sourcing electrical upgrade parts

[Mikez73]

I want to add some relays for the head lights, starter, electric fans etc.

Relays are $7.50 @ Radio Shack. Then you need to source the sockets. I found some on ebay @ $4 each + $1.50 shipping. Adds up to $13 each assembly Then you need fuses and fuse holders.

I'm thinking buying these and just using the parts I need makes more sense.

I can't make a junk yard run anytime soon and I can't find my old z31 relay stash.

Just thought I'd get some outside input.

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[ChrisZ]

What are you planning on, do you want to cut your excisting harness ?, if not, you will need plugs that will fit your excisting harness.

[Mikez73]

What are you planning on, do you want to cut your excisting harness ?, if not, you will need plugs that will fit your excisting harness.

Well I'm pretty sure I'll have to cut the existing wiring somewhere to install relays Chris

I'm not installing HID lights and I won't be using those HID headlight connectors. I'm buying the kit for the parts. I just want the relays, relay sockets, fuseholders, etc.

If RS sold relay sockets to go along with their relays then I'd consider buying everything there but they don't sell the sockets anymore.

I'm curious why the relay upgrade writeups use a relay for each light.

None of my modern Z cars used separate relays for each light.

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[SteveJ]

Mike,

Search this site, and you'll find links to where my relay modification resides. Given the choice, I would do an install like Dave's (Zs-ondabrain). His is plug and play. Yes, it costs more, but you have less risk of messing up something.

[jwtaylor]

You could also check out some of the electronics suppliers. www.digikey.com for example.

[GreenZZZ]

These are the two I use...

http://www.vintageconnections.com/

http://www.mouser.com/

[d240zx2]

I concur w/SteveJ. I am NOT an electrical wizard. I am not a wizard of any genre of expertise with the possible exception of welding.... but that's off topic.

Dave has a superb product line, each tested and approved by countless customers, including me! Price is a function of value, and for my hard-earned and very scarce retirement dollar, David's stuff cannot be replicated or duplicated for the price he charges. Plus, you have the satisfaction of relatively instant customer service via this medium or email. David, like any other entrepreneur, doesn't want any dissatisfied customers, so he will do whatever is required to make things right should something go wrong. And he makes damned good chocolates, too.

[Mikez73]

I checked out the kit that Dave makes and it looks great but...I'm a DIY kinda guy. And if you've seen my car then you see I'm not the least bit purist so I don't mind trying something new. It looks very simple but I promise if I have trouble I won't come back asking for sympathy

Thanks for the parts sources GreenZZZ & jwtaylor. I'll look for your posts SteveJ. Thanks all.

[SteveJ]

You can also find various parts at Amazon.com, too. I can also personally vouch for Vintage Connections. I bought a bunch of connectors from him a while back, and I love using them.

Mike, before you start cutting wires, send me a PM so we might have a chance to talk about what you want to do. It could save you some headaches later on.

Edited April 30, 2010 by SteveJ

[TBone028]

I also second Dave's relay upgrades...completely plug and play. I know you said you are more of a DIY guy...but for the price and the quality, it cant be beat.

[Mikez73]

You can also find various parts at Amazon.com, too. I can also personally vouch for Vintage Connections. I bought a bunch of connectors from him a while back, and I love using them.

Mike, before you start cutting wires, send me a PM so we might have a chance to talk about what you want to do. It could save you some headaches later on.

Ok but I think what I'm doing here is pretty basic. I just want to power the head lights with a relay. I plan to do the same for the starter. And if I decide to go with electric fans on the radiator I'll power those with a relay also.

I'm surprised that spst relays and sockets are so much harder to find than spdt relays and sockets. I've heard that yu can use a spdt relay by ignoring the 87a terminal but I'm not sure about that.

I am curious about why people use two relays for the head lights if you can answer that. And I'm wondering why a relay isn't used for the tail lights.

I'll send you a PM.

[SteveJ]

Ok but I think what I'm doing here is pretty basic. I just want to power the head lights with a relay. I plan to do the same for the starter. And if I decide to go with electric fans on the radiator I'll power those with a relay also.

Yes, it is basic. It's just a matter of knowing which wires go to what. If you know how to read wiring diagrams, you're probably in good shape. The 240Z's wiring diagram is pretty simple.

I'm surprised that spst relays and sockets are so much harder to find than spdt relays and sockets. I've heard that yu can use a spdt relay by ignoring the 87a terminal but I'm not sure about that.

87a is the normally closed contact. Just make sure the wire on the relay socket that goes to the 87a pin is not able to touch ground. Put some electrical tape on it, heat shrink the end, or put on a butt splice. Just don't leave it exposed.

I am curious about why people use two relays for the head lights if you can answer that. And I'm wondering why a relay isn't used for the tail lights.

I'll send you a PM.

You need two relays because you need a normally open contact (87) for the lowbeams and a normally open contact (87) for the high beams. if you look at the circuit diagram that is on the Zhome website, it might help clarify things for you.

Basically, when you turn on the headlights with the combo switch, it completes a circuit through the dimmer switch on the other side of the steering column. The low beam wire from that switch will energize the coil on the low beam relay, and the high beam wire from the switch will energize the coil on the high beam relay.

There is nothing stopping you from adding relays for the parking lights. Dave even has an upgrade package for that.

Steve