Headlights for 308 | FerrariChat

Headlights for 308

Discussion in '308/328' started by enzone, Jan 31, 2013.

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  1. enzone

    enzone Rookie

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    What is the brightest replacement headlights available for a 308?
    I just changed both headlights and lights are still very dim.
    Is it possible to have modern halogen lights on this car?


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    enzone, Jan 31, 2013
    #1
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa

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    Yes, but best to not exceed the stock wattage if using the stock wiring. 7" Hella H4 60W/55W worked very well for me.
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2013
    Steve Magnusson, Jan 31, 2013
    #2
  3. hanknum

    hanknum Formula 3

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    Years ago I installed Sylvania Silver Stars and have been thoroughly impressed for the price. I don't think that they are as bright as some of the HID conversions or the Hellas, but considerably better than the original sealed beams. A guy I know who sells HID conversions was also impressed with the brighness...just my $0.02
     
    hanknum, Jan 31, 2013
    #3
  4. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    miketuason, Jan 31, 2013
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  5. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

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    The next thing to look at is the voltage getting to the lights (this assumes you installed sealed beam halogens).
    Measure the voltage at the bulb when they're turned on and the engine is running. It may well be quite miserable. There are kits you can buy or fab up similar parts to run heavy wires from the battery to the lights through a relay. They've been discussed on here in the past, but I can't offer any "brilliant" search terms to use.
     
    don_xvi, Jan 31, 2013
    #5
  6. Wilson308

    Wilson308 Formula Junior

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    There is a very good thread about 328 headlights which is very applicable:

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q/65424-308-328-headlight-shootout-results.html

    As mentioned, first thing is measure the voltage drop, and most likely, you're going to want to put in relays to get good voltage and current available to the lights. I'm running Cibie lenses (came stock on my Euro, but still the best replacement lens you can get) with 60/55w bulbs and I can see just as well as any modern car. Others go even higher wattage, but keep in mind your alternator output and applicable laws regarding lens regulatory approvals, max wattage/brightness, etc. And then decide how much of a law abiding citizen you are. ;)
     
    Wilson308, Jan 31, 2013
    #6
  7. Jonny Law

    Jonny Law F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

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    +1 for Hellas, as well as adding the relays as recommended by Birdman
     
    Jonny Law, Jan 31, 2013
    #7
  8. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

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    Anyone tried LED head lights?
     
    Todd308TR, Jan 31, 2013
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  9. jon s

    jon s Formula Junior

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    i ran 100 watt helas for years on the stock fuse block but finally felt guilty and added remote relays near the lamps per the upgrade thread. the lamps have left several local opossums on disability for vision loss; more than bright enough. jon s
     
    jon s, Jan 31, 2013
    #9
  10. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

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    Mike, do you have install intruction thread for these?
     
    Todd308TR, Jan 31, 2013
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  11. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

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    I might still have the paper that came with the kit, but it's very easy, it's plug and play. The HID bulbs has both the Low and the High beam.
     
    miketuason, Jan 31, 2013
    #11
  12. 308gtsqv

    308gtsqv Formula Junior

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    308gtsqv, Jan 31, 2013
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  13. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

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    Or just some pictures of where and how you placed the ballast and ran the wires.
     
    Todd308TR, Jan 31, 2013
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  14. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

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    miketuason, Jan 31, 2013
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  15. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

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    Thank you where did you mount the ballast?
     
    Todd308TR, Jan 31, 2013
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  16. 1Evil4re

    1Evil4re Formula Junior

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    Do you have a picture of the front or is that the front? It is hard to tell in the picture. I assume the projector magnifies the light?
     
    1Evil4re, Jan 31, 2013
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  17. 308gtsqv

    308gtsqv Formula Junior

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    The ones I posted are off of ebay. This is the only front picture I have from that listing. Also after searching on here, looks like someone installed a similar set on their 328. (not sure if they are the same ones or not)
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    308gtsqv, Jan 31, 2013
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  18. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

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    miketuason, Jan 31, 2013
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  19. 1Evil4re

    1Evil4re Formula Junior

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    Mike,
    Were they part of your kit or did you buy them separately?
     
    1Evil4re, Jan 31, 2013
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  20. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

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    Separate.
     
    miketuason, Jan 31, 2013
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  21. 308gtsqv

    308gtsqv Formula Junior

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    Those look Great!
     
    308gtsqv, Jan 31, 2013
    #21
  22. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

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    Similar thing for me, Steve. My 1976 GTB came with Westinghouse sealed beams. I replaced them with Carello E-codes from the mid-70s and standard 55/60W H-4 bulbs with no wiring modification.
     
    308 GTB, Jan 31, 2013
    #22
  23. badkarma308

    badkarma308 Karting

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    I have a set of Marchal Ampliluxs in mine, powered by separate relays to avoid taxing the original wiring. The cutoff is great, really put the light where you need it. Even with regular bulbs in them, usable light output surpasses the sealed beams they replaced.

    Also, if you go with projectors make sure the housing you get matches the bulbs you intend to use. In many cases the filament in an HID bulb runs perpendicular the those in halogen type bulbs. This changes where the light hits the reflector and can make your HIDs into light vomiting traffic blinders with no noticeable improvement in light output for you.
     
    badkarma308, Jan 31, 2013
    #23
  24. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

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    +1
     
    PT 328, Jan 31, 2013
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  25. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

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    I looked into it a year ago (?) but the good, DOT U.S. Army truck ones were "Hella" (LOL) expensive.
     
    don_xvi, Feb 1, 2013
    #25
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