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? Posted from Ferrarichat.com App for Android
Yes, but best to not exceed the stock wattage if using the stock wiring. 7" Hella H4 60W/55W worked very well for me.
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
HID, it only puts out 35 watts but, the intensity is superb. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
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.
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.
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
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.
Has anyone ever installed these? They add the projector, which works better with an HID kit. Image Unavailable, Please Login
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?
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
Yes, mine is similar and it works great. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
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.
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.
