Need more Juice...smaller pulley or new alternator

For the past year I have noticed that my headlights aren't as bright as they use to be and I am beginning to wonder if I have electrical problems. I have a 97 GTP with 152,000 miles on it with the original alternator. I was wondering if installing a new high output alternator or an overdrive alternator pulley would fix the power problems. Conversely, would a rewire kit for the headlights be more logical. If anyone has experience with headlight dimming and could provide me with some tips it would be great.

How old are the bulbs? over time the intensity will fade. replace them both with a better bright bulb like silverstar or something. The voltage booster may help a little, there is a way to do this as a free upgrade. Also, check your alternator output with a volt meter it should be around 14v.

https://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/articles1.php?id=48

My lights all dim slightly too when I stop at stoplights and the RPM goes down to 800. It happens worse when I have the heated seat on and the rear windows defrost.

You can bring your car to an auto parts place and have them throw a Vat40 on it. They should be able to load test your battery and your alternator.

You might also want to consider the alternator re-wire mod from ZZP. I was thinking about it, but decided against it for the time being. I need to change my SC coupler and my LIM gaskets, so maybe after all that $$$$ is spent, I'll try it out. If you buy it, please post your results.

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=178&catid=108

Personally I'd look at issues with the B+ cable or grounding before I threw *any* money at a GM alternator. Of all the versions I've only been failed by shaft bearings...never a failure to charge.

Easiest IMHO is to hook up a voltmeter and see what the system is charging at. Worst case for alternator is when the car is idling and you turn on every electrical accessory known (heaters, rear window defog, max blower, etc). As long as the battery doesn't go into discharge at that point, life is good.

My headlights on my 00 GTP are dimmer but that's because the headlight lenses aren't transparent any more. Rockauto has the parts but I have other spending priorities....or.....rather.....lack of spending priorities :(

Also...saw your location as AZ....if you get 4 years out of a battery you deserve a blue ribbon or something.

I installed that alternator rewire kit from ZZP a few years ago and I noticed some improvement, most notably the blower motor on level 5. The headlights were a little brighter but nothing extraordinary. I am going to check the battery wires next. Does anyone know where the grounding wires are? I know that one of the biggest problems with cars today is that the grounding wires are grounded to the chassis after the chassis is painted with several coats. Sanding the paint off the chassis and using copper spray helps the ground, but I just need help locating all of them.