I'm sure my ignorance is going to be on full display here... but even if I pick the most expensive *new* alternator and most expensive blower at rock auto, the price is half what NAPA wanted.

Any experience with these parts/brands? I was thinking about going with the FVP since it's got a little higher amperage (so I can add pusher fans in the future) or should I go with pure energy since it's new?
I'm thinking about the TYC fan (more expensive must be better, right?).

Thanks,
Matt

 

In my experience, if it is not a known brand name then the part is no better or worse than ordering off Amazon. In your case, the "Pure Energy" alternator is likely a generic one with an off-brand name slapped on it. You can get the same thing, for the same price along with free 1-2 day shipping. With RA you'll have to pay for shipping, and it will be more like 3-5 days to get it.

 

Remy and ACDelco are both OEM suppliers. Rock auto is cheaper because they do huge volumes, shipping ain't exactly cheap though....

 

Darn. I was wanting the higher current output versions, but both are not brands ya'll seem to like.

My first priority is high reliability, second is additional current (for the alternator), third is price/schedule.

Now it's between NAPA (parts today $250, Bosch, 136A) , RockAuto (parts by Friday, FVP $105 136A or ACDelco $135 117A), or random Amazon alternator for $99.

I'm still leaning towards FVP for the additional current so I can install pusher fans a little more comfortably.

Anybody want to talk me off the cliff?

 

Never heard of FVP..... If they offer a good warranty, go ahead and jump.

 

If rock auto offers it I feel it has some level of quality and dependability, but they also need to provide parts that can be affordable to some in the same way.

I'm not sure what else you're running but just additional electric fans on a stock electrical system I think would be perfectly ok with stock alternator. There is not much demand on the stock system.

If you're look for lots of halogen lights, big sound system, snow plow, pull a camper trailer charging the battery then its time to look at higher output in my opinion.

Are accessory brackets different, I thought stock pickup alternators were 130 amp? just pick one up for a pickup

HVAC I always go four seasons if available.

 

I just replaced mine this spring from Napa(136A) and it was around 130-140($60 core charge) if i remember correctly. It was their Napa house brand which is made by one of the known brands they sell. If you calculate in shipping from RA it's about the same. Be aware of this...

 

If it's the bearings that are the issue from the other post then just replace the bearings. It will be alot cheaper and you will still have the oem alternator which will easily handle what you plan for it.

 

For how long though? Bearings aren't the only wear part in the alt..... Just replacing it is quickest, and easiest, and will likely last the rest of the life of the van. Just changing the bearings, pretty much assures you will be back in there again in a year or two.

 

In my opinion I would take an oem piece over a rebuild job that you don't know what they did to it or one of these units from china. There are places that rebuild them if he has one close, of course the parts are probably sourced from you know who.