Help please. upgrading headlights.

[speedychrissie]

hi,
i participate in night rallies in my Ka and would like better headlights:
A) would replacing the standard bulbs with halogens of the same power help? (would it work?)
B)would i need lots of new electrics to fit xenons?
C)how easy would it be to fit additional rally lights below the front number plate?

D)which do you think is my best option?

thank you for your help.

[nighthawk]

Hi m8

The bulbs fitted to your car are Halogen already, so replacing the bulbs with more of the same power is pointless, however the bulbs are a mere 55w on main beam when new and they go lose some of their intensity each year. There are some bulbs on the market designed for off road use which have a 100W rating.

Also, you can now buy High Intensity Discharge sets which comprise of a ballast pack and the HID bulb, these things give a much better throw of light than a halogen could ever hope to, but your looking at around £200 for the bits, fitting is simple and everything you need to know is in the box.

Fitting low level lights is a risky business, they are open to the surface of the road and anything in the verges, i'd personally not go that way.

Their has been competitive rallying with Ka and i've seen various bonnet mounted light pods which house four 8" spot lamps that can be angled to spread the light both across the route and a good deal along it.

hope it helps

>> Edited by nighthawk on Monday 2nd May 18:42

[Zad]

Be careful about the law and also rally regulations. I believe that fitting lamps over 55W renders them illegal and an MoT failure (should they happen to spot them). They can cause wiring and relay failure if you go too over the top.

I understand that lamps fitted above a certain distance from the ground need to be disabled when on public roads, this is generally done with covers. Low down lamps do have the advantage of giving a good coverage of the ground close to the car, showing kerbs etc better than ordinary headlamps. They are also better in fog and mist as they are further off the drivers viewing axis.

Mike

[speedychrissie]

thanks for your help guys.
yeah, my rally regs dont allow any bulbs higher than 55w, but i am allowed up to 4 forward facing lights.