Voltage Regulator Options
#437920
08/14/09 06:44 PM
08/14/09 06:44 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 992 Simi Valley, CA
MoparJ
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 992
Simi Valley, CA
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Is there a voltage regulator out there that will provide a more consistant voltage, say between 13 and 13.5, rather than dropping to 11 or 12 when lights are on and at idle, and coming up to around 13 once engine speed increases? This would be on a 73 A body.
2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab: 5.7, 65RFE, 4.56 gears with locker, Hemifever tuned, AFE intake, 87mm throttle body, JBA headers, 3" Flowmaster exhaust, split to dual 2.5" exits. 13.57 best ET so far.
Searching for new A or B Body Project!
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Re: Voltage Regulator Options
[Re: MoparforLife]
#437922
08/14/09 08:35 PM
08/14/09 08:35 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,327 Glendale, AZ
69L78Nova
Banned. Forever.
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Banned. Forever.
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,327
Glendale, AZ
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A 73 A-body would be a dual field alternator. Pick up a MP blue regulator....P3690731. That will give you a constant 13.5 volts. Youll have some people telling you not to run one on the street, but Ive been running them for over 10 years on everything I own. Im not the only one. It couldnt hurt to look at the alternator, but that regulator is what youre looking for if you want to maintain a constant voltage
1969 Nova 454/M21/3.31 Mild mid-11 second weekend cruiser
1994 F150 XLT Super Cab 2WD 5.0/4R70W/3.55 (Daily driver)
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Re: Voltage Regulator Options
[Re: 375inStroke]
#437926
08/29/09 10:31 AM
08/29/09 10:31 AM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Current and voltage are two different things. How does a high amp alternator prevent low voltage at idle? I'm thinking that the alternators are the same physical size. In order to flow more current, the wiring needs to be larger, thus reducing the number of windings in a given space, reducing the voltage generated per revolution within a given magnetic field.
Somewhere, maybe the "Mad electical" articles, someone did some research and found that some of the earlier alternators, EVEN THE HIGHER OUTPUT models, did not put out well at low rpms. I'm no design expert but I can see how this can happen. Tighter core tolerances, closer rotor to stator spacing, and overal improvements in design and core alloys over the years could be part of the reason. The FACT of the matter is, some alternator designs ARE better than others, and put out more current at low RPM. The reason the VOLTAGE sages is because the unit is simply not putting out enough CURRENT to supply the needed LOAD and the battery has to start making up the gap, thus the VOLTAGE drops.
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Re: Voltage Regulator Options
[Re: MoparJ]
#437927
08/29/09 11:56 AM
08/29/09 11:56 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA
Rick_Ehrenberg
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,688
Marlboro, NY, USA
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Actually a complicated subject. So, some quick facts:
> All else being equal, a "larger" (higher output ampere rating) alternator will increase voltage at the below-full-regulated-voltage RPM.
> Below this RPM, the regulator, if working properly, should be virtually "full fielding" the alternator.
> Reduced output is a symptom frequently caused by one (or more) bad diodes in the regulator.
> A smaller pulley does, indeed, increase low-RPM output. However, 1G Chrysler alternators don't live very long at high RPM (part of the rationale behind large pulleys on race Mopars). A better fix is a 65A. alternator with a larger pulley.
> All voltage regulator used on the street should be temperature compensated. Constant-voltage regulators run the risk of cooking the battery in hot weather and actually undercharging in cold weather.
> Internal regulators, e.g.: GM, are lousy at temperature compensation
> Most late-model Mopars actually vary the voltage in response to the battery temperature -- that's as good as it gets.
Rick
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Re: Voltage Regulator Options
#437928
08/29/09 11:59 AM
08/29/09 11:59 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA
Rick_Ehrenberg
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,688
Marlboro, NY, USA
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Quote:
The reason the VOLTAGE sages [sags] is because the unit is simply not putting out enough CURRENT to supply the needed LOAD and the battery has to start making up the gap, thus the VOLTAGE drops.
Megadittos. Excellent explanation.
Rick
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Re: Voltage Regulator Options
[Re: Rick_Ehrenberg]
#437929
08/29/09 01:24 PM
08/29/09 01:24 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
> A smaller pulley does, indeed, increase low-RPM output. However, 1G Chrysler alternators don't live very long at high RPM
Very good point. On all three of my cars "back then" I had alternator problems. First time I noticed was the "light show" going on at night inside my '69RR alternator. The stator windings had rubbed raw from vibration, and shorthing between windings.
I figured my "heavy duty" alternator on my '70 sixpack car at 4-1, which means that at 6K engine RPM the poor alternator is turning 24 THOUSAND. I had a little trouble, there.
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