Alternator conversion question
 

Hi. P1800S 1966. Did alternator conversion a few years ago. Never replaced the voltage regulator. I have read on another forum that this should have been done.
The original regulator costs about £140.00 but the alternator regulator is only £25.00 from Brookhouse.
Is it advisable to change.
Regards Paul

Some alternators don't use a seperate regulator it's internal with those. For looks they can be wired through the old dynamo regulator in such a way that it looks original but isn't part of the circuit. I'd guess that is what you did. If so there is no need to change anything unless you want to remove the original regulator completely. If the alternator does use a seperate dedicated regulator, you need it. It won't work using the dynamo one.

Paul;

A Generator/Dynamo VReg is not suitable for use with an Alternator...the biggest difference being the Gen VReg must have have a Cut-out Relay through which to pass the Gen output, which is opened when engine is not running, so that the non-running Gen does not become a load on the Battery.

The Alt VReg needs no such Relay and contact as the Rectifiers withing the Alt only allow current to pass one way while it is turning and having an output.

The old VReg, as Derek has mentioned, might still be present, but it is likely only vestigially and just along for the ride...the VReg which is really at work is probably internal to the Alt (this could be verified by studying the Alt and its connections).

See also: http://www.sw-em.com/Bosch%20Generat...ut-out_contact

Cheers

Think my question is now answered. Many thanks

Is there a second voltage regulator on the ignition side of the electrics. I have fitted the 123 electronic distributor . Replaced the coil and leads .
Thanks for help so far

I've not come across a system that uses two regulators from one source of generation.

From the information and the direction above it sounds to me like you are trying to mix and match two systems. If the car was originally fitted with a dynamo - a heavy lump which uses brushes on a commutator producing DC {direct current} electrickery - then there was almost certainly an external regulator. If you now have a modern alternator - a brushless system producing AC {alternating current} electrikery - then in 9 times out of 10 you will have a unit with a built in rectifier that means whilst AC is initially produced it leaves the unit as a DC supply.

In the second case the original "regulator" is no longer needed. There are loads of "how to convert" examples on the internet - if you look above I think Ron has provided one of them...