Repo Autolite voltage regulator question

[greekz]

Just for grins today I checked the voltage output on both cars:

1966 GT-350, with mechanical voltage regulator and rebuilt alternator by Dead Nuts On.
12.8 volts @650 rpm
15.8 volts @1300 rpm

1967 GT-350, with solid state voltage regulator from Virginia Mustang and rebuilt alternator by Dead Nuts On.
14.5 volts @750 rpm
14.5 volts @1250 rpm

At least with my two cars, the solid state voltage regulator is more consistent.  Not sure this data means much, but thought I would share.

Greek

15.8 volts is way too much. 13.7 is better long term. 14.5 seems a bit high too but might be OK if you don't drive much.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I may be replacing the old mechanical with a solid state.  Also, my battery is 10+ years old and may be weak requiring more voltage.  What I need to do is check it after a drive and see what the numbers are.

[Bob Gaines]

Just for grins today I checked the voltage output on both cars:

1966 GT-350, with mechanical voltage regulator and rebuilt alternator by Dead Nuts On.
12.8 volts @650 rpm
15.8 volts @1300 rpm

1967 GT-350, with solid state voltage regulator from Virginia Mustang and rebuilt alternator by Dead Nuts On.
14.5 volts @750 rpm
14.5 volts @1250 rpm

At least with my two cars, the solid state voltage regulator is more consistent.  Not sure this data means much, but thought I would share.

Greek

15.8 volts is way too much. 13.7 is better long term. 14.5 seems a bit high too but might be OK if you don't drive much.

+1 . Yes 15.8 is too high factory specs upper limit is stated as 15.1 .

[rkm]

While we're talking about this, I have an MSD box and distributor. Do I need a ballast resistor?

[Bob Gaines]

While we're talking about this, I have an MSD box and distributor. Do I need a ballast resistor?

Not for the distributor because the MSD unit requires a full 12V. Otherwise strange things that are not good happen.