It looks like a new alternator will be in my maxs future as my current one is only putting out 12.3v with subs and lights off. Anyway i see that auto parts stores carry 110 and 125amp alts while ive seen other places that carry 160, 180, and 200 amp alts.....how do i know what alt i have and would it hurt if i threw a 160amp on there?

 

i believe the original alternator is a hitachi 110 amp, i replaced mine with a 125 amp napa with lifetime warranty. if your running a system you can add a cap to save your battery.

 

did all maximas/I30s come with the 110? i was thinking it would be primarily a Maxima GXE thing since some SEs and most Maxima GLEs and I30s came with more electrical options like sunroofs, bose, fogs, etc and would need a little more amps...esp with the cold weather package having heated seats/mirrors....idk tho...just pondering this.

 

I think I went with an i30 alt for my 2002 maxima, not sure if the same can be done for a 4th gen.

 

Oreillys would be ok. Supposedly they are made by hitachi, the same as nissan ones. If you got a big system 125 wouldnt hurt, escept for your wallet. Just dont get one from autozone, ive had too many problems with those to even remotely suggest them.

 

Really? ive had my share of issues with oreillys stuff...although those parts were clutch master and slave cylinders. and quite a bit easier to swap out than an alternator. If u suggust oreillys ill go with that...

 

I'm looking at a brand new OEM 110 amp alternator sitting on my coffee table.

Its listed in the classified section for $80 plus shipping if your interested.

Typically you'd only need more amps if you are running a really serious multi-amp/multi-battery sub system. Wouldnt hurt to put the 125 amp variant in there if you notice headlight flicker when your really pushing the subs.

 

i have 4000 watts in trunk for sub and 400 watt 2 channel amp for mids/highs and i just installed a 125 amp alt

12.9 volts with system turned up all the way and car running (keep in mind this was immediately after install that i had it tested so battery hadn't had a chance to recharge either now its charging alot better than before) my lights dont fade or anything and like i said i have 4k+ watts running for my system so doing great for me.

mine is a gle came with a 110 amp the 125 amp fits perfect but it has a longer spacer on it so you have to tap spacer out some (almost flush with the casing but not all the way flush) in order for the bolt to go all the way through to tighten it down. (DO NOT USE THE 110 amp alt spacer you will crack the 125 it is a little bit bigger alt case just tap the 125 spacer back until you have enough thread to tighten it down)

 

According to their commercial site its made by hitachi. Odd, I know. Some of their parts are ok, you just gotta watch what brand it is and who really made it.

 

This. I went through 4 of Autozone's alts before I said F this. bought a 120 amp from Napa. so far so good. it's been two weeks. *knocks on wood*

 

Mine was replaced by the recall 8 years ago LOL how long do they last?

 

just put a 110amp autozone reman in cost 160 and better last! i got a 2200 watt system on it.

 

their junk, napa or advanced is better.

 

There is no set time if it is a new one. Some people will go 200K miles, others will go 100K miles. Just luck of the draw.

If it's a "remanufactured" unit, then it's one day to 200K miles.

 

mine gave out at 230k miles OEM one and my 95 has 315k miles on OEM alternator lol. just luck i guess some people swap them every 3 or 4 years lol. And from experience guy who has had the autozones reman alt? and how long did it last. cause ill be really pissed if mine dont see at least 45k miles.