hughesm

does anybody know which type of alternator i need to get for my car.not sure what the part number is. any help would be appreciated.dealer wants $425...must be some good after market ones around thanks mike

vader86

Stock is 105A CS-130, should be $125-150 or so.

You can upgrade to the later CS-144, which is a 140A unit and which does a much better job charging at idle and running accessories like sound systems. It will require filing down the AIR pump bracket connection, and needs a custom rear brace, but honestly its one of the best things you could modify on the car.

hughesm

thanks vader86

Wayne88

FWIW, My alternator went on my '88 last summer; I replaced it with a remanufactured Bosch from Advance Auto for about $150. So far it seems OK.
I would not pay $425 for an alternator.

aklim

Alternator is up top. Maybe you can take it out and have it rebuilt instead of getting some cheap junk that is a parts house rebuild made in the middle of BFE?

aklim

It sounds high for just the alternator (cash and carry) but if there is an install fee, that is different.

C409

..... Have you checked at NAPA ? .....

woody41

I went with one from NAPA so far so good. Lifetime warranty never had issues with parts or service from the NAPA store I use.

jsinga

NEVER buy a CS-130 without a lifetime warranty!
Many years ago an auto electric shop told me since Vetts and Firebirds dont have engine driven fans the heat kills them. Like most 80s GM front drivers, if you get 4 years out of one you did good.
Make sure you keep your battery charged up so it doesnt have to work quite so hard.
I bought a lifetime in 95. I'm on the 4th replacement.

JS

aklim

I disagree. I have gotten more than 4 years out of my Firebird. IMO, that is a myth like the ones about burning up fuel pumps if you don't keep them at least half full or not placing a battery on bare ground, etc.

Are you sure you aren't on your 4th because you bought the lifetime one which was designed to be cheaply made but called "lifetime premium" so they can charge more gambling on the idea you'd have dumped the car to some other sucker and the warranty won't apply? Kinda like "lifetime replacement" brakes?

mickey5

The alternator in my '90 quit after 23 years. Took it to a local rebuild shop that does school buses and municipal trucks. Cost was $100 to replace diodes and bearings. They use better quality parts because of the customer base.

aklim

Some do some don't. Some you can specify if you wanting top shelf parts or cheap stuff