Group, There is a difference in a rebuilt alternator, a remanufactured alternator. A rebuilt alternator may or may not have NEW, let me say it again new parts, such as regulator, diodes, stator and rotor. Due to the demand for profit and the large chains going out for the low bid, it forces the rebuilder to cut corners and reuse used parts. Yes, they take them apart, clean them up, install new bearings and while this is going on, someone else is checking the diodes, regulator, stator, rotor for reuse. This is why test equipment has been built for it and test benches are set up to test the used parts. Yes, They can give you life warranty on the alternator, but not on the labor to reinstall. I know, when I got married about 6 years ago my wife had had a Pep Boys rebuilt alternator installed on her car. After the 3rd replacement in less than three years, I got my money back and had a new one built buy a Remanufacturer and the problem was solved. ReManufacturer, This is a company that tears the alternator apart and will in most cases reuse the case and sometimes the rotor. But the diodes, regulator, brushes are replaced with new parts along with the bearings, terminals and other parts. If the rotor shows little to no wear on the comutator , then it can be turned and used again. In a lot of cases a used rotor which is the part that turns at about 6000 RPM's is better used then new. It already been spun and didn't come apart. Our new computer machine will spin them at about 6800 RPM's for a short time. Then you have new. All new everything. What I'm saying is, yes some of you may have access to a rebuilder that will rebuild and alternator with all new parts because your asking them to do that or standing over them watching them. But most of you that don't and will be the victim as I was to the rebuilders cheap stuff out of the box at the auto supply stores. How do you think they get the price down so low and compete with each other. In most cases the alternators come from the same source and they use different color boxes. I know, I work with a remanufacturer and he has been in the business for 20+ years. John Hervey www.specialTauto.com We build new alternators << Your argument is not valid with "maybe and evaluation of whether they should own a DeLorean should be in question" if they decide to install a rebuilt alternator. What you are saying is that then ANYONE with ANY car should be re-evaluated in owning ANY car if they install a rebuilt alternator. Are you saying that anyone that owns a motor vehicle should not be entitled to own one if they install anything rebuilt? Or even a mechanic that installs re-built >>