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Alternator Alternatives

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Old 03-16-2012, 01:10 AM
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Question Alternator Alternatives

I did some searching but I could not find it. I know there is an "upgrade" but honestly I am not looking for more power etc. I need oem performance at a reasonable cost. I keep getting quotes for the OEM unit in the range of $500. I can't afford that unless I have to.

Anyways, my alternator is on it's death bed and I need a viable solution. What do you all think? Would these work?

Link


Part Number:11025
Manufacturer:BBB INDUSTRIES-2008
Weight:15lbs.

Part Number:186-1124
Manufacturer:BECK/ARNLEY
Weight:10lbs.


Link 2

Part Number: 11025
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Notes: Premium reman

This one had more info:

Weight: 13.75 lbs
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Notes: 100 AmpPremium reman
Alternator Case Style: Custom
Alternator Diameter: 129mm Stator Diameter
Alternator Fan: Internal
Alternator Mounting Brackets Included: No
Alternator Output Amperage: 100
Alternator Regulation Type: Integral
Alternator Voltage: 12
Automotive System Application: Electrical System
Brushless Design: No
Color / Finish: Same as OE
Housing Material: Metal
Installation Hardware Included: No hardware included.
Package Contents:
Alternator Unit, Installation Instructions, Technical Support Card

Pulley Included: 1
Remanufactured Part: Yes
Vehicle System Voltage: 12V

Features & Benefits
Duralast alternators are remanufactured with the most current technological improvements and triple tested to provide original equipment quality and durability.• Designed to deliver amp output for power that meets or exceeds the original equipment on your vehicle
• All wear components (brushes, bushings and bearings) are always 100% NEW
• Every unit is triple tested (component, subassembly and end of line) to ensure quality and performance
Old 03-16-2012, 01:13 AM
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The duralast at least "sounds" like a good option?
Old 03-16-2012, 10:51 AM
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I got an Autozone Alternator for my friend about a year something 2 ago for his old Lexus ES300.

2 months later it died. Didn't even bother to get it back to AZ, he just bought a Toyota Reman and it has been working fine since.

He might have **** luck, but honestly, I wouldn't trust Autozone Alternators that much. They have a lot of bad reviews.

I have an Advance Auto Parts Alternator for my FC, It's an FD Alternator but modded to work on FC. Let's see how long that last. have yet to install it back into the car.

You better just find someone local to rebuild your Alternator. I'm 100% sure someone can do that locally. and probably cheaper than buying any of the above. They just have to replace the wires (whatever it's called, forgot right now) inside the Alternator.

Last edited by nycgps; 03-16-2012 at 10:54 AM.
Old 03-16-2012, 10:55 AM
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What is your symptom w/an alternator on it's death bed?
Old 03-16-2012, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Spin9k
What is your symptom w/an alternator on it's death bed?
CEL...voltage low...I forget the number but the battery light comes and goes often while driving (I.E. varying rpm's). Voltage used to be around the 14.3 ish and now it sits at 13.9 which still charges the battery but it often dips down below 12.4 volts. I will test the battery to make absolute sure but I am certain it is the alternator since the car fires up quick so battery is working fine.

Either way that alternator has 115k miles on the clock and should be replaced. I used to get a low voltage warning when racing and figured it was starting to show signs that it was time to get it replaced. Now its much worse.

If the above mentioned units suck then what other options are available??
Old 03-16-2012, 02:59 PM
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I have had experience with two rebuilt altenators that failed. The first one died after a few months, it was covered under warranty, and then the second one failed after a year. I did not bother having it replaced I just got a used low mileage one off of Ebay and it has worked fine since. The guy at my local alternator shop told me there must be something internal that is not getting addressed properly during a rebuild.

I mean if you have a warranty you are covered but it was annoying getting stranded twice. When this one dies I will just buck out for a factory one.

You can also PM Canaryrx8, he is an audiophile and he has a custom aftermarket one that was decently priced and he is happy with it as far as I know. But if you want a stock rated one, just get one off of a wrecked low mileage 8.
Old 03-16-2012, 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by nycgps
...You better just find someone local to rebuild your Alternator. I'm 100% sure someone can do that locally. and probably cheaper than buying any of the above. They just have to replace the wires (whatever it's called, forgot right now) inside the Alternator.
Depends on what's failing. Could be the regulator or maybe just a diode. I agree that a local rebuilder would be good. Not just a garage that can throw in some new parts...that used to be pretty common with generators and the usual outcome was to need a rebuilt within a few months.

Short of that, go to a real auto parts store. Not one of the discount chains. I, too, have not had long life from that kind of part from Pep Boys or Auto Zone, etc.

Ken
Old 03-16-2012, 05:39 PM
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Sounds fishy...What do you all think?? If it's legit then why list them for 2 seperate prices...He has 1 for $149.99 and another for $169.99

Ebay Link
Old 03-16-2012, 05:48 PM
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I don't think those are really oe new alternators.

But if they stand behind their warranty then doesn't hurt to try. It's cheaper than most reman out there. U should be able to tell if it's Mazda and new right away

If u want to be safe, u should get a Denso reman. But it cost 100 box more
Old 03-16-2012, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by nycgps
I don't think those are really oe new alternators.

But if they stand behind their warranty then doesn't hurt to try. It's cheaper than most reman out there. U should be able to tell if it's Mazda and new right away

If u want to be safe, u should get a Denso reman. But it cost 100 box more
I dont mind the $100 more...but is the Denso any good? I dont want this thing to give me anymore headaches...too many to speak of lately.
Old 03-16-2012, 06:26 PM
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Check it out...these guys in Miami claim its a brand new replacement item too for $160:

Rx8 Alternator Link
Old 03-16-2012, 08:30 PM
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Sounds like the brushes may be getting short, which would be normal at 115k miles. Cheap fix if you can find a mechanic that is willing to just replace those.
Old 03-17-2012, 08:44 AM
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that looks like a good replacement?
part of the problem with our charging system is the pcm actually is part of the voltage regulator.
I would go with oem replacement--like the one you listed--or a low milage used one. The 09+ models will not fit the earlier models--different pulleys.
Old 03-19-2012, 09:11 PM
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Well, I bought the alternator from D&L Auto and Marine supplies at a local store and it appears to be a brand spanking new OEM alternator. They did not ask for a core which further implies a new alternator. Once I get the old one off I will post pictures for your review. It was $140.

Thanks for the help!

Chris

Last edited by cavemancan; 03-19-2012 at 09:14 PM.
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