Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

My father has a 1966 Plymouth, converted to Mopar electronic ignition. We believe that the car has previously been raced, but he drives it on the street. It has the above voltage regulator on it, and he thinks the battery went bad way to quickly. I researched this on another site. A third of the people say this is a drag race only item, a third say it is fine to use on the street, as long as you ground it, and the last third claim to have used it on the street for years. Can I get some advice on this?

Thanks,

Greg

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

You can get a stock replacement voltage regulator for the 1970-1980s cars like a Standard Motor Products VR-125. They seem to be reliable if it is wired correctly.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...dge/model/dart

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Greg: I believe that # is "Constant Charge" voltage regulator is a race piece.

If you drive it on the street for extended periods of time...It will severely

shorten the life of the battery. It inputs full output of the alternator's

available amps into the battery and literally boil it to Death after a period

of time on the road!

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

John is correct here.

You need to use a 1966 replacement regulator with that setup. The Mopar instructions for the electronic ignition kits are very poor for the earlier cars. I just went through this a few years ago with my '65 Coronet. The part number you need is a Wells VR706. It's actually a modern style retrofit with a circuit board instead of the wire coil and point design.

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

They are for sale on Amazon and this is the description:

"To ensure your ignition and electrical systems can provide maximum. performance, install a Mopar constant output voltage regulator. Voltage is held at a constant 13.5 volts. For race applications only. Mopar parts and accessories are engineered and built specifically for your vehicle providing the precise fit, finish and quality you can always expect from Mopar to keep your vehicle looking and running its best."

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Thank you, everyone. This is not the first thing that we have found on this car that has been "less than ideal". Still, it's a fun car!

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

I can't find a Wells RV706. Is the Echlin VR32 an acceptable replacement?

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Wells VR--VR not RV

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

That's a stock replacement with the breaker point inside. It will work, but I can't say for how long. I've had issues with those types from various parts stores. I seem to have better luck with the circuit board one, that's why I recommended it.

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Best thing to do is update to a 1970 or newer alternator and the electronic voltage regulator.
Pretty easy to do.

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Steve,

I was doing my search for VR-706 correctly; I just transposed the numbers in the reply. I have searched all over and can't find the Wells regulator. Autozone lists one, but when I try to purchase it, it says "store closed". I called the Autozone about 20 miles away, and he couldn't locate on. When I told him the story above, he said "That's what they post when the no longer stock it." I have friends searching all over New England. One person came up with a Duralast VR-706, supposedly made by Wells. Is this the same thing? Now that I know a top quality unit exists, I want the good one.

Thanks,

Greg

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

I used one on my 440 powered Ski Boat worked good for all the starts and stops. It is currently in use on my engine run stand over 40 years old and going strong.

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Yes, get the Duralast. I forgot they changed the "box" on them. It was a Wells when I bought mine.

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

Thanks again for all of the help. I picked up the Duralast regulator today. It appears that the previsous owner must have had some problems with the factory wiring and rewired some things. Still trying to figure out what he did. One question: I have read several opinions on the Mopar electronic ignition installed in older cars, and they all state it a different way. It seems to come down to this: if you use a 2 post ballast resistor, don't use the green wire (location #3 on the ECU connector). If you use a 4 post ballast resistor, the green wire goes to the "run" side of the 4 post ballast resistor. Is that accurate?

Greg

Re: Mopar Performance P3690731 voltage regulator
 

I am using the two post resistor, and am not using the green wire.

I bought a new engine harness for my car a few years ago from Evans Wiring. It was $115 and pre-wired for the electronic ignition. It's something to consider if your harness is too far gone.