Standard voltage regulator or modern electronic??

[scottylack]

Ive seen a few modern voltage regulators out there that will fit my 65 360 Barracuda... would this be a better regulator for my 360 Barracuda? Or just the stock? Give me an opinion!

 

[scottylack]

Its not an electronic ignition....

standard points, but they have what I think are "solid state" regulators now....

 

[64ragtop]

My understanding is that the old mechanical regulators cost too much to build, with the moving parts and copper wire. So the new regulators are solid state anyway, even the ones that look like the stockers. The quick way to tell is to look at the bottom. The mechanical ones have a couple of wire wound resistors, and the electronic ones do not.
Electronic regulators will work fine with your points, and you're one step ahead if you want to go electronic ignition. Electronic Ignitions do not play well with mechanical voltage regulators. If I had a working mechanical regulator, I wouldn't change it unless I was going to electronic ignition. The solid state regulator won't show much, if any better performance gain.
When you change the regulator, it's a good idea to clean the paint, rust, or corrosion from the mounting screw area and use internal tooth lock washers.

ATB

BC

 

[scottylack]

i bought the new modern one with the old school looks

 

[Darter6]

Any auto part store will have or can get you a Wells VR 706 for about $25 bucks.
Been using them for years.These are a electronic replacement for the old points type voltage regulator.Same wires to hook up.Still uses the single field 69 and older alternator.

 

[scottylack]

saw that one... had a metal finish...wanted mine to look old school...almost pulled the trigger

 

[67Dart273]

Scotty I think MOST replacement regulators you buy will now be electronic. Only way to tell for sure is flip it upside down and look at the bottom. If there are two large resistors under there, it's the old mechanical type. If no resistors--it's solid state in a "whatever" housing

Mechanical:

 

[trapster]

It shouldnt be too difficult to put an old shell over a new regulator if all yuo can find is the smaller solid state type, just be carfull not to short anything.

 

[scottylack]

Gotcha... put an old schoopl looking one with moden guts...best of both...

 

[64ragtop]

That's been my thinking. My new project car, the AZDart already had a silver, low profile regulator (not sure what brand or part #) that works just fine. I'm in no hurry to change it, I did remove it, clean the paint and a little rust under the mounting ears and remount it with internal tooth lock washers. That took almost ten minutes and it's one less thing to worry about.

What continues to amuse me it the number of folks who believe that you have to use the later model regulator and a dual field alternator add a wire (or change the harness!) drill new mounting holes for the regulator, etc. for a conversion to electronic ignition. Just pull the old mechanical regulator, replace it with a solid-state one and it's done. A ten minute job for just the cost of the new regulator. A bonus, in my humble opinion, is it still has that "old school" look if you get one with the high black case.

ATB

BC