Headlights,relays,& Wiring
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 109
Headlights,relays,& Wiring
I have a question about wiring size when upgrading to relays. All of the electrical circuit diagrams, schematics I have looked at don't mention the size of wire that you use for the new power to run upgraded headlights. I know the original size is fine to run the relay power,and ground.
but when running the new power wire do you just run a new power wire from the power source(ie battery,alternator,horn relay) to the relay and then use the original factory wire size to run from the relay to the headlights ? Is it prefered to re-wire from the relay to all of the headlights (I hope this is not the case)
On my car I have a single brown wire for the low beams = no problem
for the high side I have 2 light green wires? do both of these have to be cut and spliced into the relay
I do not know what lights I am going to run yet,what is the power consumptionof the T-3 ?
What kind or range will the factory wiring handle ?
I am sure I might have missed some information required to answer my questions but I will start here.
but when running the new power wire do you just run a new power wire from the power source(ie battery,alternator,horn relay) to the relay and then use the original factory wire size to run from the relay to the headlights ? Is it prefered to re-wire from the relay to all of the headlights (I hope this is not the case)
On my car I have a single brown wire for the low beams = no problem
for the high side I have 2 light green wires? do both of these have to be cut and spliced into the relay
I do not know what lights I am going to run yet,what is the power consumptionof the T-3 ?
What kind or range will the factory wiring handle ?
I am sure I might have missed some information required to answer my questions but I will start here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,350
Likes: 423
From: Seattle Area WA
The stock wire size is 16 gauge, I'm actually re-wiring mine currently. There is a premade kit that uses 12 gauge but I had a hard time fitting two 12 gauge wires into the OEM "F" crimp type headlight terminals but two 14 gauge wires fit and crimp fine. I upgraded to 14 gauge wiring from the headlights to the relays. The two high beam green wires join at the firewall block at the terminal so, yes I cut them both and joined them at the relay.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 109
Thanks Scott, I think I am going to stick with the stock wire size at this point,I am thinking about trying the lights from Lectric Limited ( Guide T-3) (according to Lectric Limited bulbs draw the same as the old headlights but are brighter by 50%) to see if this will provide enough light for my older eyes at night. If these don't work well enough then I will step up both the lights and wiring until I can see good at night at 100 plus when the need grabs me.I live on the outskirts of Houston far enough out that the country roads will allow me to do some ? sprited driving,The roads are mostly straight with three sets of 90 bends,these can be safely taken at double the speed limit,my concern are for animals in the road,I want to give them a chance.
Anyone else using these lights ??
Anyone else using these lights ??
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Awhile back one of our younger members posted an interesting idea on headlights.
He powered his low beams through the headlight switch only (not through the dimmer).
Then he ran constant power to the existing dimmer switch and used the dimmer to turn on the high beams , but in his case he also left the low beams on to. So he had all 6 filaments burning instead of the factory intended 4 filaments.
This would drastically reduce the load on the headlight switch as the high beam filaments are not using the HL switch.
Anyone else trying this , will the 2 filaments in the low beam be ok burning together ?
He powered his low beams through the headlight switch only (not through the dimmer).
Then he ran constant power to the existing dimmer switch and used the dimmer to turn on the high beams , but in his case he also left the low beams on to. So he had all 6 filaments burning instead of the factory intended 4 filaments.
This would drastically reduce the load on the headlight switch as the high beam filaments are not using the HL switch.
Anyone else trying this , will the 2 filaments in the low beam be ok burning together ?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Roger...
Are you saying that this guy ran the power for his hi-beam lights through the switch on the headlight dimmer? Or, are are you saying that the 'signal' line running to a separate relay was run through that switch? In the first instance, a fire
would certainly be the result. The latter approach would work OK and is an interesting concept.
Are you saying that this guy ran the power for his hi-beam lights through the switch on the headlight dimmer? Or, are are you saying that the 'signal' line running to a separate relay was run through that switch? In the first instance, a fire
would certainly be the result. The latter approach would work OK and is an interesting concept.
