5ktq Headlight Wiring

[Ameer Antar]

At 06:28 AM 11/6/00, you wrote:
>I just converted my 87 5ktq to the older quad headlight set-up in an attempt
>to get decent lighting.
>
>I temporarily put in some over the shelf Sylvania cool blues that are much
>better than the stock aero lights, but I am going to get some Hella H4's
>with 50/100 bulbs.
>
>Does anyone know if I need to install relays and heavier wire for this
>combo?  I would assume so.  I think I need new plugs also since the Audi
>ones are pretty wimpy.

I also upgraded my quad lights, but as long as the wires for the plugs are 
short, you'll be ok. In truth current capacity doesn't only depend on wire 
gage, length is just as important. A 20 gage wire can handle maybe 100A if 
it's a foot long, but after 10ft, it cannot handle much more than a few 
amps. So keep the plug wires short, and splice them into 16-14 ga. wire to 
connect to the relays.


>I was thinking that I could tap the jump start wire located near the air box
>and use the existing headlight wiring to activate the relay.
>
>Does anyone have a recommended setup for this?  I need to know where to get
>the relays, how many are needed, wire size and where to buy the plugs.


I actually got power for the lights directly from the alternator w/ an 
inline fuse. Either way is fine, but it was just easier for me, cuz all I 
needed was a ring term. to connect to the alt. output post. I used 4 
relays...one for each bulb. It's not necessary unless you use high power 
bulbs, b/c the left and right headlights always need to be on at the same 
time. But if you use 2 bulbs on one relay, it must be able to handle the 
bulb current *2 which could be ~20A for 2 100W bulbs.

I think the key to good lighting is a good lens w/ a decent pattern, and 
decent bulbs. Hella is a decent choice for both bulb and lens. High wattage 
bulbs offer more light, but aren't really necessary if you have a good 
pattern. good luck.

-ameer