ok, heres the problem, i have a 96 civic, with 96 ls motor, and the alternator is off of a 97 gsr. when the car is Below 3500 rpm, the alternator only pushes 12.5 volts, but when its above 3500rpm it will go to 14 volts. what is wrong here? Could it be the voltage regulator? The voltage regulator is inside the alternator, right?

Btw, the car did not have this problem when i had the stock motor in the car.

 

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There is nothing wrong with the alternator that I can see. What amperage are you getting out of it. Most alternators run between 12-14 volts. You have to remember that your vehicle is only a 12 volt system. Depending on the alternator that you are running your amperage should be anywhere from 60-90amps. Are you having a problem with lights flickering or are you concerned about the amount of voltage?

 

Do you have trouble with the battery getting weak?

Maybe try a different voltmeter. Measure voltage in different spots to rule out bad connections. Perhaps you have corroded cables. Measure at the alternator. I think you should get more like 13v. or a bit more.

 

well, at night when im driving and the lights are on, they get brighter and darker with the voltage change. At 3500 rpm the voltage jumps to 14.xxx volts, but when its under 3500rpm, it runs about 12xxx volts. its almost as if the alternator isnt even charging until 3500rpm. The headlights are very dim when its at 12 volts.
I dont think this is normal. every other car i have had my turbo timer on it read 14+ volts at all times.

 

The auto parts stores can test your alternator if you bring it in. It may be your regulator like you said.