[V8] Re: Headlight switch

[Kent McLean]

"Gunter" <lorberg at adelphia.net> wrote:
> I recently acquired a Canadian '90 V8Q
> which has the daytime running lights.  Correct me if I'm wrong but I
> understand that this system came with a relay and that it is therefore
not
> prone to failure.  I am, however, not entirely satisfied with the
overall
> power (just not enough lumens) of the lighting system and would
consider
> tossing in some more powerful bulbs if the system could handle it
(your link
> with the wiring diagram mentioned something about 200W bulbs).  Do you
have
> any thoughts on the feasibility of this?

I'm no expert, but I believe the Canadian cars use US DOT
spec lights. Those lights use a plastic lens, unlike the European
lenses, which are glass. Even if the lights are relayed (that really
only protects the switch), higher wattage bulbs will draw more
current, and might a) overtax marginal wiring, and b) discolor
or melt the plastic lens.  That said, I believe there are people
on the quattro list with Type 44 cars that have used higher
wattage bulbs with some success. Check the archives, or wait
for someone to confirm it.

HTH,
Kent
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy"