what does the voltage regulator do?

Which regulator are you referring to? There's one on the dash that "converts" 12V to 5V (it actually switches on and off so that the fuel and temp gauges run on the "average" between 12V and 0V, which ends up being 5V). If you haven't ever replaced that with a new electronic one, definately do that. It won't kill the gauges like a mechanical VR will if it (the mechanical VR) sticks in the on position.

There's also the voltage regulator for the alternator, and that's mounted on the firewall. Replace this with an electronic unit also if you haven't already done it. This feeds a constant 12V power to the ignition system. I think I remember that the current goes from the VR, to the ballast resistor, and then to the coil.

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Actually, the regulator for the alternator controlls the current to the field of the alternator, which regulates the alternator ouput current. For pre-1973 cars, use a NAPA VR-706 for a bolt-on electronic replacement for the mechanical regulator.

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Chuck Rivers, Webmaster

Oh, well I'll be dipped. That actually makes more sense than the way I thought it worked

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me