Sucro headlight relay kit - do i need it

redcoupe86 · 12-13-2006, 10:42 AM

ok, first i've done my "searchn'" but I still don't have a definitive answer.

I put the H-4 upgrade to the car. I have the 55w/60w bulbs in it. Will this require this Surcro relay kit. I keep seeing the 80w/100w power mentioned with it, but not much of anything on the power of the bulbs I have.

scottb · 12-13-2006, 10:45 AM

Get the kit. You won't be sorry.

redcoupe86 · 12-13-2006, 10:49 AM

its not that I don't want to get the kit, rather I am horrible with the electrical side of the equation when it comes to cars. Unless there is a step by step photographed article on it I'd rather not even risk the carnage I could impose upon my poor little car.

scottb · 12-13-2006, 10:52 AM

The instructions are very detailed, and you have the Pelican community to help you if you run into trouble.

Wil Ferch · 12-13-2006, 10:57 AM

Factoid.... whether stock bulbs, upgraded, H4's...whatever...the real issue is that Porsche has a poor design that pushes all the "power" current throught the dinky little steering column switch. A proper relay approach...whether Sucro or home-brew....does the right thing by using the steering column switch as a trigger-circuit only ...and the power goes through the other pair of relay contacts..as it should.

It greatly reduces the electrical stress on the system.

- Wil

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

redcoupe - I have H4's on my '76 with the 55/60w bulbs. I wanted to go with the 80/100w bubs but after discussing with the Pelican order guy (can't remember which person) I was sorta talked out of getting them. He claimed that even with the kit the wiring in these cars isn't really up to them. I have questions about that now.

I had fully intended to go with the Sucro kit too. In hindsight, it saved me the money and since I have only the 55/60's there is no issue. But, I've never seen the 80/100's at night... I'd love to see the difference.

Anyone have comparison pictures?

redcoupe86 · 12-13-2006, 11:09 AM

ok, I'm up for doing this myself, but for the love of God can someone give me a link to a DIY article that shows as much in detail and pictures and what even to buy?

I don't think I want to go the Sucro headlight relay kit route since it seems I can get all the stuff I need from the local auto parts shop.

I'm not even sure what I'm suppose to be putting together other than the fact that its some realays. And I don't really understand wiring diagrams. I need more "diagrams for dummies" looking sketches if my smallish brain is going to get it.

Im also confused as to wheather I need 2 or 4 or how you connect anything to anything here.

Yall getting just how much I don't know about electronics here!

scottb · 11:31 AM

The kit is a "whopping" $20 or $25, with detailed instructions. It doesn't pay to source the bits and pieces yourself, and then scrounge for instructions. Buy the kit.

redcoupe86 · 12-13-2006, 11:21 AM

ok, where do you buy it? Is it an Ebay thing or is a kit Pelican Sells?

scottb · 12-13-2006, 11:25 AM

I found this info on Rennlist:

176 Villa Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030.
408-354-2361
flat6turbo@rennlist.net

Wil Ferch · 12-13-2006, 11:29 AM

Dan:
If you install the Sucro Kit, you should be good up to 100-130W bulbs, even with the stock wiring. I had Marcos lab test temp rise for the stock gauge wires for me ( before my purchase)....and believe this to be true. The relay kit is desirable for the reasons I already stated even for stock wattages.

Also agreed...if you'r ea newbie to electrical circuits...buy the value-priced Sucro kit. Sure...you could save a few bucks and source individual components more cheaply, but the instructions would be worth the uptick in price alone !!

- Wil

911pcars · 12-13-2006, 11:42 AM

While the parts can be sourced elsewhere, the instructions in the Sucro kit, even though it's all text (no diagram) sounds like a no-brainer for your car.

If you source the pieces (2 relays, 2 harnesses), you'll have to figure out the proper connections. If you're an admitted newbie, you should pass on this option unless you want to go through a learning curve.

Sherwood

redcoupe86 · 12-13-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by scottb
I found this info on Rennlist:

176 Villa Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030.
408-354-2361
flat6turbo@rennlist.net

This is "Marcos" Im assuming?

scottb · 12-13-2006, 11:47 AM

Yes...Marcus Sucro

PSJoyce · 12-13-2006, 11:47 AM

I agree with everyone else. I put in the Sucro kit over the weekend in my 1985. Took my time, found all the right parts and tools, and it was a very easy, relaxed two hours -- and it worked perfectly the first time. The directions are clear and easy to follow. I'd say the stock headlights are a little brighter now, and the instrument lights seem brighter now, too.

The kit is so nice that I don’t see the advantage of re-inventing it from scratch.

Here’s the link: http://members.rennlist.com/msucro1/relaykit.htm

There are several posts here with photos of the install, or I could send photos of what I did if it helps.

Paul

Monza_dh · Monza_dh's Garage

just ordered one an hr ago. Marcus was quicn to respond to my intial email and I used Paypal.

PO installed dreaded high watt bulbs in the H5's and burnt up the socket connectors. Column headight switch is working but better safe than sorry.
I'm like most, I can tackle most projects on my car but with electrics, I am lost.

Good luck.

Early_S_Man · 12-13-2006, 12:11 PM

The original 1963-produced 901s used European Type 'A' non-halogen bulbs of 45 Watt/40 Watt loads in the Bosch or Hella headlamp assemblies. As far as I can tell from research ... neither the wiring or control stalk was upgraded to any higher rating over the production run ending with 1989 models!

Even USA DOT-approved sealed-beams will eventually cause the stalk switch to burn out if extensive driving is done at night! This has happened to many, many 911 owners over the years ...

RoninLB · 12-13-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monza_dh

burnt up the socket connectors.

Wil Ferch · 12-13-2006, 12:30 PM

Seeing that the relays reduce the power seen by the dinky steering column switch by over a factor of 100 ( meaning..ends up less than 1/100th the original amperage).....whether the stock headlights were the very original 40/45 watt...or the later 55/60 watt...or even 80/100 watt, ...would make little difference. The relays really drastically improve the load profile on the column switch....

- Wil

schamp · 12-13-2006, 12:32 PM

Redcoupe, thanks for starting this thread. I have been meaning to do this with my 75 911. I just ordered the kit. Thanks psjoyce for the link. Spencer