vs
Alternator OEM FORD or GENERAL MOTORS
Reviews
The OEM alternator is only 55 amps and costs nearly $400, which is stupid expensive and wholly inadequate for off-road lighting, audio amplifiers, and other additional accessories so I decided to go with the CS130D GM alternator, purchased for under $100 new (no core charge) and has a 130 amp capacity.
I'm getting 14.8v from the upgraded alternator at 700rpm and maintaining 14.2v when every possible accessory and light is turned on at idle.
Pros: 130 amp capacity, under $100
Cons: OEM is expensive, inadequate
OEM. I've had to warranty and eat so much labor from faulty auto parts store starters and alternators it's unreal. They cost more, but I rarely have an issue with OEM.
Pros: rarely have issue
Cons: cost more
I had lots of issues with a ‘96 4.6 Cobra. Back and forth between battery, alternator issues. Maybe, six months between issues. Finally replaced the alternator with new, not reman and changed the battery at the same time. That lasted for the next three years that I owned the car and was still fine when I sold the car.
Pros: new alternator lasted
Cons: alternator issues
Vehicle:
Ford
I had a similar problem with my 08 mustang GT. The alternator burnt through the cord going from it to the battery. Bought a remanufactured alternator and replaced it. Still didn't work. Traded it in for another remanufactured. Still didn't work. Finally returned that one and bought a brand new one. Works fine 6 years later and no problems.
Pros: new unit works fine
Cons: reman units didn't work
Vehicle:
Ford Mustang
The alternator itself can get bad only if the bearings are shot. If you don't have play on the shaft, and it spins freely then the alternating part of the alternator is fine. What can get pretty bad are the diode rectifier bridge.
Pros: spins freely
Cons: bearings shot
12-plate Fiesta, 106k miles
- Alternator is intermittent
- Rear bushes are audibly fucked
- Radiator fan packed up so it overheats when idling in warm weather
Cons: Alternator intermittent, rear bushes
Vehicle:
Ford Fiesta
Mileage: 106000 km
I haven't had this problem with my RX8, but I had a similar problem with my Ford. Alternator was putting out 14.4V, but I still had a light. Took it to the parts store and they hooked it up to their tester. It said the Alternator was no good.
Cons: Alternator was no good
Vehicle:
Mazda
Had issues with every single Ford alt I replaced (from autozone, Napa, Oriellys) didn’t matter. Only had luck with either dealer parts or from a local rebuilder.
Pros: dealer parts worked
Cons: aftermarket parts failed
I once went through 3 alternators in 2 days from the Ford dealer on one job.
Cons: multiple alternators failed
Vehicle:
Ford
Go with a new OEM. I had a Ford E250 I put a remanufactured one in and it lasted like 2000 miles and gave out.
Cons: lasted only 2000 miles
Vehicle:
Ford
Mileage: 3218 km
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Comparisons
Show all
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads NIPPARTS got the first review!
The brake discs Hella got the first review!
The brake discs OEM Suzuki got the first review!
For tires OEM Toyota already 25 reviews.
For tires IRONMAN already 25 reviews.
For starter motor OEM Volkswagen already 25 reviews.
In the rating best ignition coil already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best fuel pump already 5 brands participate!
In the rating best turbocharger already 4 brands participate!
In the auto rating headlights for Volkswagen Golf already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for Mazda 5 already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for BMW M2 already 5 brands participate!
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
