fiam;

If I said: "It's the best!"...you might think I was trying to sell you something...so I will just say that quite a few people are very happy with (my) SwEm kit which allows you to mount an AC Delco alt. For kit and additional info and comparisons, check out: http://www.intelab.com/swem/altkit.htm

I do have to state that without careful electronic consideration, I recommend AGAINST adjustable regulators...fact is that TWO things determine the vehicular system voltage: Chemistry of the battery, and the (fixed) voltage reference within the regulator (both temperature dependent)...and since the former is a physical parameter NOBODY (not even John Ashcroft) is going change, the later should not be dinkt around with, without having a DAMN good reason (and wanting more output from the alt is NOT good enough!), because by raising the regulator voltage, you are either going to:

1. ...constantly be overcharging your battery, not recommended unless for some reason you have a driving need to eat away your battery shelf with acid, and your brother-in-law gets a deal from Interstate or Sears, because you WILL be replacing your battery unnecessarily often or...

2. ...you are trying to compensate for a voltage drop to some huge current drawing load (which, if it is causing a significant voltage drop), means it should really just be wired with a heavier gauge wire, properly selected for the load current!!

For most, if not all(!) vehicles, including those running a (correctly wired up) mega-stereo, a fixed solid-state regulated alt. is just fine! I challenge anyone to make a case where they can actually justify an adjustable regulator.

Cheers