Better Headlights???
Discussion
I have seen a Griffith with those Xenon gas bulbs, you know the ones, make you cr*p your self cos you think its plod. As far as I know you can get those from Halfords etc and just fit them straight in. I've done it on cars I've had before and it helped.
I've had the Zertec light conversion and the light from the gas discharge bulbs on country lanes etc is fantastic.
2 things:-
a) Xenon bulbs are not the same as gas discharge based systems. I think they just happen to use the same gas... The former being a clever marketing ploy based on the fashion for the latter.
The bulbs seem to give a bright white light, and (in my BMW) seem a little brighter than standard. I guess the use of Xenon gas in the bulb allows the filament to burn hotter than in halogen? Anyone care to confirm or shoot down in flames? And as I recall, the bulbs that give that oh-****-its-plod effect are the blue coated ones.
Gas discharge systems produce the light in an entirely different rocket-science way, hence the far greater cost when compared to bulbs that just happen to contain Xenon gas. I think the expensive Zertec conversion uses these things.
b) If you go for 100W bulbs, it hardly matters what gas is in them because they're usefully bright whatever the gas. Not that I'd know at all - honest 
I also wouldn't know that there don't appear to be any overheating problems, or that a good source of bulbs is Halfords.
I also wouldn't know that there don't appear to be any overheating problems, or that a good source of bulbs is Halfords.
Thanks Marshy, I'll have to stop off at Halfords on the way to one of those night time 'track days'
.
TVR eng - I don't know the specifics of the Griff's electrical system, but surely the light switch only controls a relay for the supply to the headlights?
Edited by Leadfoot on Sunday 25th February 12:41
.
TVR eng - I don't know the specifics of the Griff's electrical system, but surely the light switch only controls a relay for the supply to the headlights?
Edited by Leadfoot on Sunday 25th February 12:41 Interesting, there was a review of headlamp bulbs in autoexpress a few weeks ago (www.autoexpress.co.uk). Halfords bulbs don't do very well, however the Philips ones do very well, I was going to change mine what do I need H1, H4, H7 ? I was going to do the headlights and main beam.
Also they 'Blue' ones are generally just normal ones coated and therefore give off less light.
David
I don't know what sort of bulbs a Griffith needs - I'm driving a Chimaera (did I say that above? If not, I meant to). Finding bulbs for the Chim is easy: look on the rack for the biggest bulbs there are - and they'll be the correct ones. I forget the moniker offhand, but they're the ones with a huge lump of glass on the end, and a big circular metal flange thing on the other end with three big spade terminals ('cos they're low beams and mains in one bulb).
If you're looking for 100w bulbs, your choice will be limited - you won't find blue coated or xenon gas filled ones... at least I've never seen them in Halfords.
I'm not going for 100W ones, thought about it but I've been caught out before when an old fiat caught fire one night (entertaining in an alarming sort of way). Do you know if the wiring etc in your car is standard ? (I know it's a chim). And how is your car ? Engine problems resolved ?
davidd:
I guess the wiring is standard, but I can only *just* see it through the "children only" headlamp access flap in the wheel arch.
And the engine problems aren't yet resolved. Had the rebuild, and it seemed to be running like a peach. That didn't stop me keeping an eye on the oil level though. Just as well... all of a sudden it used the lot (well, nearly 4 litres) within about 600 miles. It's in my garage awaiting the dealer transporter to come and take it away. Sigh.
Thanks for asking though
Why would this be, as the power load is switched by the relay not the switch?
Rich...
quote:
I have had a good deal of experience with TVR`s and 100 watt bulbs....You will soon be requiring a new light switch and a change to standard bulbs. My personal view is to drive slower at night!!!
I will say sorry now.
In a strange moment of thought, or pure stupity of having a drink whilst contributing to this forum, I said "switch".
I should set the record straight...
I have changed plenty of light switches,
of course this is down to pure reliabilty of the manufacturer, not down to fitting 100 watt bulbs.
As pointed out, the current goes through a relay,
In defence of my original comment, I must ask the question.
If you have not had a problem with a burnt front loom(or Relay/Fuse) Have you ever bought a new light ECU ? Maybe you should think ?
I know TVR headlights could do with a bit more bite, but is dazzling every motorist down a country lane with your 100/80 watts the best way to go about it!!!
Wiring and connectors (at least at the headlamp end) are just fine. By comparison, my BMW 7, which runs standard bulbs, has headlamp wiring that's pretty fritzed. The wire itself is blackened, the plastic sheath over the spade terminal has cracked and fallen off, etc.
Dazzling? None of my friends that I've driven behind have complained of it. And they'd be the first to let me know. And let's face facts here: the light output with 100w bulbs is still less than the light output from my BMW. If it was a problem, I'd be getting flashed by oncoming cars - I always have been in the past when there's a problem with alignment.
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff