Alternator advice - '85 Mercruiser 170

[scook]

This is the integral one. The stator is shorted to ground / the commutator looks very good / rhe voltage regulator tested good as far as I went. Assuming it checks out OK, would you suggest a new stator at around $200 or changing to an external alternator for the same or a little more money?

If an external one, what brands are reliable? On another forum, some 170 guys liked a kit by Breezeworks (they sell a 3-wire alternator in their kit). If I go for a 1-wire, how do I know it's a true 1-wire and will charge at low RPM? I'm short on time, so need a kit with all the parts - I don't have time to fab anything right now.

Any help is appreciated - thanks.