Mechman alternators

arries289arries289 Wagonist
in Electronics, Fueling & Air Conditioning
Anyone have any experience or reviews of Mechman high performance alternators? Their quality/life/performance?

So, I have the standard 60A alt (Duralast garbage). I burned it up recently (400 miles on it) in the hot weather while idling with AC & lights & a cooler using 12v charge port. So, I went to autozone and got another one and found out that it will only charge at idle if everything is turned off, including AC. I realize that rebuilt alternators are generally junk but I did not realize they were that bad at idle. I went looking for a quality replacement with intentions of also upgrading to a AGM battery and upgrading cables. I found Mechman. They seem to be proud of their $549 alternator but I would buy it if the performance and reliability is there. The specs are 6 phase/240A (which I will probably never use).

http://www.mechman.com/alternators/honda/crx/1-6l/1988-1991/

Thanks guys

Comments

  • greenteagodgreenteagod Moderator
    Yeah I can't comment on that, but paying $550 for an alternator that probably has twice the amps you'll ever take advantage of, doesn't seem like a reasonable buy to me.

    If you are running gobs of electronics then perhaps I can see taking advantage of that. If you're running a welder off of your car, o.k.

    The higher the amperage the more the motor has to work in turning that alternator.

    I picked up http://alterstart.biz/newstore/acura-honda/8891-new-honda-civic-hi-performance-alternator-170-amp/

    I calculated out how much amperage my overall build is going to be and gave myself some extra wiggle room I also installed a separate fuse block to be able to direct that power where I want.

    The one you're looking at, I could possibly see if they had a decent warranty, but the one I bought for 220 has the same warranty as the one you're looking at spending $550 for

    So my takeaway from this is if you are not looking at a build that is gonna take advantage of that amperage. You're wasting money, and engine power, for something that doesn't seem to have a warranty that matches up with their absurd price.

    This is just my opinion, I've not had any issues with my alternator since I've installed it. It sorted out the dimming lights at idle that I was getting from my old stock worn out alternator. That Mechman might be the best thing ever, but yeah unless I was arc welding straight off my battery, or building the entire car into a competition sound machine. Foook that.
  • hrtbrk1hrtbrk1 Band Wagon
    Mechman makes good product, but they are expensive. Other good alternator companies are Excessive Amperage, Ohio Gen, Singer Alternators, and DC Power. However, like Greenteagod mentioned, figure out what you will need and give yourself some wiggle room. Also, some companies have different idle amperage, so if you want more amperage at idle, look into which alt will give you that.

    Things you can also do to improve voltage are as follows:

    1.) Do the Big 3(or Big 4) with 1/0 OFC Wire
    2.) Run an AGM Deep Cycle Battery. XS Power makes some pretty good ones (so does Northstar).
  • arries289arries289 Wagonist
    @GTG
    Yeah I agree that it is complete overkill. I did upgrade my main rad fan to a 2 speed and added a relay. That, I think, was enough to throw the stock alt garbage into a tizzy at idle. I plan on adding a small sound system, auxillary lights, etc. So, what I really think I need amperage-wise is basically what you have ~170A - but it has got to be charging at idle since I do a lot of stop and go traffic. The other issue, and other reason for wanting a quality build, is it is such a PITA to get the alt out of a RT car.

    @HRTBRK
    Thanks for the additional info. The reason Mechman caught my eye is that they are over driven at idle with a smaller pulley. Solves a lot of issues right there. I do plan on upgrading to AGM and a wire kit at the same time. It is not so much about building a system that I can weld with LOL but building a system that is very reliable. I dont want to have to replace another alternator anytime soon.

    I appreciate the info guys...
  • greenteagodgreenteagod Moderator
    Oh yeah like her said. Do that big 3/4 upgrade. I did and it helped a lot with insufficient juice going places. I have a write-up on terminal ends too
  • AbideAbide Council Member
    greenteagod wrote: »
    I picked up http://alterstart.biz/newstore/acura-honda/8891-new-honda-civic-hi-performance-alternator-170-amp/

    This is just my opinion, I've not had any issues with my alternator since I've installed it. It sorted out the dimming lights at idle that I was getting from my old stock worn out alternator. That Mechman might be the best thing ever, but yeah unless I was arc welding straight off my battery, or building the entire car into a competition sound machine. Foook that.

    ive been running one of these for about a year, no issues. thats already better than every single parts store reman ive ever bought. i also had one in my accord a long time ago and didnt have any then. the accord had some good audio. the wagon runs some extra lighting.
  • hrtbrk1hrtbrk1 Band Wagon
    I thought about making kits of these...wonder how well they will sell. They sold very well in the Nissan forum.
  • greenteagodgreenteagod Moderator
    Yep, I've had mine for a couple years, and no issues at all. I'd definitely say go with these guys. I just can't see what Mechman is doing that commands the premium they're charging. Either way, let us know what you go with when you make a decision.
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