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Thread: H4 Headlight

  1. #1
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    H4 Headlight

    Hey Guys. I'm planning on putting some headlights on my '88 LX-i, and I'm wondering whether or not I should install relays in my light circuitry (to avoid overheating the wiring and to avoid arcing in the switch). What is the highest wattage that the factory switch and wiring can take? I'm planning on using 80/100 watt bulbs (I know that these arn't street legal, but I've had 'em in my truck for almost a year and no tickets yet). I 'preciate the input in advance.

    -Mark



  2. #2
    2.0Si User SQ is the SQUAD's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    dosent hurt to wire it right. iven seen many light sockets get burned out.
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  3. #3


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    Re: H4 Headlight

    The main current draw for the headlights does not go through the switch. The switch actuates a set of headlight relays that are in the fuse box under the hood. I calculated the maximum current draw on the relays and they can take the 80/100W bulbs. With that said, I do believe there is some wiring in the dash that can get too hot. When I was using a set of 90/100W bulbs I would occasionally smell overheated insulation and my dash clock would reset itself to 12:00 randomly. The issue went away when I switched to 55/60W bulbs.

    80/100W bulbs do not get you proportionally more illumination. They put out maybe 25% more lumens than 55/60W bulbs. A further disadvantage is that they last half as long. If you are going to use them I would definitely add additional relays to the headlight circuit so that they pull their current directly from the battery.

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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by DBMaster
    The main current draw for the headlights does not go through the switch. The switch actuates a set of headlight relays that are in the fuse box under the hood. I calculated the maximum current draw on the relays and they can take the 80/100W bulbs. With that said, I do believe there is some wiring in the dash that can get too hot. When I was using a set of 90/100W bulbs I would occasionally smell overheated insulation and my dash clock would reset itself to 12:00 randomly. The issue went away when I switched to 55/60W bulbs.
    80/100W bulbs do not get you proportionally more illumination. They put out maybe 25% more lumens than 55/60W bulbs. A further disadvantage is that they last half as long. If you are going to use them I would definitely add additional relays to the headlight circuit so that they pull their current directly from the battery.

    Very detailed answer, I really appreciate it. I'll probly just go with the 55/60 bulbs then, since I wouldn't have to do any additional wiring. I appreciate the advice.

  5. #5
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    well i just did mine but i bought the warness from some one here if u can get a hold of the harness its really not that bad of an install and i really do like the h4's over the stock seald beam's

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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy
    well i just did mine but i bought the warness from some one here if u can get a hold of the harness its really not that bad of an install and i really do like the h4's over the stock seald beam's
    Wouldn't the connections be the same? I did it on my truck that had the same style sealed beam lights and the H4 bulb had the same connector on the back as the sealed beam light...or did you mean to add the relays to the circuit?

    -Mark

  7. #7
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    ya to add the relays
    it just pluged into one of the existing lights and the went the battery and then grounded and it had the new relays in it it was rather easy i belive u can buy then pre assembled im just not sure were

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    Re: H4 Headlight

    That sounds pretty kool. I might look for those...I saw a few on summitracing.com, but I didn't really look at them, they might be what you're talking about. I just thought they might be ones to adapt one plug style to the H4 style, but they might have relays built into them. 'Preciate the input.

  9. #9
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    do u have housings already
    if not i would say the autopals i got are vary nice

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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy
    do u have housings already
    if not i would say the autopals i got are vary nice
    I found some that're $13 a piece at summitracing.com, but I havn't ordered them yet.

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    Re: H4 Headlight

    I found the wiring kit...

  12. #12
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    dont order cheap housings they look good asthiticly but the light output sucks
    get these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/200mm...7800QQtcZphoto

  13. #13
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    I sold mine to ghetto........this is the seller, you don't have to get them with the bulbs though.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H4-WI...49197728QQrdZ1
    And all you need is the h4, don't matter what car its for.
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  14. #14
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    man and i gave u $35 hahahaha its cool though

  15. #15
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy
    man and i gave u $35 hahahaha its cool though
    Yeah, with shipping those are like $50. Because they make you insure it coming from China and all.
    http://members.cardomain.com/3gn86lxi
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  16. #16
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    shipping was only $20 so 40 and i could of got a new set man i got jewed lol j/k
    still got um 5 bucks off

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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Another thing...wouldn't the headlight out light on the dash come on if I wire it with relays? How would I stop this, just take the light out of the dash?

  18. #18
    SEi User 3gn86lxi's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by mgardner
    Another thing...wouldn't the headlight out light on the dash come on if I wire it with relays? How would I stop this, just take the light out of the dash?
    No, it won't. You use you original plug as the activator for the relays, so it installs and activates the light as if it was factory.
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Ryan, where are the pictures of your car on that link? Or are there any?

    -Mark

  20. #20
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by mgardner
    Ryan, where are the pictures of your car on that link? Or are there any?
    -Mark
    No, none of that. If you get one of the kits, or wire relays yourself, it is really easy to wire. I would suggest just buying one of the kits. It is much easier that way, you just plug and play, it comes with instructions too.
    http://members.cardomain.com/3gn86lxi
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  21. #21
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by DBMaster
    80/100W bulbs do not get you proportionally more illumination.
    Also, most of that is BS. See here:

    http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/...uperwhite.html

  22. #22
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by 3gn86lxi
    No, none of that. If you get one of the kits, or wire relays yourself, it is really easy to wire. I would suggest just buying one of the kits. It is much easier that way, you just plug and play, it comes with instructions too.
    Nah, I meant I just wanted to see your ride, isn't that it on your avator? It looks pretty sweet.

  23. #23
    SEi User 3gn86lxi's Avatar
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    Re: H4 Headlight

    Quote Originally Posted by mgardner
    Nah, I meant I just wanted to see your ride, isn't that it on your avator? It looks pretty sweet.
    Oh. Here, refer to this post.
    https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49926
    http://members.cardomain.com/3gn86lxi
    ~Ryan~
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