name brand alternators - what's good?

Gee *whiz*, Nate, you certainly do like to do things the hard/expensive way! First you picked up a couple cruddy Chinese-rebuild specials and they gave you problems. Now you want to pay Powermaster's markup for new-made-in-China components???

I don't understand you sometimes.

Well, avoid the chain store lifetime warranty ones. I've had good luck with "Wilson" branded alternators and starters. Available at most NAPA stores, although they may have to special order them. They use good bearings and comebacks have almost been zero. Do a google search for them, and no, I'm not affiliated with the company in any way.

Well, that's what I really wanted to know - does Powermaster use good components or offshore stuff. Since I don't have a local speed shop that carries their stuff I had to ask, as I would have to purchase one to inspect it.

nate

If the rebuild is more expensive than a completely new one why not just buy a new one??????

although I have perfect faith that this rebuild is high

Is it higher than the quality from a new one? If not then buying an expensive rebuild makes no sense whatsoever.

But if the others are good too next time I need one I may just

Don't know about chrome but I always go with Napa when logic/durability dictates. Seems like it's better quality and I don't like changing parts out twice like with Autozone stuff. Since I do my own auto repair if it's not equal to quality of a factory part then I'll go for the factory part. Also don't overlook junkyards-there's gold in there.

Thanks for the replies. Nearest decent junkyard is about 30 miles away so that's not an option. Sounds like you're saying that the only decent parts store alternators are sold at NAPA? What about Carquest, are their parts any good? They quoted me a good price for a reman but I don't have any experience with them other than for small stuff and tools. I've heard people say good things about them, but only recently have I had one convenient to me to shop at.

nate

Grey-hound wrote: