So, I think my alternator is going out. When I run my car, whether at idle or moving, the lights will flicker from bright to dim. Also, it seems like the engine kinda lags every now and then, but that might not have anything to do with the alternator. I'm not good enough with engines yet to determine what exactly that is. Anyway, I was looking at alternators online, and I found a couple that piqued my curiosity. One is an 'aftermarket' alternator and the other is supposedly for my car (a 91 Eclispe GS) but puts out 140 amps. My questions are: What is the difference between the aftermarket and an OEM alternator, and would there be any benefits to having one? And, would there be any reason I would need an alternator that puts out 140 amps? I don't think there is, but I thought I would ask. 140 just seemd like extreme overkill to me.



P.S. Here are the URLs to the afore mentioned alternators.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/...QQXCL10034.html

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/...33-1679534.html

The only reason you should need a 140 amp alternator over stock is if you are running a massive stereo system or a lot of extra electrical things like lights and what not.

Well, I am planning on having a really nice sound system soon and hopefully underglow by the end of the summer. Plus I'm going to have other electronics in my car. So should I look at getting the 140amp one? I want to make sure that I can power everything when I get it.

call up a junk yard. you can get a good alternator for like 40 bucks. piece of cake to put in and they get rid of your old one if its crap.

my alternator died on me recently and i want to replace it myself. so how do you get the **** thing out

I have pulled the alternator out so I can answer that part. 1) diconnect the wires and such. 2) remove the alternator drive belt. 3) There will be the pivot bolt on the bottom of the alternator, it has a square head so you only need a 12mm for the nut. Remove that next. 4) remove the upper mounting bolt and the alternator brace. I usually do steps 2 and 4 at the same time cause I find it easier. Idk about everyone else. I'll post pics as soon as it stops storming and I can go take some.

No you should not. But your alternator is bad.