Alternator vs. Generator

[andrewlandon67]

So the generator on my 1914 is starting to seize up a bit (it doesn't spin on its own when turned by hand) and I have the option of either keeping it generator, with a really nice one that a friend has around, or converting it to an alternator with a different friend's nice, original Bosch alternator. Either way I'm not worried about power since there's no stereo in my car, but I'm more concerned with which one will live longer on a hot street motor (occasional runs up to 7k crank RPM). Any advice would be great, thanks!

[Bruce]

My car came with a Bosch alternator.  The original one is still working perfectly with close to 300,000 miles on it.

[andrewlandon67]

300,000 miles sounds like a pretty good recommendation... how often do you really wrap your motor up beyond 6k rpm?

[Bruce]

The previous engine used to rev pretty good.  I'd go over 7k every time I drove the car.  rev limiter set to 7500.  Used to hit it all the time.
The engine in it now does't rev as high.  It's done by about 6300.

I really like the original Bosch ones with the external regulator under the back seat.  When I come across good parts, I'll save them.  After I had a couple of spares, I thought, what's the point, I only need the one.

[j-dub]

I always choose generators simply because I don't like the look of VW alternators.

[andrewlandon67]

The previous engine used to rev pretty good.  I'd go over 7k every time I drove the car.  rev limiter set to 7500.  Used to hit it all the time.
The engine in it now does't rev as high.  It's done by about 6300.

I really like the original Bosch ones with the external regulator under the back seat.  When I come across good parts, I'll save them.  After I had a couple of spares, I thought, what's the point, I only need the one.

Awesome, that's what I was hoping to hear! I'm not going to be going up to 8k or anything, and I pull the belt off for racing, but I'd like the security of knowing I can abuse it a little bit.
J-dub, I definitely know what you mean, they're kinda goofy, but if that's what I need to have to keep it from failing, then I'll deal with kinda goofy looking.

[Fastbrit]

I always choose generators simply because I don't like the look of VW alternators.

Form follows function...