what amp alternator for H1's?

[bkreigsr]

I am running a rebuilt Valeo in my 77 930 and am going to H1's.

I welcome recommendations as to which bulbs to use, and what alternator amperage will be required.

I think the Valeo is 70 amp.

thanks

Bill K

(anybody have a pair of paintable trim rings?)

[bkreigsr]

anyone think I'll have any trouble with this set-up?

[javadog]

Well,

You'll probably be fine. The H1 lights don't necessarily have to consume more power than the stock lights. If you stick with 55w or 60w bulbs and don't relay them so that the low beams continue burning when the highs are switched on, you'll never notice any difference. If you stick much larger bulbs in them or run both the low beams and high beams at the same time, then you consume quite a bit more power. Of course, I don't know what else your car has. If you have a high output stereo that you run all the time, or if you are in the habit of running around with your fog lights on, or the rear window defroster blazing, or you drive a lot of short trips...you get the idea.

They work pretty well with the stock wattages, if they are carefully aimed. I usually aim them in the normal manner against a wall and then find a flat, deserted country road and tweak them for maximum visibility.

If you run the larger, 88Ah battery, you should have even more reserve.

JR

[IROC]

I don't see a problem. From a math standpoint, even two 100 watt bulbs only pull 200/12 = 16 amps, so the alternator isn't even breathing hard. I would worry more about the amp-carrying capability of the particular circuit that the lights are on.

Mike

[RoninLB]

car alternators should be able to carry 40% of max for extended periods without over heating.

[bkreigsr]

thanks guys

I'm not running any high amp equipment and am currently retro-fitting an original Blaupunkt to replace the Alpine and amp.

Battery is a red-top Optima, if that makes a difference.

what bulbs are the most common?

javadog, are you running relays, or do you use all 4 bulbs on 'high'

Bill K

[javadog]

Bill,

I haven't got around to installing relays on any of my cars yet. It's only been 20 years or so, so give me a little time.

I do not run all four bulbs on high. If they are aimed properly, there is really no need. On some cars I run the standard 55w bulbs. I seem to recall on one of them I run higher wattage, either 80w or 100w but it's been 20 years since I installed the lights and I don't recall much.

In my neck of the woods, there is enough traffic that I hardly ever get to hit the high beams for any length of time. I prefer to set up the low beams for best visibilty, as that's what gets used with oncoming traffic and that's where the greatest need for good lighting is for me. I wear contacts and have lousy night vision to boot.

I haven't had a switch failure since the early eighties. I think if you run stock wattage bulbs you don't need to install the relays to protect the contacts in the low/hi switch. If you run higher wattage bulbs, I would install the relays.

JR

[javadog]

Bill,

Something else I was going to mention....not all bulbs are created equal. Some are better than others in terms of their light output and there are a lot of "snake oil' bulbs out there. Look up the Daniel Stern Lighting web site and read about the bulbs, or just call him. There was a new type of bulb that came out a while back that was better than the rest. He used to only sell that bulb with a new type of Cibie light that came out, one that relied on a complex surface reflector design to shape the beam, as opposed to using the fluting on the lens to do so. Ask him what he recommends. He's a great guy with a lot of knowledge about lighting.

JR

[}{arlequin]

thanks guys... subscribed

[Gunter]

Originally posted by IROC
I don't see a problem. From a math standpoint, even two 100 watt bulbs only pull 200/12 = 16 amps, so the alternator isn't even breathing hard. I would worry more about the amp-carrying capability of the particular circuit that the lights are on.

Mike

Right on with the concern for wire size if you go more than stock 60/55W.
I recommend relays even with stock bulbs; it's only $20.- for a dual-relay set but lots more for a stalk switch.

[bkreigsr]

Gunter -
is the recommendation then, to up-size the wire from the lights to the fuse or the fuse to the switch (harness) or both?
12,14,16,18, AWG?
thanks
Bill K

[pwd72s]

No relays here..running H-1's with the original '72 alternator I believe it's 75 amps? One bulb used for high beam, one for low. the stock 55 W bulbs. Plenty of light. For sure MUCH better than the DOT sealed beams they replaced. No problems so far, but I've only had the set-up for 30 years or so...

[javadog]

If you use relays, it would be the wire that is between the relays and the bulbs. In other words, the wire that carries the higher current. If not using relays, it would be all the wire, as the current is the same throughout. I don't recall the stock size; go up a size or two and you'll be fine.

JR

[}{arlequin]

i think 12 gauge should be used at the minimum... that's what i'm using w/ my 100w narva's in my h4's right now. 10 gauge is overkill but when i move to h1's w/ 4x 100w- it'll be 'just right'

[pwd72s]

+1 on Daniel Stern...he's very knowledgable, sells only the best.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/

[Gunter]

Originally posted by bkreigsr
Gunter -
is the recommendation then, to up-size the wire from the lights to the fuse or the fuse to the switch (harness) or both?
12,14,16,18, AWG?
thanks
Bill K

If you stay with max 60W, you don't need to change the wire sizes and don't really need relays.
Try this: Open the buckets and check the existing wires and sockets to the bulb.
Do the sockets/wires look discolored/burned?
If not, fine.
If there are signs of heat-effects, consider installing relays and use heavier wiring from relay to bulb; the wires from stalk switch to energize the relay can stay as is.
Same fuse-rating as stock.
I found heat-effects on my stock wiring for 60/55W bulbs and installed the dual relays.
They are very simple to install, come with wires and instructions from Sucro here on PP.
Go for it if you want higher wattage on the bulbs.

[bkreigsr]

I bought a kit from Marcus right after I pulled the trigger on the lights.
thanks for all the info
Bill K