So, my stocker 70A alternator appears to have finally had enough. Finally found this site for high-output alternators on nasioc and found what appears to be the right bolt-on replacement for my 2001 2.5L Impreza RS (23700-AA390/A2TB2991 - both #'s appear on my alternator): http://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/11058hiamp.html Wondering if anyone has bought an alternator from this place and can say whether or not they had a good buying experience/quality product.
I don't know, but I see a Justy alternator on there for 138.00, which means I may have to give it a shot and let you know.
Ordered one for $203. Add another $38 to ship UPS 3 Day Select (Ground was about $15) in the hopes of getting it Friday. Will post my impressions of it after I install it. EDIT: Turned out 3 Day wouldn't make it by Friday. Since I had put in the comments when ordering that I wanted it by then, Maniac Electronic called & e-mailed me ASAP to let me know I'd have to upgrade to 2 Day Air (extra $14) if I wanted it by Friday. Only note that because it seems indicative of an on-the-ball company.
Got the new alternator. Install was quick and simple. New alternator bolted right in. Unfortunately, the alternator apparently wasn't the problem. However, I can say that this alternator must be putting out way more juice (as it should). Even with my 8F capacitor disconnected I didn't get the slightest flicker of the head & fog lights with the stereo at full volume.
New alternator died within 24 hours. Was driving down 94 last night and noticed the dash and headlights going very bright for a few minutes than very dim for a few minutes over and over again. After 45 minutes of that the stereo shut off even at very low volume. A while later the gauge needles started dropping when I'd touch the blinker (clear indicator of no charge from alternator and nearly dead battery). Managed to limp it home with a couple of 10 minute stops with jumper cables hooked to a running car. I guess now I'll get to see how this company backs their products. All I can say right now is that I am very frustrated.
and seeing as it wasnt the alternator in the first instance maybe you might want to solve what was the problem as that may have cooked the new alternator !!
I hear it. Stereo is straight off until I get the subwoofer amp sent in for warranty - it was cutting off, which made me think the original alternator was going bad, but it still did it with the new alternator.
I'd verify all wiring and connections before sending the amp in for warranty. Often if it's not broken they'll charge you.
The wiring's good - did it myself. Just added 4 ga. wires from battery-to-engine and alternator-to-battery (already had battery-to-chassis). Also put new battery connectors on. Running 0 ga. from the battery through a 200A fuse for positive and dual 4 ga. grounds for the amps. Was using an 8F cap, but tried without that. Amp had been working stably for more than 6 months and simply started cutting out suddenly about a week ago. Also checked voltage drops on major runs with a voltmeter and found nothing more than a tenth of a volt.
Talked to Maniac Electric Motors this morning. They were very surprised that the alternator died - they call it their "bulletproof" alternator. The lady I talked to was very nice and they are shipping out a replacement with pre-paid return shipping for the defective alternator. Hopefully I have better luck with the second. They have so far been an ideal company to deal with other than the dead-within-24-hours alternator.
UPDATE: Received the replacement alternator last week and have been running it for about 5 days - so far so good. Only time will tell how reliable this alternator really is, but I definitely give Maniac Electric Motors 2 thumbs up :biggthumpup: :biggthumpup: for exceptional customer service.
