Stage I Mods and Battery Problems

[Sniffner@aol.com]

Hello.  

I own a 96 GLX with 82,000 miles.  It's paid for and in almost new condition. 
 I'm looking to install some after market performance components in my GLX.  
I currently have the airbox removed, several hoses/shrouds, etc. as my 
battery was dead (10.5 v) because I haven't driven the car in almost three 
month.  I'm also thinking that my alternator is on its way out.  I replaced 
the original battery a few years ago.  Every once in a while I smell this 
burning/electrical odor and suspect my alternator is on it's way out.  Any 
suggestions?  Could it be the alternator causing my batteries to go dead and 
emitting the bad odor?

As far as the upgrades I'm think of perhaps a new K&N filter (seems like 
there are too many problems in removing the box it it's entirety), OBD chip 
and cat back exhaust.  I hear great reviews about the Garrett chip.  Is this 
a superior chip?  Where do I purchase from?  How much is it?  Is it easy to 
install?  Will it affect any of the existing electrical components?  As far 
as the cat back exhaust I'm thinking of the Techtonics TT Exhaust - stainless 
but am stuck on the exhaust.  I'm looking for a beautiful looking tailpiece 
with a sophisticated growl (Remus perhaps???) and not a whining, resonating, 
super loud, obnoxious sound.  Any other quick, inexpensive mods. I should be 
looking at at this time?  I will work on suspension next.  All is appreciated.

Mike
96 GLX Blk/Blk