jury_ca

There should be no difference between the Bosch reman part and the Porsche reman part other than the box.

Having said this, I replaced mine with a Bosch rebuilt alternator from Pelican parts and I think the voltage regulator on it is bad. I'm replacing the voltage regulator in the next couple of weeks.

bogotajoe

I did find a shop to do the rebuild and will keep that as a spare. I wish I knew sooner that this was a possibility. I am comfortable with using the Bosch rebuild. Its not like my Porsche altenator lasted forever (only 17,000 miles)..My question is: Is there a way to determine if the altenator is going bad before one breaks down on the road? I was thinking of getting a multimeter and doing an occasional check. Is that reasonable?

mtesh73

cant hurt to have a spare, you never know!!

ca993twin

Alternators aren't that complicated... higher mileage cars wear out the brushes, or on any mileage, the diode packs can fail. Both are easy, inexpensive repairs. On the mechanical side, higher mileage cars may need the bearings replaced. This isn't brain surgery... any electrical shop can do this stuff for a very low price. IMHO.

Kevinmacd

The cars voltage meter should be the same as you reading at the battery when running. So not so sure what a multimeter will help with, other then confirming the gauge.

bogotajoe

Ok, I probably was not looking at it carefully. It should be around 14 with car running, right?

Kevinmacd

Yup. just below depending on the state of the battery

bogotajoe

Car is done. Going to get it tonight. Remanufactured alt is installed and voltage is reading correctly. Total cost for install of alt and for a new battery $457. Cost of alt was around $380. Flat bed cost $180..So, in all, right around $1,000. Thanks for all the great posts...

Kevinmacd

FYI, Porsche batteries are notorious for short life, maybe three years and less if you don't drive the car. Interstate makes a direct replacement and is cheaper ($130) and lasts longer.

bogotajoe

Thanks..will keep that in mind when my new battery dies..sigh!

Kevinmacd

Sorry for the delay in telling you!

bogotajoe

Hah! No worries. Car is running great and got the old alt back to rebuild just in case. Thinking of doing a flash now with Kevin to improve performance and reduce turbo lag..Slippery slope I hear...

Kevinmacd

I too will probably be gettng Kevins flash, let me know how it goes. I just bought a set of wheels an tires and will lay low for a little while but will be goingthe flash route.

bogotajoe

Well its been a month or so with my rebuilt Bosch altenator. I paid around $450 and it was about $100 to install. The rebuilt Porsche altenator was around $1,200. The Bosch has been ok so far. Start up is fast and it runs just under 14 but with a heavy load (lights, ac, etc) I noticed it does drop to 13-13.5 or so.

White Trash With Cash

Thanks for the update.
I saw this thread a few weeks ago.
I have since been keeping an eye on my voltmeter. I have not seen it above 13 volts.
I am thinking I a going to replace it at my 30K tune up.
This will be the third alternator for this car as the previous owner had it replaced at the dealer.

I was also wondering if anyone has fit an alternator with a higher output in there. ???????