NEW Alternator - Bosch(!) or Valeo?

[monkeyodeath]

Been having some alternator troubles recently that have stemmed from buying a mediocre reman from ebay (despite someone else's recommendation on this forum). Car is an '86 3.2, stock.

I usually rebuild my own alternators, but I'm finding it really hard to find decent rebuild parts these days. That and after a few months working on my car for various reasons, I'm looking to just put something in and actually drive it somewhere.

I figured that the choice of store-bought alternators would be what it's been for a long time now -- iffy reman Bosch, new Valeo. (Would love to just drop the coin on the high-amp Classic Retrofit piece, but alas, price is too steep for me at this point).

But I recently checked the stock of another retailer (rhymes with CockAuto) and saw that they are selling a NEW Bosch alternator, for a bit more than the Valeo.

Anyone have any experience with these? Any thoughts on whether this or the Valeo would be a better choice?

[john walker's workshop]

Valeo alts work fine. Bosch rebuilts just don't seem as good as in years past. Too many returns.

[monkeyodeath]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Valeo alts work fine. Bosch rebuilts just don't seem as good as in years past. Too many returns.

Thanks, John, you've always got such great advice.

What about new Bosch? I'd heard the bad word about the Bosch remans but I was kind of surprised to see that brand new Bosch were available.

The product is listed on a competitor website, I can PM the link to anyone interested.

[FA-18C]

Monkey - this is exactly what I did last year. No problems on my end, but then it has only been about 9 months.

[john walker's workshop]

Haven't tried NEW Bosch. Sticking with what works at the moment.

[darrin]

monkeyodeath -- still feel that the best solution is to have your existing alternator rebuilt by a competent, local alternator/motor rebuild shop. Mine assessed the unit and replaced worn items with new -- going on 15 years since rebuild (after suffering through several failed remanufactured units). Others may be able to provide specific vendor suggestions if you provide your location

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by darrin

monkeyodeath -- still feel that the best solution is to have your existing alternator rebuilt by a competent, local alternator/motor rebuild shop. Mine assessed the unit and replaced worn items with new -- going on 15 years since rebuild (after suffering through several failed remanufactured units). Others may be able to provide specific vendor suggestions if you provide your location

I agree 100%.

Ask some local mechanics or a car club guys who is a good local rebuilder. I took the alternator in for my El Camino and they did it on the spot as I waited.

And ask if they can source non Chinese made bearings and ask them to use those instead.

[fallingat120mph]

86' coupe here and installed a Valeo from the place you rhymed with. Zero issues and already a few thousand miles on the car - Nice constant output which I checked religiously the first few months...

I was back and fourth and researched the crap out of it. Thought I would try something new and keep the old one on a shelf as a fall back.

Another member advised me of the Valeo...he had good luck with it also an convinced me to try it and rebuild my original one if needed.

Just letting you know they have worked well for a few of us...

[pavegeno]

I did this since I have a Griffith's aftermarket a/c, lots of electronics, a subwoofer, etc. Bi g difference in displayed voltage on my voltmeter, especially at idle.

https://www.classicretrofit.com/en-us/collections/upgraded-alternators/products/porsche-911-high-output-175a-alternator-kit-1984-1989

Also did there fuse panel conversion from ceramic bullets to modern blades.

Good luck.

[FA-18C]

I would have had mine rebuilt, but essentially it was so stuck in the housing we essentially destroyed to get it out for replacement. I think the alternator was 30 years old. The new Bosch was faster for me, OTW the Valeo would have been my choice. I bought from an alternate vendor and the replacement warranty made it worth the risk. To be clear, no reason to wander from JW's path on this, certainly not on my 9 months of "looks good!"

[FA-18C]

pave - that is my next alternator at some point in support of classic retro AC. Will be some time unless I am willing to sleep in the car for a couple months. :/

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by FA-18C

I would have had mine rebuilt, but essentially it was so stuck in the housing we essentially destroyed to get it out for replacement. I think the alternator was 30 years old. The new Bosch was faster for me, OTW the Valeo would have been my choice. I bought from an alternate vendor and the replacement warranty made it worth the risk. To be clear, no reason to wander from JW's path on this, certainly not on my 9 months of "looks good!"

When did Bosch start making new 911 3.2 alternators? Where's a reference link?
In the past, Bosch used their rebuilding network to just rebuild Valeo cores.

Bosch stopped providing Porsche alternators in the early '70s. Bosch re-started Porsche alternator production with the 964 in '89.

[FA-18C]

Ya know Dave I didn’t ask them. Bought from RA and their info page specified new. Did not appear rebuilt upon arrival, works like it is supposed to…
https://www.********.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=273014&cc=1262810&pt=2412&jsn=12&jsn=12&jsn=12

[monkeyodeath]

Thanks everyone for the input!

Decided to go with the Valeo -- saved some money and based on the feedback here, seems like a good call. For all I know the new Bosch unit is a rebranded Valeo anyway.

Local rebuilder is a good idea, but I'm in a position where I just want to drive the car and the Valeo will be at my door tomorrow. Also just want something I have a lot of confidence in -- taking the alternator out of a 3.2 911 sucks and I'd like to not have to do it for a while :-).

I'll probably cobble together the best parts of the 2 alternators I have and take them to a quality local rebuilder, but I'd like to do some research first. Last alt was from a well-rated local alternator rebuilder and it had bent electrical studs, kinked rectifier wires, was missing all the required spacers, and was missing the plate that holds the output bearing in the casing! (This was after returning the first one for having trashed fan nut threads!)

Figure it's worth getting a brand-new alt while it's still possible anyway.

[fallingat120mph]

Best of luck!

Keep us posted if you think about it.



Erik

[SCadaddle]

I ordered a few front suspension parts for my 66 VW microbus from those guys a week or so ago. They sent me a tie rod for a 66-68 beetle instead of a drag link for my bus. So I got to begin the experience of a return/refund process of a part I was sent that I did not order from an outfit that has ZERO telephone support. I'm one and done with them.

"All the wrong parts your car would never need rock auto".

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by monkeyodeath

Thanks everyone for the input!

Decided to go with the Valeo -- saved some money and based on the feedback here, seems like a good call. For all I know the new Bosch unit is a rebranded Valeo anyway.

Local rebuilder is a good idea, but I'm in a position where I just want to drive the car and the Valeo will be at my door tomorrow. Also just want something I have a lot of confidence in -- taking the alternator out of a 3.2 911 sucks and I'd like to not have to do it for a while :-).

I'll probably cobble together the best parts of the 2 alternators I have and take them to a quality local rebuilder, but I'd like to do some research first. Last alt was from a well-rated local alternator rebuilder and it had bent electrical studs, kinked rectifier wires, was missing all the required spacers, and was missing the plate that holds the output bearing in the casing! (This was after returning the first one for having trashed fan nut threads!)

Figure it's worth getting a brand-new alt while it's still possible anyway.

Actually, the Valeo is a fairly reliable alternator, with the exception of its regulator that causes the majority of the Valeo failures.

Even the guys with the later air cooled Porsches have alternator (Bosch) headaches;
https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/1337132-964-alternator-rebuild.html

[Old H2S]

I have the Valeo, 2 years now, made in Poland.

[47silver]

Buy any of the alternators, but Do not return your original alternator for the core charge. Have it rebuilt and you will have a good spare.

[911 envy]

I recently purchased a new regulator from our host and I believe it is O.E.M. Being a naive 911 rookie I thought that mean it was original Porsche regulator. I received the Porsche bulletin explaining how you replace your alternator with one that includes the internal regulator. I trimmed the plastic housing per the diagram but my housing doesn’t fit. It won’t clear the B+ terminal trim. I’m hesitant to trim away more housing since I’d be now eliminating two bolt holes.

Thanks for your help.