[colbert66]

I have an aftermarket radio in my 66 mustang and it was perfectly fine when I had a straight six in the car. I recently put in a 302 and now i cannot hear anything on the radio except when i use the brakes or turn signals. Im guessing that it may have something to do with overcharging? If anyone has any ideas of what the problem could be and how to fix it please let me know. Thanks

[Jonk67]

Hi, don't know why that would be an overcharging issue, apparently when you use your signals or activate your brake lights it allows power through to the radio. Somewhere in your wiring you have tapped into the lighting harness, think about it, when the blinkers or brake lights are activated you have a circuit connection at that time.
Follow all your radio power wires and hook them to a fuse that originally was used for the radio, most newer radios require 2 pwr. wires, one full time hot (to keep the stations and time) and one that's hot only when the engine is running or the key is 'on'.
Jon

[colbert66]

That would be true, but I should clarify! Ha, Sorry, When the car is not running the radio works perfect without any interference or anything. WHen it is running it puts out loud static with the music extremely quiet behind it. Only when i ride the brakes does the static subside and the radio work correctly. Any other ideas now?

[Jonk67]

Ok, that's different, I thought the radio would just come on when you hit the brakes, I pictured you riding your brakes to hear the entire "I can't drive 55"!!

I'm not a stereo of electrical expert but it sounds like you're getting interference from other electrical sources, again I'd start by seeing how close to the brake light/TS wiring your radio wiring is or if it's spliced into it at any point or uses the same fuse in the fuse box.

Otherwise do you have the original alt./VR setup? There should be a noise resistor mounted above or below your VR, looks like a points condenser.
You may try putting a new one on or adding an inline noise suppressor, car stereo shops sell them.
Are you using Resistor spark plugs? I believe you would get engine noise over the radio at all times if not. If you spark plug has an R in the part number you probably do, you have to ask for the nonresistors specifically usually, just a thought.
Jon

[Cusp]

Originally Posted by colbert66

That would be true, but I should clarify! Ha, Sorry, When the car is not running the radio works perfect without any interference or anything. WHen it is running it puts out loud static with the music extremely quiet behind it. Only when i ride the brakes does the static subside and the radio work correctly. Any other ideas now?

Did you hook up the engine grounding straps on the new engine?

Brades from the block to the frame.