Just wanted to know what your guys cars charge at when at idle after it warms up.

 

14.32 by a DVM, the guage in the car reads 18

 

take note of where you're getting your voltage readings from. there can be a significant voltage drop in between the alternator output terminal and the instrument cluster guages on some cars.

for example 14.0 volts at the output stud of the alternator when the car is running, but only 12.0 volts showing on the voltmeter inside the car.

 

Good call!
My car reads between 13.3 and 13.6 on the gauge and through the ecm (Winaldl). My friend welded a socket to my valve cover when he was taking off my alternator and forgot to disconnect the battery, blew a fuse link, replaced and it's never been the same. It used to be in the 13.8 and 14 range through the ecm.
Should I have my hazords on because if that's the case then my charging at the gauge is more like 12 to 13 bouncing back and forth when my high beems are on along with the bumpin stereo

 

I dont remember the numbering, but dead center on the digital gauge when I have everything on. (audio setup, headlights, dual fans, etc.)

usually its about 2 notches above the center.. ~14

 

Test for voltage with a DMM at the battery while the car is running to get an accurate reading of the charging voltage. Just like 2V stated earlier,there are too many places for voltage drops between the alternator and the factory gauge,ecm,etc. to get an accurate reading. Mine charges at 14.6 cold and 14.3 warm.

 

a tad over 13 volts, i think

 

I just did some work on my charging system and got it up to bout 13.7-14.2 on the gauge. Just thought you guys might want to know that to achieve this all you have to do is replace everything with brand new parts including all the wires. It kinda sux but it did the trick. $100 Lifetime alternator from kragen. $65 Battery from kragen. 10ga amp wire for alternator to Battery. Clean all connections on the grounds and wires to starter. ohh yea and a new starter but that has nothing to do with the charging system.

 

i tested out at high 14 actually, like 14.7 - for the testing i used a digital multimeter set at 20v DC, right at the battery's positive terminal..this however was with nothing on except the engine, maybe tomorrow i'll turn EVERYTHING on and test it just for sh*ts 'n giggles

 

well, like i said i was going to do..i retested it..
keep in mind: i tested right at the battery

Engine off with everything else on (sound system, lights, strobes, etc.): 12.27v

Engine on with all the same on: 14.16v