FBO systems voltage regulator

chilort · Post by **chilort** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:00 pm

I've got a '68 Sweptline. It had electronic ignition when I got it and I converted that to an MSD. Even before the MSD, the lights would dim high and low and high and low due to the old style mechanical voltage regulator. I don't plan on installing any big time stuff other than the MSD and it'll never see more than a few amps because it is a truck, not a high rpm drag car. So I left the alternator alone and simply ordered one of FBO systems voltage regulators. It came today and installed in a snap (if you haven't seen them, they are designed to be a direct swap for the old points style regulator -- no cutting and splicing). I LOVE IT. My headlights are now rock solid. I still have dim at low idle, but my '83 Ram has always had that issue too. No big deal.

So here's a thumbs up to the people at FBO. Great product.

dashshifter · Post by **dashshifter** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:01 am

Yeah, I got one a year ago and it was great, at first. Lately its giving me trouble.
It spikes, going from no charge to full charge and back about 30 times a minute.
It must have gone bad. I liked it enough that I'll get another one. Like you said it rocks
when its right.

Jeffc · Post by **Jeffc** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:21 pm

dashshifter wrote:Yeah, I got one a year ago and it was great, at first. Lately its giving me trouble.
It spikes, going from no charge to full charge and back about 30 times a minute.
It must have gone bad. I liked it enough that I'll get another one. Like you said it rocks
when its right.

That sounds like classic ground problems.....
battery to engine, engine to fire wall, frame
to cab, reg to fire wall, ect........

http://imageevent.com/jeffc/techstuff2e ... =4&s=0&z=2
I like these as a easy upgrade to the old points type reg and there not that much $, but they
will make the alt gauge swing too if the grounds
are poor....

cudajimmy · Post by **cudajimmy** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:13 am

Go to foursecondsflat.com and spend the $140 for their kit and through your MSD crap away. You will NOT be sorry.

chilort · Post by **chilort** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 10:33 am

When my MSD crap fails I might give FBO's other products a try. Unfortunately for me, the MSD crap I buy seems to last for a very long time and function well, so it might be a bit before I get to report on FBO's other products.

By the way, Jeffc, nice link.

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:43 am

I can't guarantee all replacements are like this, but most parts store voltage regulators you buy today will look and wire like the mechanicals, but have modern solid state goodies inside. I now the one for my 69 Plymouth was like this. Both my trucks are newer (70-71) and already use the newer design, so I can't compare them.

Website · Post by **wideblock** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:44 pm

thats the way the one foir my 65 crew is. looks and wires just like the original, but is solid state circuitry. bought it over the counter at napa. the guy told me it was the standard replacement, the mech ones were going away. my lights will still dim at idle, but its going to at 450rpm. but no more flicker and it only cost $8.

JJ · Post by JJ » Fri Aug 24, 2007 6:36 pm

Sounds like Jimmy has had some experiance with FBO products. Wonder where he got that from

. Anyway if any of you haven't been to Don's websight you are missing some of the best stuff that's out there for Mopar. His ignition is light years ahead of it's time and that's just the start.