bhensarl

I need a new alternator (more info to follow). New one is $1100, rebuilt are $250. Anybody have any experience or suggestions on which to go with? Talked to my wrench and he suggested going with the new one because he's had bad experiences with rebuilt ones going bad and taking other parts with them. Obviously, the price difference is significant enough to warrant looking really hard at going with the rebuilt one.
Brian

Rennen

Why not rebuild your own?

bhensarl

The 964's my only car so I can't really afford to take the time to learn to rebuild an alternator, and I don't really have the time right now to do it so it's down to two options: new or rebuilt.
Brian

JasonAndreas

Is the $250 rebuilt version the one Porsche sells that comes with a two-year warranty or someone local?

bhensarl

It's no one local. I found them for around that price from a couple online distributors (Pelican, Eurowebparts) but I don't know about the warranty. Does that warranty cover any additional labor that might be incurred by the alternator when it dies? I tried to call today but I got home after everybody had closed shop.
Brian

JasonAndreas

I don't know if the Porsche warranty covers re-installation, the only part I've ever returned was a defective gas cap. As for other shops, I've lost all trust with aftermarket Porsche parts so when the time comes I will stick with a factory rebuilt part (or if I have the time I will learn how to rebuild my own).

craig001

Have you hit all the sponsors? I think I saw new Bosch alternators for around $495 and rebuilds for $200 to $250. I've gotten several catalogs recently so I can't remember if it was Mid-America, Vertex or Automotion. Being the parts hoarder that I am, I found a "new" rebuilt on eBay a while back for $95 delivered. The deals are out there, but since you need it now there isn't much choice for you.

springer3

I think the issue is who rebuilt the unit. Bosch rebuilds hold up pretty well, but there are "rebuild" shops selling units that been cleaned and repaired, but not rebuilt. The problem is that you can pay good money for an alternator than has new slip rings but 300,000 miles on the bearings, or one that has new bearings but worn out slip rings. BTDT. Three times I put $150 "rebuilt" Bosch alternators on my 300E. I finally wised up, and paid $250 for one that I knew came from Bosch. The place selling me the alternators admitted that he used original Bosch packaging to sell his "Sleepy Hollow" rebuilds. He had the nerve to ask if he could have the box from my legitimate Bosch rebuild.

Buy from a place you trust, and verify they get the units directly from Bosch, or from a shop they know does a complete rebuild (all new wear parts). There are places that "get them to work again", clean them, and sell them as "rebuilt".

Bill Gregory

Brian,

Don't know if you priced the alternator from one of the discounting Porsche dealers, if not, that will knock around 25% off the price. If you want several sources, email or pm me.

Smokin

This may sound stupid but have you thought of trying to find one from a low mileage used car? Not new... Not rebuilt... Just used in good condition... Might be hard to find though if needed quickly.