Headlight upgrades

[bwarren]

Interested in everyone's feedback as to what's available and maybe more importantly what work's for headlight upgrades for a 68 Camaro (7" round). I've read a bunch of information from different posts BUT still have a few questions. I like the look of the blue do tri-bar but understand you only get ONE beam (hi or low). I've also read that it's probably a good idea to put in a relay with the upgrade. Are there any tri-bars that give you a hi and lo beam? Are any of the upgrades "plug-in" compatible? What are the DSE Bright Drivers like? Anyone have any other suggestions? I'd also like to hear what everyone's using. Thanx!

[Blown353]

Before shelling out any bucks for headlights, the first thing I would suggest is you covert the headlight wiring harness over to use relays. I did so on my Chevelle a few years back and picked up over 2.5 volts at the headlights as the relays eliminate the drawbacks with the factory wiring harness. That extra 2.5 volts DRAMATICALLY improved the brightness levels!

Many higher wattage aftermarket bulbs will fry the stock headlamp harness and/or switch if you try to use the stock harness. You'll need to upgrade the factory harness and use relays to cope with the higher amperage draws of some of the brighter aftermarket bulbs.

Basically, upgrade to relays first, and if you still want it brighter, pursue the other options. Hella makes some very nice (and bright) headlamp assemblies, which I believe is what DSE sells.

Decent writeup on upgrading to relays here: http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/brighter-headlights.shtml

Troy

[zbugger]

Basically, the first thing I did to my '77 was upgrade to a separate harness like Troy here is suggesting. Yes, it did make a difference. What I did next made the biggest difference. I installed a set of Iguana Motors Lizzard Lights. These are also what is on the Malitude, but I have had mine quite a bit longer. They are a lot brighter than stock, but they do put an audible load on the alternator. But it's worth it to me. You can really tell the difference too. The lines on the road really jump out at you. I love them. Here's the link.

http://www.iguanamotors.com/store_item_detail.cfm?item_id=40&CATEGORY_FILTER=CATEGORYSEARCH&category_id=6

[bwarren]

Blown353

Thanx for the link to the article detailing the benefit of relays!! The funniest part is that I have the EXACT same issue (described in the artcile) in another vehicle and have never figured out (previously) what was going on. I have an 88 Jeep Wranger and often times driving down the road with the high beams, ALL lights simply go out! Can be pretty scary as well. After a few seconds they would come back on. Duh!!

NOW I can "monkey" around with my Jeep before dissecting one of my prized possessions (Camaro). :) Are all relays "generally" the same or are there some that are recommended / NOT recommended? Thanx a billion!! I have a host of other issues to contemplate now, which is great! I'm also guessing that others were / are probably also ignorant on this issue.

[468Camaro]

Your headlight switch is trying ti tell you sumthin..