Headlight bulb question for the experts.

Yes, you should install one. Take the load off the stock circuit and switch. It's an easy install, too. Jeff

"R>I was looking to replace the headlight bulbs in my 62 with the halogen

Headlight relay is always a good idea so you don't have full current going through the switch.

R> I was looking to replace the headlight bulbs in my 62 with the halogen

Since your car is already delightfully non-stock, I would do the relays anyway. You will be pleasantly surprised by the increase in brightness. I have a relay harness on the 944 and it makes a world of difference; even with just 60W high beams (7" round Cibie H4s.) I actually have a set of 90/100W bulbs that I never installed because I don't need them.

nate

I installed quad halogens on my Wagonaire and I can't run them on brights for more than a couple minutes before the breaker throws. A relay setup is in my future. Paul Johnson

Your math is off. I=P/E or 70 watts/12 Volts = 5.8 amps.low beam.

You're right. I had a brain fart. I knew it didn't look right, but I knew someone would correct me :) Anywho, you all talked me into the relays. The bulbs are in and I will wire in the relays tomorrow, right now, it's 5 o-clock somewhere...........popatop! Ron

--Shiva--

You ought to do the arithmetic for a "12V" system using 13.5 or 14V; ( charging voltage). Relays are the way to go. Lay things out so power wires are as short as possible. Don't forget the ground path, all the way back to the battery cable. I think people who rewire tend to go overboard with wire size. Electrically, 10# wire is overkill; and a hassle to work with. Stude was certainly undersize. Portions of the stock harness in Avanti's and Hawk's feed two elements with a single 18# wire! I'm planning to use 14# to each bulb element, after considering voltage drop. That's "too big", "too small", and "just right".

Here's a source for stock type breakers in different sizes:

You won't be sorry. Use heavy gauge wire and take your power straight from the alternator. Also you might want to run separate grounds back to the alternator case.

Once you're done with that, you might want to check out some H4/H1 E-code reflectors for the ulitmate in lighting. A little spendy but well worth it. You'll *want* to drive at night just so you can find a dark, deserted road, kick on the high beams, and giggle like a little girl at how ludicrously well they work. I used to commute on such a road and when I did the above to my daily driver, my max comfortable speed went from about 40 MPH to "as fast as I wanna go."

nate

R> You're right. I had a brain fart. I knew it didn't look right, but I knew

lol, i got an alternator, IF the run i under 4 feet, use #2, otherwise use 0.