This has happened a few times, I'll fire up my car, let it sit for a bit, look at the volt meter and it only says 9 volts. Toss it into gear, move it to the shop and then it all of a sudden gets 14. Is there a delay on the alternator, or is my gauge no good?

 

I agree with you Kevman,I replaced my alt.a few months back and have no problems at all.I also replaced the ignition switch with a new ac delco.I was having problems with my alt gauge jumping up and down.After the install of both good parts ,I didnt have no problems until the other day,I was in a hurry and started the car and noticed it was at 13 volts(normally its 14 volts) and I didnt have time to screw with it so I shut it off and restarted it and same thing 13 Volts,I said the hell with it and drove it for about a mile and then BLAM its starts charging again.Everybody I talked to ,that has either the firebird or camaro with the v6 has been through 2-3 alternators in a few years.Its clear these cars have a electrical defect with the charging system.I also removed the wire that gets power from the starter and bridged it to the stud on the alt. that receives power from the battery directly.I figured maybe it was getting a voltage spike from being connected to the positive battery wire on the starter?(in turn frying the regulator)..I didnt have no problems after that first start,drove it the rest of the day and no problems?.I am assuming it lies with the field wire circuit(brown wire).Has anybody messed with this circuit?

 

might be the gauge theyre wacky in firebirds