battery indicator light on
 

My battery indicator light stays on after the engine starts - assuming my alternator is dying/dead? I'm going to try and take it into the shop Mon / Tue but is it possible to upgrade the 98 Civic's stock alternator vs getting a refurbished stock one? Is this worth it (what's the general cost of replacing the alternator with a stock vs upgraded one)? The only extra load I have on the electrical system is 100watt amp and radio's 100watts.

no need to upgrade, just replace the alternator with a rebuilt one. make sure and get a new alt belt while you're down there. hard to believe your 98 alternator is already dead... make sure you have it tested before you go replacing it.