one wire Alternator and voltage regulator question

If you take a voltage reading at the alternator output terminal (stud) and compare with the battery reading, you'll know if there is a resistance to flow between the alternator and the battery. Also look what the dash voltmeter is reading since its probably tapped into a keyed circuit. In theory they should all be the same. In reality current flowing through wires and connections encounters resistance. The result is loss of energy -> that is, voltage drop.
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I took the opportunity to up gauge the wiring from the alternator to the bulkhead.
I had larger gauge wire on the other side but under the hood it was still original I think; black wire wrapped with the green field wire and even the violet sending unit dead headed in there too. I deleted the voltage regulator altogether and now my multimeter spikes to 14.8v (generally 14.3) at the alternator stud and the battery at idle (~800). the voltmeter on the dash never reads higher than 13.8ish volts. I replaced my battery today too as it wasn't holding a charge anymore. The new battery was reading 12.45 when I first put it in btw.

The readings in the left column tell the story. Does it ever go above 14-14.5 max? if not "you are good." It surely is a "one wire."

I will put the VR back tomorrow and see if I can stay below 14v.

thanks again