Just a quick question: will a bad/dying alternator affect the idle? TIA for anyone who helps.
Lou

bump

Have you checked your alternator to come to the conclusion that its bad?

Not yet, and it's not making any funny noises either, but the reason why I ask is that my idle dropped when I put the windows up the other night, and my lights dimmed, which leads me to believe that there is more drain on the electrical components than can be supplied, even though I'm running stock bose speakers.

This question was really just a curiousity question, ya know?

How do I go about checking my alternator?

Did you have any mods for the 15.47 run? <--OT

I don't believe an alternator on its way out will affect the idle. Perhaps you should have your charging system checked.

Have you cleaned your IACV before?

I actually just replaced my IACV, thinking that was the problem. I couldn't pass up a $40 IACV from a member. I didn't want to eff with it by taking it apart, but might clean it today. I had cleaned my old one, but it really didn't help.

There could be a problem with the voltage regulator (internal of the alternator) but you'll never know until you check your charging system.

I ran that stock, I'm aiming for 15.2 this weekend and shooting for 2.3 at the same track I was at last week. My best trap of the day was slightly below 92mph.

According to the Haynes manual if the engine lopes while idling or idles erratically, the culprit could be:

1. vacuum leakage
2. leaking EGR valve
3. air filter clogged
4. fuel pump not delivering sufficient fuel
5. leaking head gasket
6. timing chain and/or sprockets worn
7. camshaft lobes worn

You haven't described the symptons of your idle problem. Have you checked you air filter? When was the last time you replaced your fuel filter? I hope its none of the other problems listed above.

I just haven't described the situation in this thread...I have an occasional dip in rpms when letting the engine fall to idle. It will go below my set idle, and try to climb back up and find itself. I just replaced my air filter with a k&n panel filter like <1000 miles ago. If I allow my car to idle normally, it doesn't jump around, but it's when I put the car into nuetral after cruising, the car will sometimes fall below the set idle, and jump around until it settles. I think I might have a vacuum leak, since when I replaced my IACV, I noticed that my old IACV wasn't put together as tight as it should've been, and one of the parts was really loose. Since putting the new IACV in, the problem has been reduced significantly - it doesn't do it as often.