What besides headlites have you used relays for?

[LanceM]

I'm getting to the point of cleaning up the harness and having striped a ZX have an abundance of nice relay setups. Needless to say the headlights are getting the fix to help save the 30 year old switch the beating of high current, but what other circuts could benifit?? Turn signals, wiper motor, parking lights??

What have you done, or thought about doing???

Mine is going to be a (well done) hack and install as the car is, and has been, so far from stock for so long that it will never return to that state, yes it is my fault but it started 25 years ago.....

Any ideas on improvements or upgrades to the electrical are welcome...

[loy]

Turn signals have been done to s30 chassis alteredz.com

[EScanlon]

Air Horns and / or the regular horn.

E

[Nacks]

I use a relay on my starter motor circuit, there was a problem with voltage drop and the relay fixed it right up. I've also got one on my EFI fuel pump circuit.

Basically, anything that draws a lot of current could benefit from a relay. Wipers, heater fans and turn signals wouldn't (IMHO) really benefit from a relay unless they're exhibiting problems ie. wiper motor running slow and you've eliminated all other possible sources of the problem.

[TomoHawk]

I believe everything that needs a relay, has one from the factory, except the headlights. The only things that might need an add-on relay would be accessories that you add on.

[LanceM]

I believe everything that needs a relay, has one from the factory, except the headlights. The only things that might need an add-on relay would be accessories that you add on.

Maybe in 280s but 240s use the switches for everything. I'm thinking of getting a relay assembly from a 280 to route things through.

[montoya_fan01]

If you added an Electric Fuel Pump it could use a relay.

That is, if you don't have a 73 Z that already came with a relay for the OEM one.

[nwcubsman]

Side Marker and Taillight circuit.

Had problems of some working and not others. Thought I'd save the switch after I replaced with a used piece.

[Ed]

I tried installing relay's on my headlights (on my 73). I had a problem with the lights staying on. This was also mentioned as a problem (with the 73's) when that one member was making the headlight relay upgrade harness.

[LanceM]

I tried installing relay's on my headlights (on my 73). I had a problem with the lights staying on. This was also mentioned as a problem (with the 73's) when that one member was making the headlight relay upgrade harness.

That's interesting, did you ever determin why this was happening?

I will admit that I am performing the ultimate sin and have cut up my perfect (and in great shape too) original harness to meet my design needs. Another part of my modification to this car that started 20+ years ago (long before classic and Z were spoken in the same sentence) I know that someday someone will probably be cussing the damn PO

[EScanlon]

I tried installing relay's on my headlights (on my 73). I had a problem with the lights staying on. This was also mentioned as a problem (with the 73's) when that one member was making the headlight relay upgrade harness.

From what was explained by Dave on the original thread for the headlight relay was that the EARLY harnesses he made had that problem, but not later ones. Apparently the 73's had a slight circuit change that required a modification of his harness' circuitry.

Contact him if you originally bought your harness from him.

Otherwise, Dave's product is definitely worth the money.

Enrique

[beandip]

If you added an Electric Fuel Pump it could use a relay.

That is, if you don't have a 73 Z that already came with a relay for the OEM one.

I have a '73 240 build date 8/73 and yes it is a '73 and it had no relay on for the fuel pump. Careful making definate statements. What year is your Z ?