Voltage Regulator and other stories
John,
It is a "Wilson" solid state regulator (made in Canada!) # 62-15-6637. "List Price" was $22.78, "Net Price" (whatever that is) was $15.26 CAD, from Auto Value (the former "Bumper to Bumper"). I haven't actually tried it yet, as my engine (as of yesterday) is now separated from the rest of the car. But it looks very much like the stock unit, with the same mounting holes, except the electronics are "potted" in epoxy. And why has my GT engine divorced its body, you ask?
I seem to have fallen into the trap of of fixing every possible fault, even some that may not have happened yet. I am doing a pretty good restoration here. Not too good, since that involves buying "Expensive German parts for a German car with no resale value". So, I reasoned, if I am going to do a "reasonable" restoration, why not drop the motor and paint the engine compartment before I get the exterior painted. And while I am at it, I'll replace the clutch that I had decided, when I rebuilt the engine earlier, was "good enough". And while the engine is out, why not install a new heat insulator pad on the firewall. And I might as well replace that front brake line that a PO (previous owner, of which there was only one, for a brief 5 years of the GT's life) installed in the wrong location. And it is WAY easier to pull the starter with the engine out, so I might as well get that rebuilt now, even if it hasn't given me a spec of trouble. The exhust manifold REALLY should have heli-coils installed, since I don't ever want to have a problem with an exhaust leak again. And since the front windshield is out, it is also much easier to pull the dash again and get that old heater core rebuilt. Wouldn't want to risk having THAT leak. Which makes me think about getting a new blower motor, since that squealed many years ago, and might again some day, even if I DID oil the bearings and install an oiling tube. Those old transmission mounts are looking a bit soft, no time like now to replace them. And while the motor is out, it would be really neat to paint the block and get some of the aluminum polished, since the valve cover turned out SOOO nice. Thom's engine looks nice, and mine should too. Maybe I ought to follow RallyBob's advice, and turn up the engine output a bit. Maybe a hotter cam, and change those emission-controlling 7.6:1 dished pistons for a set of flat tops, maybe even increase the bore a bit and make it into a 2.0 litre. Already have the good Pertronix ignitor and coil, might be a good time to toss that Pinto 32 DFM Weber and get a real 32/36 DGAV (actually bidding on one right now!) or even a 38 DGES.
PLEASE, somebody, make me stop fixing things that ain't broke, and get this damn obsession back on the road before they quit making gasoline!!!