On cold start I have around ~16V, after 20-30min it drops to normal. It's bugging me because my headunit disables it's display for that period, which is very annoying. Voltage regulator problem? Something else? Alternator is 4 years old Bosch, battery - almost brand new Optima red top.

 

Mine has always done that as well. I believe it's normal.

 

..... that will happen .

 

Yup, it's normal. I've seen dozens of cars do it, not just F-bodies (not even just GM).

Get a better head unit with a built-in regulator?

 

Thanks, guys. That's a bit of relief. Voltage was always higher on a cold start, just not as high as now, after replacing a battery with optima. Go figure

 

The voltage it raised to recharge the battery for the power used to start the engine..... completely normal.