Paris Rhone or not Paris Rhone?

[curtisr]

Paris Rhone or not Paris Rhone? That is the question I would like to ask of everyone as I replace the alternator in my North American market 1982 928. The transmission is automatic.

Some replacements are described as being of a Paris Rhone variety while others are not. Any help in making the right choice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Roger

[924CarreraGTP]

I bought a remanufactured Paris Rhone from Advance Auto Parts. Within about two weeks the regulator crashed and it wasn't charging. It had an old Chinese rebuilt (maybe) Valeo regulator. I had a Huco regulator that I bought for my '84 that turned out to have a Bosch alternator. So I had it as an extra and installed it in the Paris Rhone. It charges good. I had a recent problem, but I think it's probably gauge related rather than the alternator.
The price of the reman Paris Rhone has risen at Advance though. It's now over $200 but the picture shows a real Paris Rhone regulator now. That may be why. They used to be $100 at Advance. The cool thing is that they have a lifetime warranty. So even if mine crashes, I can take it back and get a new one for free.
The alternative is a Bosch alternator. The only upside to a Bosch is the ability to swap out a fairly good cross section of regulators as most of the Bosch alternators use the same regulator. I have about five Bosch regulators that will work in my '84 from various Mercedes alternators.
Otherwise, the Bosch and Paris Rhone charge just about the same on the gauge and probably about the same under a voltage meter. I've noticed the Paris Rhone jumping up to 14 volts from time to time. My Bosch unit in the '84 doesn't do that. It runs about 13 volts on the gauge at all times.
I think the Paris Rhone must be ducted and have it's cover and seal on the rear to work without overheating. However, I believe some previous owner replaced the alternator in my '84 with a Bosch and it has no cover or duct and has worked for many years with no problems.

[curtisr]

GTP,

Wow. That's like textbook material! Thank you!!

Roger

[Ethre]

928Carrerra covered it pretty well.

One additional option is to switch to a Delco alternator (using a CS130D). Its worked well for me on my 82, but some have not been quite as happy. Personally I think its one of the best things I have done on the car.

[laneyamps]

I had major issues with my 84, the first year I got it. Mainly the Voltage Reg. Went through 4 Paris alt's, all had bad regulators in them. Finally had a close friend of mine rebuild the last one I bought....been charging a steady 13.7 - 14.0 ever since!