OK on earlier posts/searches I established that my ebrake/battery light are coming on because either a) the alternator is bad b) the volage regulator inside the alternator is bad (my volts fluctuate from 14.2 to 12's when have stuff on) or c) the battery (God only knows its condition/age) is bad.

Well, I wanna address this issue before I do another amp install.
I had a shop to an alternator test about 2 months ago (the problem had just arisen) and they said the alternator was "fine, throwin 14.2 volts" I'm not sure I trust their test 100%, but it was a local shop that's treated me pretty well and I trust it over something like pep boys.

My question is, I have an optima battery sitting in my apartment but I don't want to throw it on because they're expensive and I don't wanna ruin it, but if the alternator's fine should the battery fix the problem? Its a yellow top (deep cycle I think), so if I drain it will it sitll be ok as long as I recharge it? I'm gonna be running 2 amps, one for the sub (220 RMS) and a 4 Channel at around 55 watts per channel for the speakers...am I gonna need a new alternator anyways, so should I go that route and just replace it? "it can't hurt" are always famous last words, so what do you reccomend?

Thanks!
Vandy

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Black 98 GST missing her owner and looking for a new one...Inquiries welcome