upgrading headlights to a higher wattage ??

mik · 04-04-2006, 10:32 PM

g`day peeps, i have a headlight globe on the way out and thinking of putting h4 100/130watt globes in my series 2 xr6 , just wondering if anyone has had problems after doing this, i have heard of some late model cars having wiring burning due to crappy size wire to the headlights and cheap relays, would mostly be problem on country cars doing long distance with beams on, thanks in advance

Pinkbits · 04-04-2006, 11:03 PM

I use 80/100 for h/light and 100 for the driving lights, any higher and i think you may have a problem with the reflectors.

XR6-VCT-2000 · 05-04-2006, 01:00 AM

yep possible melting reflectors and burning out the standard wiring and possibly the relays , a 130 watt globe is gonna draw alot more amps than a 100 watt globe ! , you would need thicker wiring and higher rated relays to suit to match the 130 watt setup , the wiring from the relay to the switch should be fine , but the rest would probably need changing for safety reasons , but then there is the melting reflector problem too which is a high posability too :( .

ronwest · 05-04-2006, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6-VCT-2000

but then there is the melting reflector problem too which is a high posability too :( .

yep, been there and done the higher wattage globe thing. Didn't melt the reflector but it discoloured very quickly.

Lukeyson · 05-04-2006, 04:13 AM

A ford tech explained to me when i was workin there, that putting in higher wattage will yield minimum results, if any, because the reflectors are made for a specific wattage, and by woppin in a higher watt bulb, just makes more heat.

also, my mate bought a new SS ute and reckons insurance told him it voids his insurance to put higher wattage bulbs in ??? WTF ?

fmc351 · 05-04-2006, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR8fella

A ford tech explained to me when i was workin there, that putting in higher wattage will yield minimum results, if any, because the reflectors are made for a specific wattage, and by woppin in a higher watt bulb, just makes more heat.

also, my mate bought a new SS ute and reckons insurance told him it voids his insurance to put higher wattage bulbs in ??? WTF ?

Higher wattage low beam effects oncoming traffic. ??Maybe thats it??

Yeah you can adjust them down, but then whats the point.

HID :sm_headba BIG $$$$$ though.

The Dok · 05-04-2006, 09:45 PM

The reflectors in an XR wont melt (metal) but it will severely shorten the life of the reflector surface, then there are the wiring loom issues, all as ronwest has mentioned. Some of those that have them (high watt bulbs) may say "I've been using them for ages with no problems" but they may not notice the "dulling" of their reflectors because it happens evenly over time. I've got plenty here that are basically useless because of this problem. :evil3:

mik · 05-04-2006, 10:51 PM

ok i`ll stick with standards i have one globe ded thought it might be worth upgrading, but might try the blue ones same wattage, anyway thanks heaps guys

The Dok · 05-04-2006, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

ok i`ll stick with standards i have one globe ded thought it might be worth upgrading, but might try the blue ones same wattage, anyway thanks heaps guys

Get yourself 2 x H4 "Philips Crystal vision" or "Blue Vision". I have them (Blue) in my headlights & highly recommend them. There are some threads here on the forums regarding these.
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=43030
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=26620

mik · 05-04-2006, 11:45 PM

thanks dok your a gentalman, i`ll givem a whirl

XR6-VCT-2000 · 06-04-2006, 02:57 AM

If you really want to blind people and give the impression you are runing around 150 to 200 watt globes without all the dramas , then look at getting some condensor lenses out of some old slide projectors ( big half round condensor heat lense ) , mount this infront of ya globes and you can project the beam into a more pinpoint beam , also increases the illuminems too ., can pick old slide projectors up for around $15 and pinch the inner lenses out of them ,nearlly all slide projector inner lenses are rated to handle around 500watts of light/heat before cracking ! , u can even pinch the reflectors out of them and use them too if u want with a bit of modding .. just my 2 cents ;) .