this might be a stupid question but wth, would a faulty alternator be to blame for a bad idle? does the alternator even affect the idle?

 

It is unlikely, but possible. If the bearings become siezed in the alternator, it could put stress on the motor causing it to bog down. Or there could be something putting a huge draw on the alternator that could also make the engine bog.

 

I notice the same issue during a cold start. I find the voltage starts at ~11 volts until I rev the engine and it stabalizes around ~14 volts. My S-5 alternator was just rebuilt w/ a new voltage regulator and new bearings. It also has a mazdatrix dual belt pully, which has to underdrive the alternator.

 

yeh cuz my alternator is shot, it drains my batteries power if i keep it hooked up...well hope changing it solves my idle problem