Firstly, starters on a CVH is a common problem, if your turning the key and the dash lights are going dim that is showing a MASSIVE drain somewhere, probably your starter sticking and not turning (effectively shorting out), get a new starter, they suffer particularly bad on the RS's due to the downpipe and turbo being so close (heat).

Secondly, the battery light on the dash. If that light doesn't come on when you turn the ignition on i wouldnt even attempt to drive the thing, if the light doesnt come on the alternator won't start charging, they use the bulb to commence charging. The fact you have played with the wires would suggest a dry/dirty connection somewhere, almost guaranteed to be the blue wire, either the connection on the alternator itself, or it also has an inline bullet to the main wiring loom, check these, clean them and apply some electrical contact lubricant, and you should be trouble free then