It was my alternator. Had my parking brake and battery light staying on for a few days, research suggested alternator. Swapped it out for a reman denso for a mear $144.79, and boom. problem solved.

also solved this odd clanking squeal i had in 2nd and sometimes 3rd gear after about 3200 rpm. bad bearing in the pulley, i guess.

in other news, after a new alternator, why am i getting about 1.5 mpg and noticeably more power on the butt dyno?

 

Because the engine isn't trying to turn a bad bearing and possible an overloaded alternator.
Then there is the theory if your low on voltage your spark plugs don't fire as well.

 

i just assumed it was because the new belt weighed less.

 

That's signature material right there, folks~