Has anyone done the trick of using relays to power the headlights. I've read somewhere that if you divorce the headlight swith and use direct power you can get a brighter light.
Is this doable? How does one measure the current at the headlight?
It is doable and you do get brighter lights. There was an article in one of the musclecar mags years ago with a how to. I'd have to have a look to see if I can find it. I think it was Musclecar Review. Most GM dealers sell a relay with socket which is a good start.
There are a couple of benefits to running relays. If you use an aftermarket lamp with a higher wattage bulb, the relay can protect the headlight switch from overheating, and by using heavier guage wires, you can get more light from the bulbs safely. For you guys that are a little afraid of wiring, get a made up harness and add that. Never use crimp connectors, especially those ones that partially sever the wire you're connecting to. A good connection is critical, preferably soldered, because you can set a car on fire with a badly connected 12V wire.
Not sure if this is what you are talking about, but I run a relay in the high beam circuit on all my older cars with the 4 halogen headlight conversion. The circuit breaker will trip the high beams if I don't do this.
Yes, you've got it. I found out the hard way years ago as I was driving at a great rate of speed up the Fraser Canyon in my Malibu and all the lights just shut off. :shocked
There's more info out there than we could ever use. A common SPDT 30-40 Amp Bosch relay will do the trick. Any good parts counter will source em'... and the matching connectors.
I got two a few years ago at an giant East Indian electronics place in town. I think thay cost all of 4 bucks ea. Bosch too!
Cheers, mc
-- Edited by cdnpont at 00:29, 2008-07-17
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
