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Headlight update(s)


Pomorza

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Hey mates

 

This past weekend my headlights went out on the Z. I updated to an H4 conversion when I first got the car but since I'm already in there I do have a few questions. Is there any issue running a higher wattage bulb on the stock harness - without a relay?

 

Thanks
Jan

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Unless you're switch contacts are immaculate, yes. You'll build up more heat in components. If the lack of light is an issue, higher wattage bulbs won't do much for you. The big issue is voltage drop. Before I installed relays in my 73, I was only getting about 9VDC at the headlight socket with the car off. That 3 volt drop equals a very significant drop in the percentage of light output. Go with relays, and you probably won't need higher wattage bulbs. It will be better for your electrical system, too.

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Unless you're switch contacts are immaculate, yes. You'll build up more heat in components. If the lack of light is an issue, higher wattage bulbs won't do much for you. The big issue is voltage drop. Before I installed relays in my 73, I was only getting about 9VDC at the headlight socket with the car off. That 3 volt drop equals a very significant drop in the percentage of light output. Go with relays, and you probably won't need higher wattage bulbs. It will be better for your electrical system, too.

 

Do you happen to have a wiring diagram or pictures of how to set up the relays - I'm assuming there's going to be two.

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I recently reminded myself about the difference in heaadlight switch sets over the various years. I was shocked to be re-reminded of how fragile the early switch sets are compared to later ones in terms of the wiring not just the switch contacts. They increased the wire gauge after the series 1 cars that lead to the HL switches (not to mention moving the switch from the ground side to the fuse side), The switches and the contacts themselves are identical internally from 70-78. The wiring, not so much.

I can't emphasis enough the need to upgrade to a relay system no matter what type of headlight you end up using.

Don't forget to service (clean) the contacts where the new harness connects to the old head light connectors up front. Those things are exposed to the elements and are always grundgy.

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