Headlight relay options

[z boy mn]

Hey everyone, I've read the forums on adding a headlight relay set-up for Z cars, and saving switches and directing more voltage to the headlights makes perfect sense to me. But, I'm a little confused about what package to get, and the prices are really different.

For example, Black Dragon sells a kit for $30:

Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX & Mazda RX7 iCatalog - Black Dragon Auto

Seems pretty straightforward...but the Datsun store sells one for $156.00

Headlight Relay Kit 70-72: Electrical Z - Lighting - 20030-EBE - Z Specialties Online Store - If we don't have it in stock, we can get it!

I hate doing things twice, so I'd rather have something that will last than something I'll have to replace (or won't work)....but I'm not an electrician. It seems both kits basically do the same thing but in different ways? Maybe? Anyone used either kind and had any experiences?

[Dr. 240Z]

Hi,

As a suggestion, send your questions by email to, 'Dave', at:

wolfin32z@yahoo.com

Cheers,

George

[SteveJ]

I bought the Black Dragon kit and didn't like it much. The relays are not standard. If one fails, you will be hard-pressed to find a replacement. The wiring is on the short side, too. In all of the years Dave Irwin has made his relays, you can count the complaints on the fingers of one hand. He will stand behind his work, too. Buy the MSA kit.

[Mikes Z car]

I love Dave's headlight harness that I put on my car.

[mlc240z]

Another BIG vote for Dave's kit.

It works, it is reversible if you ever want to go back to stock, and it is a very high quality build.

[rbates]

Does Dave's work for an early 260Z ??

[SteveJ]

It's not a plug & play on the 260Z & 280Z because of different connectors, but you can make it work.

[madkaw]

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/electrical-s30/38383-daniel-stern-lighting-headlight-upgrade.html

[SteveJ]

Steve, that's what I originally used to guide me, but the tricky part for the novice is that the Z supplies a constant 12VDC+ and switches the ground.

[madkaw]

Are you refering to Daniel Sterns schematics or the other link "alteredZ"?

[Stanley]

Got the BD set first. None of the connectors fit my 73, plus it looks a bit mickey mouse.

So I got Dave's set from MSA - no problems.

[z boy mn]

Wow...thanks for all the advice, everyone. I found Daniel Stern's website from your posts and will be dropping him a line today to see what he can do (or if he has any harnesses available). Seems like a good upgrade with high-quality components. Wahooo! :-)