Another question from Mr. Clueless (H4 upgrade)

[jkcrewsn]

I looked for the answer for this in the archives, but couldn't find anything. I bought the 80/100 bulbs and am trying to figure out how to put the relay in. I think I understand how this works, but I have four fuses for the current lights. One each side for high and low beams. Does this mean I need four relays? And therefore all four wires to thicker gauge? I have not taken the old headlights out yet, as I am trying to get all my ducks in a row first. So I am not sure what I am looking at for a plug connector. Can anyone help clear this up for me?

[Early_S_Man]

Jeff,

Theoretically, for maximum reliability and redundancy, yes, four relays would be ideal, but most people don't want to do that much work rewiring if two will work!

There was a long thread started by Superman Jim last Dec. ... which discussed the issues and some different methods to solve the problems:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33255&highlight=light+relay+upgrade

What most people don't realize is that the original 1965 911 headlamps were ONLY 45/40 Watt Type 'A' bulbs ... the dual-filament, logical predecessor of the H4 bulbs, and there was never an upgrade to that 1965 wiring and fusing arrangement thru 1989 production!

Here are some recent threads on the subject.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33493&highlight=light+relay

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7018&highlight=headlight+relay

I notice the diagrams are now dead links in one of the above threads ...

[RoninLB]

Duck #1 is the lens. Are you using prolaterian DOT. Duck #2 is brand of bulb . Are you using the marketing mans dream bulb PIAA Platinum. Duck #3 is bulb socket. Porsche stock and big bulb power is a no no. Some options on sockets are available. Wire dia. is another option. Marine quality wire is quality. Relays are another option, look into it. IMHO I would build lighting circuit that I would trust if I had to take it offshore on midnite runs. Is the north shore having any action? Is Pipeline breaking? I could use a web address of a surfcam overlooking Pipeline. You could mail me directly if access to surfcam is for insiders only. I could send you pictures of knots on my knees for credibility.

[Bob Goding]

Warren's on to it as expected--I dug this one up for what its worth-----------
http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/relays/

[RoninLB]

Bob ----- that guy is a class act. He has plenty of options. He has everything anyone needs in lighting.

[jkcrewsn]

Thanks Warren and Bob. Both the links were helpful. The schematics from the link that Bob put up was most helpful, good information. Exactly how I needed it spelled out. Thanks again.