Alternators what's the difference ?
 

I have an 03 with a trip transmission and my alternator went out. I called up the local independent Porsche shop and was quoted 1600.00 for a alternator. Needless to say I laughed at the guy. So my question is I did some research and prices are all over the place from sub 200 at the parts store to 400 at pelican and beyond. This car is a weekend driver.
Any advice on what route to go?

Go with a reputable Porsche parts supplier like Pelican. They know these cars and stand behind what they sell. Stay away from the O'Reily's, Pep Boys, Napa's, etc. They don't have a clue in generally about Porsches.

The factory Porsche part is far and away worth the 400% premium







NOT

Do a search, there are a bunch of recent threads on alternators

Are you sure it's the alternator and not the voltage regulator? They are well known to fail. Unfortunately it's stuck on the back of the alternator. They are around $40 IIRC.

Yep on the voltage regulator. Unless the alternator shaft has wobble, the usual suspect is the regulator. It's a common part used on VWs, Audi and Mercedes. Do a search and you'll find part numbers from Bosch; they are under $50 and fairly easy to install. I did mine several years back after the car came from winter storage...battery light went on and I got out the multimeter. Think the reading was only around 11 volts, when it should be at least 14.

Went with one from pelican with regulator. After 11 years not replacing both seemed like a high chance for double the work.

With all due respect to one of the earlier replies,
Porsche does not make alternators. Electrically, there is absolutely nothing special about the Boxster alternator and no need to pay stupid prices.

This isn't a hard job and double work is not necessary. I did this job for the first in May 2013 in my driveway. I ended up just replacing the VR with a new Bosch unit for $45 from a local starter and alternator shop.

Remove your alternator and have it tested at any auto parts store. You will know weather you have a bad regulator or bad alternator.
Replace the regulator or both and you are done.

Also check that the decoupling clutch is working. Mine wasn't.

(Not sure which model years have a decoupling clutch; I don't think they all do.)

'01 tip...
my alternator went out 4 years ago on a road trip. i'm sure it was the regulator but since i was in a tough spot (1300 miles from home, 100 miles from a dealer / p-car shop) i decided to just replace the entire alternator with a rebuilt one from o'reilly.

did the work myself, part was $240. so far, zero issues from the alternator.

i had a rattle for a bit because i hadn't tightened one of the bolts enough, easy fix once i got home.