E-code Headlamp Question about re-wiring

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jamie
  • Start date Start date
J

Jamie

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
 
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?
 
Went with the Dan Stern package, case closed.

Now to find some film to protect the glass...
 
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!
Click to expand...

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.
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?
Click to expand...

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.

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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Jamie said:
I am guessing this is the harness I need for my H4 E-Code upgrade? I
just need to know how many bulbs are in each lamp.

http://store.racinglab.com/kyoplheduwih4.html
Click to expand...


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, 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 said:
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.
Click to expand...


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.
 
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