[lsrx101]

I hear a lot about swapping the old style mechanical regulator with a Wells VR-715. Replacing a mechanical regulator with an electronic regulator is a great update and almost a "no brainer" IMHO. Many folks here, and elsewhere, speak highly of that particular regulator.

I've never used the VR-715, but my experience with Wells in general has not been very positive. To be honest, I've found their products to be poor quality and avoid the brand like the plague. Bad right out of the box, high failure rate while in warranty, generally poor life expectancy, etc. This is after verifying that the part failure was "the problem" and not just a symptom of another underlying issue.

I will say that I've not used a Wells product (willingly) for about 8-10 years. Most of my experience was with "modern" components like Ignition Modules,Throttle Position Sensors, Engine Coolant Temp sensors, EVP, DPFE, ACT, ...sensors and internal voltage regulators.

Is the Wells VR-715 regulator an exception to my experience?
Has the quality of Wells products improved over the years or is an old style, external, electronic voltage regulator just too simple for them to cheapen any further?

These are honest questions, guys. I have 2 potential customers for some major wiring work ($$$) that both mentioned/requested the Wells VR-715 specifically. I'm sure they saw it on the Internet. I held my tongue, but I'll be putting my name on these jobs.
I really need some feedback.

 

[elcamino66]

I am not a fan of off shore products. I have ran the Wells VR 715 for at least 10-12 years maybe more on several different Chevelles and Novas and at least 1 Buick. I have not had a single failure. I keep one in the shop all the time. That is not to say I will not get a bad one, just not yet. I have put the original tall cover on some and left some with the original short cover. The early ones had the tall covers. All of the cars I had them on were drivers or driver/show.

 

[BillsCamino]

I've installed a Wells (or the Auto Zone Duralast version) VR715 regulator on every Chevelle I've ever owned.
NEVER any problems.
For most of us, we don't drive these cars every day and the old mechanical, points style regulator tend to stick on occasion.
The electronic regulator avoids that issue.
Think about it...all the internally regulated alternators are electronic.

 

[SSuper Dave]

Like Bill, Its one of the first things that I change on any old car I've owned. I drill the rivets out and put the Delco cover from an old one on it and have never had a problem. I've put tens of thousands of miles on a '68 Chevelle, '71 Chevelel and '68 Caprice as daily drivers from 2000 to 2006 and never had a problem with one.

 

[Big White]

I switched to the VR-715 several years ago and like Thomas, Wild Bill and Dave above, have never had an issue.

The Wells VR-715 has been written about here on TC on other occasions and I can't recall a negative ever being said. I think that in this particular case, your concerns are unfounded.

Rich

 

[Buzzbomb]

I hear a lot about swapping the old style mechanical regulator with a Wells VR-715. Replacing a mechanical regulator with an electronic regulator is a great update and almost a "no brainer" IMHO.

Ever hear the saying "even a broken clock is right twice a day"? Actually, do you really think if you want to stick to a mechanical regulator you will somehow pull off a miracle and find one NOT made offshore? I might be mistaken, but I believe the Echlin and AC-Delco units are made in China. Which one do you think the Chinese have a better chance at getting right-a solid state regulator or a mechanical style regulator?

The VR-715 is great. One of the cheapest and best upgrades I've ever made to my car; I'm glad I stumbled across a post here at TC about it. I had 16+ at my battery while running so I had to replace my ancient Echlin regulator, and I am super glad I replaced it with the Wells unit.

 

[lsrx101]

There has been no thought of using a mechanical regulator on either vehicle. They would be electronic for sure.
Both customers specifically asked for the Wells brand, though. A brand that I usually prefer not to use.
Since you guys give the VR-715 a thumbs up, I'll go with it.

Thanks for the feedback. :beers:

 

[Robinls5]

I have had a wells on my driver ( SS 454 Sta. Wgn. ) for 20-30,000 miles --No issues...
Bob:hurray: