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View Full Version : lights dim, needle drops? alt?

BadMoFo
02-02-2009, 12:26 PM
ok in the mornings on my way to work when I come to a stop and the car is idleling the interior lights dim and the needle for the batt drops down close to the red. when you start driving again the needle goes to the middle and the lights get bright. I have a brand new optima red top battery so do I need a new alt?
redtang93
02-02-2009, 01:07 PM
sounds like the low speed diode is bad. you got anyone around there that rebuilds alternators. It is a lot cheaper than buying a new one.
Notch93
02-02-2009, 05:16 PM
Sounds like the alternator is going bad. Do you still have the stock alternator? If so, now would be a good time to upgrade to a 130 AMP 3G.:yes1:
slonomo
02-02-2009, 05:24 PM
X2sounds like the low speed diode is bad. you got anyone around there that rebuilds alternators. It is a lot cheaper than buying a new one.
Nova
02-02-2009, 05:29 PM
ive been looking into one of these kits in the near future...

http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1079804&highlight=alternator
91blackbeauty
02-02-2009, 05:31 PM
you can also put a smaller pulley on the alt so it will turn faster at lower idle. ive done that plenty of times.
93fakesnake
02-02-2009, 08:20 PM
X3 on 130 amp alt kit
BadMoFo
02-02-2009, 08:20 PM
Sounds like the alternator is going bad. Do you still have the stock alternator? If so, now would be a good time to upgrade to a 130 AMP 3G.:yes1:

thats the direction I was leaning. know any good brands or places to purchase? I ws kind of leaning towards paperformance because they come in different colors. was thinking black.
redtang93
02-02-2009, 09:09 PM
you can also buy one off a 94-95 and upgrade it yourself. Get the wires with it. run a heavier guage wire from the alt to the soleniod.. you can buy it as a kit. on ebay cheaper.
cobra_4
02-02-2009, 09:11 PM
Just a word of advise have the battery checked. I sell optima's at my store and did for two years when I worked at Advance as well and they aren't all they have cracked up to be. I have a bad one in my 91 right now that isn't that old.
slonomo
02-02-2009, 09:28 PM
He's rightjust a word of advise have the battery checked. I sell optima's at my store and did for two years when i worked at advance as well and they aren't all they have cracked up to be. I have a bad one in my 91 right now that isn't that old.
zupaspunk
02-02-2009, 09:45 PM
could be as simple as a bad ground wire
Notch93
02-02-2009, 09:51 PM
thats the direction I was leaning. know any good brands or places to purchase? I ws kind of leaning towards paperformance because they come in different colors. was thinking black.

I bought the kit off the guy on the corral that Andy posted.

ive been looking into one of these kits in the near future...

http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1079804&highlight=alternator



Except I bought mine a while back from him, and he had some OEM 94-95 GT alternators. But I know many people running this kit, with the smaller case and they love it. And I haven't had one issue with mine yet.



He will sell you a satin black powder coated unit, for an extra $20.00. Or if you want gloss black, spend the $285.00 and get the PA kit.
tripps88
02-02-2009, 09:52 PM
If you get a higher amp alt. PA Performanceis a good way to go. That is what is on my car. I like it, but get ready to modify the Alt brkt.
BadMoFo
02-03-2009, 12:40 PM
If you get a higher amp alt. PA Performanceis a good way to go. That is what is on my car. I like it, but get ready to modify the Alt brkt.

ya I saw that. is it just grinding material off or more then that?
tripps88
02-03-2009, 02:06 PM
It is just a small notch ground in to the brkt so that the larger GM style case will fit. It is not to bad as long as you have some time and the right tools. oh yeah and some patience does not hurt either:thumbsup1:
BadMoFo
02-03-2009, 04:44 PM
It is just a small notch ground in to the brkt so that the larger GM style case will fit. It is not to bad as long as you have some time and the right tools. oh yeah and some patience does not hurt either:thumbsup1:

crap I'm screwed.:lol1:
redtang93
02-03-2009, 04:46 PM
whats wrong? it is not that hard heck i filed some of mine down by hand
Notch93
02-03-2009, 05:15 PM
crap I'm screwed.:lol1:

It's not even a 1/4 inch that has to be trimmed. Hell, George (GEO302) did mine, it took him maybe 5 minutes tops to trim the piece.

Or go with the guy on the corral, he uses the small cases, so no trimming involved at all.
BadMoFo
02-03-2009, 06:14 PM
it was a joke. but really dont have time, or tools, or patience, lol. leaning towards coral just for ease of instalation but we will see. probably wont happen for a week or so. not until I am done researching fully.

so how hard is it to to change alt?
Badass1993
02-03-2009, 08:05 PM
I got you a 94-95 style alternator here...wiring too;)
Wayne's 88 GT
02-03-2009, 08:08 PM
Actually changing an alternator is not that bad of a deal.......took me about 30 mins.....to me the hardest thing was changing the belt at the same time.........the reverse rotation water pump always gets me!
nyfreakinrican7
02-08-2009, 03:57 PM
I just got a used alternator from a 95 at the junkyard for $35. Replaced the main power wire with a 4 ga. wire and a fuse. For the alt. bracket I just used a dremel and it was done in a couple of minutes.
DSTRBD
02-08-2009, 04:26 PM
A problem when most run underdrive pullies until they get it dialed up right !