Alternator Bosch or OEM Volvo

Also, my 90A Bosch alternator is about the same size and weight as my old 65A Bosch alternator. Going to a 90A alternator is a great cheap mod.

I did this on my mk1, along with a 90A Bosch alternator (AL49X ?) and a variable voltage regulator to get 14V. Also, I replaced all the tail lights and side markers bulbs with LED bulbs (superbrightleds) . This greatly reduced the amps drawn from the alternator.

I just replaced mine last week! I bought a remanufactured Bosch from FCPEuro. Looked brand new. Also was a pretty easy DIY.

Those alternators are damn near bulletproof, it’s the voltage regulators that crap out. If it were me, I’d keep the OEM unit, replace the pulley, and swap out the voltage regulator while I was at it.

Bosch is the OE manufacturer for motorcraft alternators so if you find a Bosch chealt cheaper, go for it. They're the same minus the motorcraft sticker.

That Bosch VR6 alternator was not a direct fit, but significantly easier than the Delcos other Rover owners commonly used. My method was faster, cheaper and way more reliable.

I pulled the alternator to have it tested at o'reillys. Test showed it was dead so I bought a reman'd Bosch, but still needed a jump. Car fired up right away, but the voltage gauge still read low and just slowly dropped until the car died again.

Funny thing is, the Bosch alt. I had in the car at the time is sitting in the car in my driveway. Okay, I replaced the brush pack a few times. The 90 Amp alt. itself is at least 10 years old, if not more.

We've had all sorts of problems with Bosch reman alternators. They worked really well until Volvo put the alternator on the CAN network. The reman ones have a ton of trouble making the right charging voltage.

If you put a Botch on a Honda, it will last about 3months.