headlights relays

[kartone]

I am planning to install an ignition switch relay but wonder if to improve lighting I should also install a light switch relay(s).
Looking at the wiring diagram I could install one relay for low beam circuit and another for high beam circuit.
Any experiences or thoughts ? 

[scuzzyGTV]

I'd say if you plan on using them, then absolutely!
I used the Daniel Stern diagram, and got my gear from Jaycar about $100, couple of hours to install, and no more smoking light stalk
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/relays/relays.html

[Bob Morey]

Definately worthwhile.  I have relays on the starter solenoid & wipers as well.  The improvement in the wipers is significant.

[kartone]

Scuzzy & Bob, thanks for the input.
Have looked at Stern's relay diagram and have purchased most components required, now I just need to set aside time for the installation, including a good evaluation of the current wiring in / out of the fuse / relay box.

[GTVeloce]

I installed a starter relay which worked very well and am installing relays for lights and wipers in the new re-build. Stern's document is very good! Thanks.

[Al Campbell]

You could get away with one relay for the low beam, but two would be better for the high beam as you are switching four filaments altogether on high beam and that might be too much load for a single standard relay. Especially if you start putting in higher wattage globes.

AL.

[Brad M]

I think this is waht you mean ...

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=1464.0

and
http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=2928.0

[scuzzyGTV]

Another lighting upgrade that I've done, was to get a set of the US spec headlight buckets and use some Hella semi-sealed 5 3/4 with integral park lamp. It's by no means a cheap option, but a good one IMHO. I haven't decided if i put some driving lights in the centre holes or use it for extra airflow yet...

[kartone]

Al, in your wiring loom you have a relay and a fuse per light (2 for low + 2 for high), is that correct ?
Where did you purchase the 4 relay mounting block and multiple fuse holder ? 

[Neil Choi]

Jaycar sells fused relays which could be useful.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SY4077&keywords=relay&form=KEYWORD

[kartone]

Thanks Neil. Saw those, all I now need is a mounting block.

[Neil Choi]

I am looking too, I just asked someone I know who works at Jaycar, so I could have an answer later.  Also can get the bits at less than the retail price.  Let me know if need any.

Hopefully Al has the answer too.

[kartone]

Morning Neil. By my calculations a 20A relay will do to power both highbeams together (100W x 2) and a 10A for the lowbeams (60W x 2); I will use 4mm2 wire for + and -.
This AM I will go to Repco, Burson, Supercheap and Jarcar and see if they can provide a waterproof relay / fuse mounting block; I intend locating the lot in the engine bay behind the passenger-side headlights, close to the alternator.

[Anthony Sharp]

Hi All,
You will need to use 2 x 20A relays, Watts/Volt = Amps on a DC system, therefore 100w x2 is 16.6 amps, 60w X 2 is 10amps, so you are running right on the upper limit of a 10amp relay, it is good practice not to do this, as things that run at their design limit tend to fail more often. You also would be better off to use +50's 55w low beams bulbs, they output 50% more light then a standard halogen with less heat (more light, longer life).

You could get away with one relay for the low beam, but two would be better for the high beam as you are switching four filaments altogether on high beam and that might be too much load for a single standard relay.

If your wiring is done right correct you should not be running the 4 lights through the one relay, the low beams should always be switched through the low beam relay. 4mm 100amp wire should be fine, but make sure everything is fused, from battery to relays, and then from relay to each light, this means if one fuse blows due to a fault you only loose one light, unless the fault is at the relay, soldered terminals tend to be better for higher current draw, but you can use crimp terminals, but make sure there crimped well, once you have finished your wiring let everything running for about 1/2 an hour, then feel all connections for heat build-up, if any are warm then redo them.

The other trick with the low beams on a GTV is to very carefully remove the low beam shield from the light, it is crimped in, and cut the top 1/4 off the refit it, this allows more light to reflect off the top half of the light creating a brighter low beam, for some reason Italian cars right up to the mid 80's had low beam shields that where designed for use in war time that were far more enclosed them other countries (due to a fear of being bombed by B17's). This also has the added befit of reducing heat at the bulb, so longer bulb life.

[Duk]

When I did relay upgrades for my Giulietta years ago, I also added a single pole double throw (SPDT) relay in the switch wiring to switch off the low beam when the high beam was switched on. It's probably not a major improvement, but if your alternator is struggling with ignition system, interior fan, AC clutch and fan, stereo and the other night time lights, reducing current draw by 7-10 amps is a plus.