The alternator went out on my 2005 convertible and I was wondering what the best brand of alternator is to get that will last a long time? I did a search on the form but could not find the answer.

 

OEM from Nissan. Your alternator lasted 14 years. That's a decent amount of time in my opinion.

 

I ordered a Bosch reman alternator... has anyone had any experience with that?

 

OEM

 

I took my alternator out when I bought my car in 2006 to install a 200 amp HO alternator. I was going to offer to sell you mine , It was removed before I did my 1st oil change at 1000 miles . Been sitting in my closet ever since.
Looks like your set now though.

 

Nissan OEM's alternators can't be beat......I'd steer clear of a reman personally.

 

Bosch, Mitsubishi .............

 

OEM. I have run my 350z for 16 years on the original equipment.

 

Same, just pulled mine out the other day. 15 years and still going strong.

 

14 years, still cranks like a charm. OEM, if I was in your position, I'd buy a used alt. OEM off another fellows with less miles.

 

That was all good advice, but I needed to get my car on the road. I installed the Bosch alternator and fully charged the battery before firing up the car. When I started the car, the voltage went straight up to 14.2ish and is holding steady. It looks like the bad alternator was an OEM Nissan/Mitsubisi unit. If it was original it did well for 14 years and 215,000 miles. Hopefully the Bosch unit holds up just as well.

BTW, I also replaced the belt tension pulley as it made noise and felt rough when I spun it in my hand. Belt was recently replaced, so no need to replace it. Topped off the coolant, after installing upper radiator hose.

Is there a good step by step to replacing an alternator? If not, I can make one.

 

I believe it's pretty straight forward, but I would say go ahead and throw it up. Your techniques may vary from that of others and may benefit someone in their own unique way.

I just replaced my motor mounts and my methods varied from the 2 vids and 2 write ups I viewed because my Z seemed to have different dimensions in some areas.

Too much information is always better than too little. We're all here to help each other.

 

I was thinking of doing my motor mounts too, but I may do a motor swap this year. If thats the case, Ill do the MMs then.

 

Trust me, that is the best route. I did mine without pulling and it was a complete PITA only because they were not many write-ups on it and I was trying to figure out how to make the most of the little space I had. Given the choice I would have pulled the engine, but that seemed extreme just to swap mounts

 

It will not.