I am looking for the most reliable place to buy an alternator for my 3800 swap car. I have had TERRIBLE luck in the past with autozone, yeah lifetime warranty, you're going to need it! What is the best place to buy a high quality alternator? It has a 98 GTP alternator on it now, that's 105amp it would be nice if I could find one that's 140amp.
See if you have a local starter/alternator rebuilder. You get to keep the OEM alternator and they normally are skilled technicians using quality parts. Oftentimes it is cheaper to rebuild the one you have than to buy a rebuilt on.
When I do buy rebuilt alternators, I get them from NAPA (same for starters and fuel pumps).
I don't think there is a reliable rebuilder around here. A few years back, my dad had an alternator for his Bonneville rebuilt to a higher amperage at a place like that and it went out super fast as well. I swear I live in like a dead zone for auto enthusiasts.
I searched on the link provided, he does have 2 listed and they are very reasonably priced, however I am a little leery of buying a used one, especially since he says the one looks to have been recently replaced. That would be just my luck to get a used autozone POS.
The only part of a GM alternator I have ever seen go bad are the Diodes. for the price of $7 and a half hour of your time, you can just replace them. available at any parts store. Not rocket science. I'm sure there are write-ups on here that can tell you "step by step" how to do it YOURSELF.
Maybe get one from a yard. The alt on my 97 regal gs donor motor has been going strong for the past 3.5 years..... I am knocking on wood now that I said that...
------------------ 84/87 NB, 3800SC, E-85, VS Cam, 2.8 Pulley, 4T65E-HD, HP Tuners, AEM Wideband, Regal GS Gauges, S-10 Brake Booster. 1/4 mile -11.85 at 114mph
Originally posted by zmcdonal: I swear I live in like a dead zone for auto enthusiasts.
Hammond to Michigan City? Mostly Semi truck enthusiasts....... I 94 is no place for a little Fiero.
You are right....the lifetime warranty is worse than worthless....it gives manufacturers an excuse to build junk....thinking the customer will fall for it. Ask the re-builder what brand he uses.
[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 09-19-2014).]
I ended up ordering a new one from Napa. The guy there even told me that autozone is known for having bad electrical components. It was kind of pricey but at least I shouldn't have to worry about it. And it comes with a lifetime warranty as well.
Three years ago when I did my personal 3800SC I purchased a USA rebuilt AC Delco alternator on eBay. They were being sold by the Hite Parts Exchange rebuilders ( a USA rebuilder) and its held up and worked great ever since. Unfortunately much of the alternator and starter rebuilding is now farmed out to China. Much of it is rebuilt using inferior quality parts and is pure junk. Buyer beware!!! As for Autozome most of what they sell is low cost garbage. I know the manager at the local Autozone and they regularly send back 2 full pallets of failed /returned merchandise each and every month. I wouldn't use Autozone Duralast parts if they were free. There is very little in that store of quality.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I ended up ordering a new one from Napa. The guy there even told me that autozone is known for having bad electrical components. It was kind of pricey but at least I shouldn't have to worry about it. And it comes with a lifetime warranty as well.
yea, dont do autozone!!
fix it yourself man!!!! must be videos on youtube!!!
...
I 94 is no place for a little Fiero.
