Anyone Running A Mechanical Voltage Regulator 67 Dart 273 2bbl
Both approaches are used nowadays.
With an alternator that has one permanently grounded brush, a regulator that controls feed must be used.
Alternator with both brushes insulated were originally used with ground controlling regulators.
But they can be used with (+) controlling regulators by grounding the second brush to the case.
Something Redfish mentioned which I believe is a valid concern. The rotors in some of the higher output alternators draw more current. This may kill regulator components not built for those loads.
1973 Dodge Chassis Manual 'Squareback' alternator
Field draw is a little higher.
And this was posted on a Ramcharger truck forum. Prob late 70s 'Revised Squareback' Alternator
It's my impression that the Mopar Performance electronic regulator, Standard's VR 128, Napa VR 1001 have a higher failure rate when used with a higher draw rotor - especially a revised squareback. IIRC that regulator cross references to Studebaker applications - probably its original use - and probably went with a relatively low current draw rotor.
One nice thing about a mechanical regulator; its easy open and to see how it failed.
It really doesn't make any difference performancewise.
Both approaches are used nowadays.
With an alternator that has one permanently grounded brush, a regulator that controls feed must be used.
Alternator with both brushes insulated were originally used with ground controlling regulators.
But they can be used with (+) controlling regulators by grounding the second brush to the case.
Something Redfish mentioned which I believe is a valid concern. The rotors in some of the higher output alternators draw more current. This may kill regulator components not built for those loads.
1973 Dodge Chassis Manual 'Squareback' alternator
Field draw is a little higher.
And this was posted on a Ramcharger truck forum. Prob late 70s 'Revised Squareback' Alternator
It's my impression that the Mopar Performance electronic regulator, Standard's VR 128, Napa VR 1001 have a higher failure rate when used with a higher draw rotor - especially a revised squareback. IIRC that regulator cross references to Studebaker applications - probably its original use - and probably went with a relatively low current draw rotor.
One nice thing about a mechanical regulator; its easy open and to see how it failed.