[V8] euro light install WOW!

[qshipq at aol.com]

 Ed


Having just done this surgery to my v8, and many 200/v8 installs over the years, maybe we can compare notes here.? I'm a 25year prorally light guy (and FYI Competition Limited was started by Gene Henderson, Esq, a prorally champion - jeep - for many decades). ?? I'm a firm believer that this can be a once and done surgery, and result in reliable function of the circuits involved.? 





A couple notations on your install


First, individual grounds for the relay trigger circuit is not necessary.? IME with bosch-type 30/40amp relays, 2amps is more than enough on the trigger side of a relay.? That means you could run 24guage wire and a common ground if you chose.? Spending any time on the trigger circuit is a waste of time IME.





400w/12v = 33amps so a single 40amp for the high beam circuit would be recommended minimum





Stock 'internal' wiring.? I've opened up and modified several 200 and v8 euro lights to isolate the inner highs (I personally run 55/65 H4, and 100w H3 inners with a switch to defeat the 100w inners for better increments of lighting. ? IME, 400w can be too much in fog/snow/hi moisture conditions).? 





In my case, the v8 may or may not be my only, so I rigged mine as a "removable rig" using the stock headlight wiring plugs as the relay trigger for both the high beam relay (1 relay for high beam) and the low beam relay (1 relay for low beam).?? I also believe that the ground for the euros is not only common to highs and lows internally, but the weak design link.? I run 2 separate 12guage ground wires to each headlight, a ground for low beam circuit and a ground for the high beam circuit.? I mounted 2 40amp relays near the jump-ground post.? 4 ground wires attach to that ground post, and 2 12v relay feed wires attach to the positive jump post.

12/4-cased stranded cable from a home improvement store works, as do 12 guage extension cords (using single ground for each headlight).? I use the stock headlight wiring to trigger the relays, and tape up the other plugs.? Removal of the wiring in my case to switch back to stock US light wiring would take under 5 minutes.? I used the Mercedes 190 rear tail light plugs from my local pick and pull.? I will note that technically the older Mercedes 500/560 actually have the proper 8 position plug for the lights, but you leave 2 empty ports, so the 190 is a better fit for use.

After taking apart many 200/v8 headlights, it's interesting to note that the actual reflector and bulb assemblies are identical and interchangeable to the 200/v8.? The difference is in the outer bezel, lense, and mounting/incline hardware.

IME, the v8 Euros are an improvement over stock lighting, but not as dramatic as the 5k/200 headlights.? Stock hi beams vs 65w euro high beams, the difference is minimal.? Add in hi wattage bulbs to the euros, the difference gets much more dramatic.? 

HTH and my .02

Scott J








 








 





-----Original Message-----


From: Ed Kellock <ekellock at gmail.com>


To: 'q - Quattro' <quattro at audifans.com>; 200q20v at audifans.com; 'q - V8' <v8 at audifans.com>


Sent: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 1:15 am


Subject: Re: [V8] euro light install  WOW!
















They're in and wired and I still have to aim them properly and reassemble
the grill, but WOW!