Just bought an 02 SS with 53k miles and very light mods. I've noticed that it will start fine 3-4 times in a row and then randomly it will crack many times before firing up. Car runs great. There is also a groan/whining coming from the engine compartment that I can only hear at low speeds and idle. I have read this sound can be an indication of the alternator going bad. This coupled with the intermittent prolonged starting has me wondering if the alternator going bad is the case. Volt gauge in the car shows normal voltage at all times. Any thoughts?

 

It could be a bad battery or even a fuel problem. Volts are important, but you need cranking amps to start the car.

If the cranking you get is weak, you might take the battery to a parts store to get tested and check its cranking capacity. If you are getting full voltage, your alternator is probably OK.

If the car cranks strong, you might check fuel pressure, plugs, wires, etc.

 

The "cracking" sounds like fuel build up. But chain starting will cause that. Moaning under hood.. do u have a vid or sound clip