If this is the wrong section plz let me know and move this. I would initially be selling in person only tho, that's why I posted in west section.

Seems like 10 FC alternators fail each week. I've had a few of mine go out too. Anyway I'm thinking of learning to rebuild them. I can solder, etc., and can pick up anything I don't know pretty easily. I'm sure it wouldn't be that hard. So I'd like to know if people would be interested in FC alts with 100% brand new internals. Thing is, I'd probably have to buy cores off people for $30-$50 (so they won't turn them in), and the new parts might not be cheap either. So let's assume $200 selling price worst case scenario. I mean, that's what Mazda charges for their remans. But it'd practically be a brand new alternator.

So, would you buy it? Btw, even if most people put down the first choice, I'd still probably sell it at a minimal price both to get more real buyers (vs people who say they would) and to help out the FC community.

 

I vote yes. I'd pay eric before I pay the dealer. BUT, there are a few crazies in the 2nd Gen section who have moddified the FC alt to have the same output as teh FD alt, and retain the stock harness. Do you think you can do something like that?

 

Yes, I was already considering increasing the output if possible. Just depends on how doable it turns out to be.

EDIT: Did a little searching and it seems special ordering all the internals costs about $100. So I'd guesstimate a final price of $150 plus a $40-$50 refundable core charge. Maybe a little less once I get going, get faster at it, find the parts cheaper, etc. Still searching for info on putting in higher output internals.

EDIT 2: It seems that it's the windings that put out the extra output, so that may be a bit too much to change out without it costing more.

 

Nope. I bought my alternator from Kragen for $145 with core exchange, and those are lifetime warranty. Alternator failed? OH - Thanks kragen for the brand new alternator, free of charge! Same goes for autozone.

 

Ya, I got a lifetime warranty alt from Kragen too. It failed fast. Exchanged it for another bad alt, etc. Lots of people go through the same thing, though you can get lucky too. That's why I'm thinking of rebuilding them myself and putting in all new parts, not some lousy reman where remanufactured part X might fail in a few weeks.

 

Precisely why I buy OEM for everything I can. In this case though, if I could get an S4 alt with a higher output I would pay for it. Any price. As long it worked.

 

Most FC owners need a crash course to think like "MacGyver"

 

starting with ju, "The Crash Test Dummy"

 

Based on the poll I'm only gonna pursue this if I happen to run into an old alternator to rebuild. Thx for replies.

 

i got two you can have for testing if you want them..your somewhat local too so you can come pick them up..

:AA:

 

I got a alt that the voltage regulator went out. You can have if ya want it.

 

Sweeet, thx guys. Didn't think it'd be that easy. PM me a time and address and I'll come. I'm available evenings and weekends, except mondays and maybe saturday evenings. AA, you could also bring it to Autobacs if you want. I drive the white NA with phone dials. Though it looks like there isn't a meet tonight.

Looks like I got another hobby.

 

That's why I'm glad there's only 2 bolts holding our alternator on and it's right on top of the engine. 15 min swap