308 stock reverse lamps replaced with halogen bulbs | FerrariChat

308 stock reverse lamps replaced with halogen bulbs

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by BobH, Dec 27, 2003.

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  1. BobH

    BobH F1 Rookie
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    Nov 8, 2003
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    Morristown, NJ
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    Robert H
    #1 BobH, Dec 27, 2003
    Has anyone made a switch on their 308 from the stock reverse light bulbs to 50 watt halogens? Italiancarparts offers a pair of bulbs that can be installed without circuit modification. I was wondering if anyone knew the bulb information. Their catalogue price of $30 plus $9 for shipping means local cost should be around $20.
     
  2. zan

    zan Formula Junior

    Nov 15, 2002
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    Boston
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    Mark M
    #2 zan, Dec 27, 2003
    Stock bulbs are 21watts each, upgrading to 2 - 50s, will add 58 watts or about 5 amps to the lighing circuit, wiring should take it but Ferraris are known for sub par elec. systems. fuse box connectors should be checked for any heating.
     
  3. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
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    Orange, Ca
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    Mark Foley
    #3 Mark 328, Dec 28, 2003
    The reverse light is not used for very long periods of time, but would the additional heat of a 50 watt bulb cause any problems to the lenses?
     
  4. Cavallino Motors

    Cavallino Motors F1 World Champ
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    Martin W.
    #4 Cavallino Motors, Dec 28, 2003
    First Question:
    Why would you? There i no need to light up the neighborhood when you drive out of your garage.
    On my 840BMW I have burned the wiring harness with the halogen bulbs that were higher than the original lights. I can only advise you NOT to from experience.
     
  5. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #5 Steve King, Dec 28, 2003
    I did this a few years back with no neg. effects. I got the bulbs at an auto parts store and I seem to recall it only cost about $8 each. Works great.
     
  6. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    Dirty Harry
    #6 wax, Dec 28, 2003
    What Martin said.
    You haven't lived until you've seen smoke coming from a lens or harness. And you need to see it. Otherwise...
     
  7. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
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    #7 Steve King, Dec 28, 2003
    Wax until you've owned a few Jags you can't appreciate wiring. You know Lucas (the prince of darkness) and the problems they have had. Make Ferrari look good. Check your connections and convert your fuse block and you should have no problems.
     
  8. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
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    #8 f355spider, Dec 28, 2003
    Don't do it! If, by accident you leave the car in reverse too long (not sure how long might be too long..) you WILL melt the center "clear" portion of the tail lights. How do I know this? I have seen used orange 308/328 tail lights for sale on Ebay with just such damage, and the seller explained that he installed the "halogen back up light" conversion, and ruined his. I also saw a 308 at a car club gathering once, and the owner admitted using the halogen bulbs too.

    Use at your own risk...but I wouldn't.
     
  9. Cavallino Motors

    Cavallino Motors F1 World Champ
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    Martin W.
    #9 Cavallino Motors, Dec 28, 2003
    I just don't understand why you would want to change them in the first place?

    Driving lights I can see. They give better light. That has a positive effect on safety but reverse lights?
     
  10. CraigFL

    CraigFL Formula Junior

    Jan 17, 2001
    954
    Panama City, FL
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    Craig
    #10 CraigFL, Dec 29, 2003

    Martin,

    If you had to back down my 150 ft long driveway in the dark with no street lights, you wouldn't ask-- trees on one side and rocks and a dropoff on the other. I changed mine to halogen then changed them back again after the lamps in my daily driver melted the housing. Anyone want to buy some slightly used 50W lamps?....
     
  11. Wayne 962

    Wayne 962 Formula Junior
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    Nov 27, 2003
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    #11 Wayne 962, Dec 29, 2003
    Right - I've seen the melting thing happen quite a lot. If you park the car with it in reverse and the key on, then the lights will be on. Not worth the risk, in my opinion...

    -Wayne

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