77 280 alternator and volt regulator puzzle

[Daniel Lee]

I've got a 77 built in April. Can't find the voltage regulator anywhere (the car's in pieces!). Is it true - or possible - that Datsun began producing 77's with alternators that had internal voltage regulators? I've got wiring diagrams, a 78 harness, a 77 service manual, and lots of opinions, but still can't locate an external voltage regulator anywhere.... Someone... please... tell me I'm not losin' it!!!

[TBK1]

behind the metal bracket where the fuseable links are or someone has done the internal reg mod! all 77's still had the ext reg!

[sblake01]

From the 77 FSM:

[Daniel Lee]

Hey all, thanks for the tip and the diagram but I'd been down that road. There is no pigtail and six prong coupler for a voltage regulator anywhere - and certaiinly not one where it should be - on my Z!!!

It's looking like this April 1977 280 Z (California car) has a 78 wiring harness and in turn, an alternator with an internal voltage regulator. Next step (I reckon) is to get a 78 alternator and stick it in there.

I appreciate the tips and you guys taking the time to try to help me out.

Many thanks!

[sblake01]

When you get a chance, check and see if you 77 has the rest of the 78 electronics like the lack of fuel pump contact points in the AFM and the fuel injection relay under the hood instead of under the dash. Just curious. I helped a guy out with a 77 a couple of years ago with a 77 (6/77) and his car had all of the 78 stuff on it.