E-code Headlamp Question about re-wiring

I have read Daniel Stern's literature on lighting and have this question for those of you who have upgraded to E-codes.

After an extensive search here in the US, Norway, Germany and other places - and with the help of Volvo friends met along the way, I was unsuccessful in finding an authentic set of E-codes for the right price.

That being said, I have decided to purchase the FCP Groton set that is actually the DJ Auto E-Codes made in Taiwan.

Some have called these absolute crap, others have really liked them. Usually I read that people dislike the DJ Auto lights, but love the FCP Groton lights. They are the same lights!

Here's the question: Must I upgrade to the relay and wiring schema that Daniel Stern advises, regardless what bulbs I use? Or, is it only necessary to upgrade the wiring if I plan on using a higher wattage bulb?

I understand what he wrote about resistance causing lights to not shine as they should and what I can do to improve my lighting. Due to budget constraints - I want to install the lights safely at first, and then enhance later. So, I need to know if I can safely use E-codes without upgrading my wiring, for the present time.

Thanks! Jamie

Reply to
Jamie
Loading thread data ...

Also, I couldn't find any "RockIt" protective film. Can some tell me where I can buy some film, and what size do I order for these new lights? Or, must I wait to receive them and measure them?

Reply to
Jamie

I am guessing this is the harness I need for my H4 E-Code upgrade? I just need to know how many bulbs are in each lamp.

formatting link

Reply to
Jamie

Went with the Dan Stern package, case closed.

Now to find some film to protect the glass...

Reply to
Jamie

I put DJ Auto headlamps on my mom's 245 several years ago. They're definitely lower quality than the OEM E-code lights but they sure beat the stock USA stuff.

It's not necessary, but it's worth it IMO. The lights will work fine with the factory wiring so long as you use stock wattage bulbs.

Yes, the OEM installations used the same wiring with a different connector on them. The H4 lamps are the same wattage as the DOT lamps.

Reply to
James Sweet

No, at least the OEM 700 series lights have a cap over the back of the lamp housing with a 3 pin connector on it. This connector is the same type used for 240 turn signal assemblies, that's where I got mine. Seems like I had to pop another connector pin in each of them though.

Reply to
James Sweet

James, when you say definitely lower quality than OEM, would you say that to mean the quality of the lighting, or mainly quality of materials used?

I've read they're lighter, but no data on quality of lighting.

Reply to
Jamie

I don't really know, I do know that the beam pattern and build quality of the DJ Auto 240 headlights is not nearly as nice as the Bosch 740 lights, I haven't compared apples to apples though and as I said, both are much better than stock.

Reply to
James Sweet

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.