A word of advice regarding alternators
Just an FYI...
lugnutjon's alternator died on his 10AE this afternoon. His car has 106k on it, and it went without much warning at all, just like mine did a couple of weeks ago at 101k.
FWIW, the only "non-stock" electrical devices either of us have are radar detectors. Both cars have factory stereos, no added electronics, etc.
Apparently, there isn't much of a local stock on Miata alternators, and when they go, they will render the car inoperable (obviously). Jon uses his 10AE as a daily driver (like me), so he had to scramble to find one at a salvage yard in Houston that could be shipped for delivery tomorrow so that he could get the car up and running ASAP.
I'd highly suggest that if you've got over 100k miles on your car, you might want to pick up a spare alternator to keep around. Either that, or go ahead and replace yours, especially if you daily drive the car, as no one keeps them in stock locally. Otherwise, be prepared for the car to be inoperable for a few days when it goes.
As a side note - does anyone know an alternator rebuilder in Tarrant County? I'd like to have my old one refurbished, so I've got a backup for the junkyard one that is currently in my car.
