Euro Lights?

[TurboQuattro at shaw.ca]

> You must have the Phil Payne edition bulbs - 140W low, 170W high beam.

I switched the useless stock "turbo" headlights on my '88 5ktq to the quad rectangular lights from an earlier 5k. Running the lights off the alternator instead of the battery maximizes the voltage available to the lights. The lights are switched, so I can choose between 2 or 4 low-beams, and 2 or 4 high-beams, all relayed. The lights are aimed so that the outer set of low-beams will not blind anybody, and are splayed slightly outwards, to illuminate both sides of the road. The inner lights are aimed slightly higher, so that the high-beam is aimed at the horizon. I'm very careful to make sure that I switch from high-beam whenever I meet traffic, although it's difficult to tell when oncoming vehicles are coming around a blind corner. I've never had someone flash their lights at me, even though I run H4 bulbs as high as 180/135W (PIAA CH41835).

The advantages of these lights are the low cost to install them initially (compared to euro-lights), and the low cost to replace a broken headlight. Oh, and that you can literally see for miles!

Driving HWY 16 in northern BC, I find that I'll dim my high-beams for approaching semi-trailers when they must be several miles away! I'm paranoid about hitting a moose, so I brake as soon as I see eyes on the road. At 70mph, I've stopped at least 200 yards short of a fox! The only drawback to running really bright lights is the glare from reflective road signs. These headlights will not be suitable for most people, but if you drive long distances on deserted highways, you'll be amazed.