Dynamator vs Solid State regulator experience

[iain1967s]

On this thread there was some discussion about the general unreliability of the reproduction 'LUCAS' regulator boxes, mine included, so I'm considering the alternatives.

Mark recently posted a link to a modern solid-state regulator to use with the standard 22amp C40 dynamo. I've seen other similar regulators on the market for a few years previously.

I've also been looking into the Dynamator which is a 45amp alternator combined with a solid-state regulator all fitted inside a C40 dynamo housing.

The solid-state regulator and the dynamator are fairly close in price, so I'm wondering if anyone has experience with fitting, use and reliability of either product on a Mk1 ?

ps. Both are available positive or negative earth so that's not really an issue.

[anis]

I am using the dynamator on my mk1 cooper on a daily use since 2 years without any trouble.

[dklawson]

I was certain that there have been several threads on this site regarding the Dynalite (not Dynamator) alternator but I cannot find the ones I was looking for.

I remember several posts involving Dynalites having short lives presumably due to heat. Hopefully others will see this thread and post. I wish I could add more but at least my post will bump your thread back to the top.

[iain1967s]

Thanks. I was aware of the previous discussions of Dynalite, but it's nearly 3x the cost of either the Dynamator or the new ADR regulator so not really an option for me. Plus, as you mentioned, the reliability seemed to be sketchy...

[Polarsilver]

I have Dynalite fitted on two cars and touch wood no problem as yet..

[floormanager]

I've used one of these for about 4 years. I liked the idea of fitting it myself, under the base of my regulator box. The reason I bought one was my old regulator was not working properly and after buying one of the crappy ones on sale and finding the one of the wires not even soldered properly, I decided to try one of these. I love it. It holds the voltage at 14.5V and I can continue to use a standard dynamo. Lovely guy too and cheaper than the alternative!

http://dynamoregulators.com/

[ace01]

I've used one of these for about 4 years. I liked the idea of fitting it myself, under the base of my regulator box. The reason I bought one was my old regulator was not working properly and after buying one of the crappy ones on sale and finding the one of the wires not even soldered properly, I decided to try one of these. I love it. It holds the voltage at 14.5V and I can continue to use a standard dynamo. Lovely guy too and cheaper than the alternative!

http://dynamoregulators.com/

I used these people as well. An easy to fit and reliable, so far, package.

[iain1967s]

I ended up buying the ADR regulator box, as it retains the look of the LUCAS original, and is the easiest mod to undo in future if I want to revert to standard.

I also took the plunge and ordered the Positive Earth version, and did the polarity conversion on the car today, plus a sticker on the slam panel to remind myself...

Oh, and for the benefit of Nick Rogers, the horn is now refitted the right way up