What's the best value in replacement alternators out there?

For your /6 or for the 4-cyl cars?

BOSCH NOS OR rebuilt 55A. Stay within the original spec for all 4 bangers.

Too much could go wrong if you go to 75 amp.

I got a NOS for under 100. Still have to install it, but the OEM Bosch is running fine.

John

Hi John (from KC): Good to see you online. For a 914-4. I have a couple of 914-6 alternators in a foot locker... somewhere in the attic... or the shed... or the garage.

JPL: I didn't know NOS was still available. For under $100, that sounds like a good deal. No need for me to jump to 75 amp.

For the 4's, I would agree and would also add that you should make sure the wires and connectors are all good and clean + make sure your voltage regulator is operating correctly.

Ive had a 75 amp rewound to 120 amp in my car (stock 1.8 w/ L-jet) and its a daily driver. I have had 0 problems.


of course i also have 2 batteries in the bay

Can you expand on this? What sorts of things can go wrong with a higher output alternator? Are you concerned about the potential to overheat the wiring if other loads are put on the system?

For any of the Bosh alternators, make sure that the rear cover isn't shorting to anything. There was a while where one of the bits inside the alt was touching the cover. Some trimming of the stud (I think?) was required to make the alt work in that case.

--DD

Dave is correct. The remanufacturers used a stud that was to long (B+ I believe) and when the cooling cover was installed it would short to ground frying the alternator.

Yes Bucky, the alternator generally does not come with the cooling cover nor pulley installed.

By the way... I ended up getting a quality reman Bosch from Perry Kiehl. Good deal - he has a bunch on the shelf.

Now I just gotta find some time to put it in. When I had time, it was fucking 100 degrees and 187 percent humidity. hehehehe

I got 2 bosch remans that did not work out the box, took them to local alternator shop and they laughed at how it looked inside, no hope of working , after that i always have them rebuilt and tested locally before install to save the frustration of fitting a dead alternator

We just had GreatPumpkin's alt. rebuilt. it took one day and cost $65 looked brand new when it was done, then I bought a new electronic voltage regulator to go with it, $33

Its only 55 amps... would have liked to upgrade to 75 or more but $ was a limiting factor.

I can imagine that would be very frustrating. It's why I like to use good folks like Perry who care enough to check what they ship to customers.

I used these guys for my alternator. They ship fast and test them before they leave. Price was very reasonable. You can send them your alternator and they will rebuild it and ship it back.

http://stores.ebay.com/Eagle-Auto-Electric...1513&_pgn=2

.....Good practice