpentine system ready to install, but I figured now would be the time to upgrade the water pump too.

At the same time, I'm considering putting in a slightly higher amperage alternator and most are recommending a 1-wire conversion. A few months back we upgraded the radiator and put in a Spal electric fan since the stock cooling system would puke after 2 miles of driving.

Questions:
1) The engine bay was nearly concourse when I bought the car. I still have the stock parts but part of me feels "dirty" for upgrading anything even if it is for function and driveability. Help?

2) What does a 1-wire conversion entail? Straight to the run post on the main solenoid and remove the external regulator? Anything I should watch out for, or tools to consider?

3) What would look nice as cable wrap without looking gawdy or from the wrong era? Typical convoluted tubing is ok, but I'd like to spice it up a little (within reason!)

Update: Going with a traditional alternator and external regulator. I figure it'll still be "true to the times" with an updated look.

Still would like some input on how to dress up the engine bay in a tactful manner without disrespecting the car.

I used these wire coverings from Summit Racing. A bit more modern, and easy to work with. They are fabric and have a clean look to them. You can get them in different sizes and lengths.

When I upgraded my water pump to a Edlebrock aluminum unit, I just painted it engine color. Works great and doesn't stand out at all.

SM94Cobra said:

I used these wire coverings from Summit Racing. A bit more modern, and easy to work with. They are fabric and have a clean look to them. You can get them in different sizes and lengths.

When I upgraded my water pump to a Edlebrock aluminum unit, I just painted it engine color. Works great and doesn't stand out at all.

Click to expand...

Can you re-post the link?

I'm leaving the block, heads, and intake manifold as the Ford factory blue. Any accessories/pulleys are polished (After I complete the install). I had the flex-pipe coolant pipes on my last Mustang. Loved the look of 'em but I guess purists hate the things. That's the sort of thing I want to avoid- anything that would detract from the car.

Should look like this, but with a polished water pump and radiator behind it. Going to hand-polish all surfaces on the radiator tomorrow:

https://www.cvfracing.com/ford-390-serpentine-system-alternator-only/

Sorry about that.

Here is the link again
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-890341

I am using CVF pulleys and brackets as well, but using the v-belt set up. With running PS and already having a v-belt AC unit when I switched to their set up I didn't convert to serpentine.

My car is pretty far modded so I don't really worry about upsetting purists.

SM94Cobra said:

Sorry about that.

Here is the link again
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-890341

I am using CVF pulleys and brackets as well, but using the v-belt set up. With running PS and already having a v-belt AC unit when I switched to their set up I didn't convert to serpentine.

My car is pretty far modded so I don't really worry about upsetting purists.

Click to expand...

Ah, yep! I used that same stuff when doing the harness on my '00 GT during an engine build. It was nice stuff. Glad others think so as well.

I'm getting quotes to re-chrome the valve covers and shock tower braces. Going to hand-polish the radiator today after work. Might also bend, weld, and polish an aluminum "junction box" for the solenoid, regulator, etc.