E-code Headlamp Question about re-wiring

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Jamie, Mar 23, 2006.

  1. Jamie

    Jamie Guest

    I have read Daniel Stern's literature on lighting and have this
    question for those of you who have upgraded to E-codes.

    After an extensive search here in the US, Norway, Germany and other
    places - and with the help of Volvo friends met along the way, I was
    unsuccessful in finding an authentic set of E-codes for the right
    price.

    That being said, I have decided to purchase the FCP Groton set that is
    actually the DJ Auto E-Codes made in Taiwan.

    Some have called these absolute crap, others have really liked them.
    Usually I read that people dislike the DJ Auto lights, but love the FCP
    Groton lights. They are the same lights!

    Here's the question: Must I upgrade to the relay and wiring schema that
    Daniel Stern advises, regardless what bulbs I use? Or, is it only
    necessary to upgrade the wiring if I plan on using a higher wattage
    bulb?

    I understand what he wrote about resistance causing lights to not shine
    as they should and what I can do to improve my lighting. Due to budget
    constraints - I want to install the lights safely at first, and then
    enhance later. So, I need to know if I can safely use E-codes without
    upgrading my wiring, for the present time.

    Thanks!
    Jamie
     
    Jamie, Mar 23, 2006
    #1
  2. Jamie

    Jamie Guest

    Also, I couldn't find any "RockIt" protective film. Can some tell me
    where I can buy some film, and what size do I order for these new
    lights? Or, must I wait to receive them and measure them?
     
    Jamie, Mar 23, 2006
    #2
  3. Jamie

    Jamie Guest

    Jamie, Mar 23, 2006
    #3
  4. Jamie

    Jamie Guest

    Went with the Dan Stern package, case closed.

    Now to find some film to protect the glass...
     
    Jamie, Mar 24, 2006
    #4
  5. Jamie

    James Sweet Guest

    I put DJ Auto headlamps on my mom's 245 several years ago. They're
    definitely lower quality than the OEM E-code lights but they sure beat
    the stock USA stuff.
    It's not necessary, but it's worth it IMO. The lights will work fine
    with the factory wiring so long as you use stock wattage bulbs.

    Yes, the OEM installations used the same wiring with a different
    connector on them. The H4 lamps are the same wattage as the DOT lamps.
     
    James Sweet, Mar 24, 2006
    #5
  6. Jamie

    James Sweet Guest


    No, at least the OEM 700 series lights have a cap over the back of the
    lamp housing with a 3 pin connector on it. This connector is the same
    type used for 240 turn signal assemblies, that's where I got mine. Seems
    like I had to pop another connector pin in each of them though.
     
    James Sweet, Mar 24, 2006
    #6
  7. Jamie

    Jamie Guest

    James, when you say definitely lower quality than OEM, would you say
    that to mean the quality of the lighting, or mainly quality of
    materials used?

    I've read they're lighter, but no data on quality of lighting.
     
    Jamie, Mar 24, 2006
    #7
  8. Jamie

    James Sweet Guest


    I don't really know, I do know that the beam pattern and build quality
    of the DJ Auto 240 headlights is not nearly as nice as the Bosch 740
    lights, I haven't compared apples to apples though and as I said, both
    are much better than stock.
     
    James Sweet, Mar 24, 2006
    #8
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