My valiant was converted to electronic volt regulator with the standard Mopar A-circuit stuff many years ago, but I was thinking of converting it back to B-circuit regulation with the Echlin VR1001 or similar. This would be for looks (more stock), and potentially better voltage at idle (I can't get any more than 12.7-12.9 under 800 rpm).

Incidentally I've owned '64 Darts with both systems and couldn't tell a difference. Both of them seemed to have better idle output than this valiant though.

The regulator isn't affecting your voltage at idle - look harder at your alternator.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Yeah it's an OEM from some early '70s mopar. I have absolutely no idea how many amps it is, but the output at idle seems real low. Full-fielding it does nothing at idle.

I posted the above before doing some more investigating. I added a proper ground from the alt case to the regulator (i've been meaning to add a ground harness for a long time), which did nothing for idle voltage but did lower the high-rpm voltage a little.

i'll check the diodes - i have a generic rebuilt alternator that I could use for parts.

Idle output is highly variable in the Mopar alternators. Some of them work okay at idle, and others are really weak — that's even with non-"remanufactured" units. There's also a range of pulley sizes; a smaller pulley spins the alternator faster at idle.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.