Alternator

[SardarQ]

Hi Guys,

This appears to be a great Nissan/Infiniti site - just wished I found it eariler.

I haven't been able to find this info. anywhere :

Is the alternator on the 97Q the same as the alternator on the Nissan Maxima 1997?

They both are 110amps (NY) not Calif. specs. But are they the same otherwise in fit?

I found many sites selling maxima alternators for $120-140 all OEM rebuilts. For the Q its in the range of $180 to $210 for the OEM. But if they are the same .... them why bother with the Q alternator.

[elwesso]

My guess is theyre not the same, IE they wont bolt in... maybe they have the same internal components but different housings?

[PoorManQ45]

I would actually check the pictures. It's very possible that they are the same

[Jesda]

If you search under aftermarket brands, like Autolite, do they share the same part number?

[DAEDALUS]

I don't know the answer, but if you plan to keep the car a while I strongly advise against buying anything but OEM. Aftermarket probably wont' last 10+ years/200k.

[SardarQ]

That was a great suggestion Jesda! Looks like the part numbers for the Maxima and the I30 are the same for 1997. Q has a different part number. Its a shame that they charge about $70 more for the Q when it most likely only differs in the housing bolt/mounting pattern. Oh well, the price you pay for driving a Q.

Thanks guys!

[3Q Jay]

you know there was a recall on the '97 for bad alternator?might first want to pull service records and see if that was done. if not, i think you have a case to still get an oem infiniti one installed for free.

echoing some others here...i'd stay away from anything but oem, even if it's some rebuilder putting out a nissan case with diode bridge, etc.

plus, if you get one without the 'hamburger' you won't ever get core credit from nissan should you ever decide that aftermarket is not worth the hassel and go [back to] oem.