Headlamp conversion... light output?

[pupp]

Just had the standard Chimp set-up replaced with the normal twin halogen conversion. Dip is much better defined and projects up the road without peeing off oncoming drivers, but main beam is a bit disappointing. Doesn't really add a lot 'though it seems to be set-up right. Anyone else? No idea what bulbs are in there...scope for a fix if they are 60w?

[Psychobert]

Not sure about the Chimera, but a few S owners might have upgraded the bulbs to 100W which work quite well..

Modwise suggest uprating the wiring on the S to cope with the extra current, reckon that would be a good idea on the Chimera too, but can't say for sure. Drop them a note, they are very helpful..

[lateconvert]

I upgraded my headlamp wiring with the Modwise kit. Even with standard bulbs they're better because of the higher capacity wiring but I've now replaced with 100w bulbs and the lights are as good as on any car I've had.

[pupp]

Maybe didn't explain as clearly as I could... have had replaced standard Chimaera lamps (incl reflectors and lenses etc) with the Hella twin units (one high one dipped per side) as offered by Messrs. Zertec, Webbs et al within their mod options.

I always thought the standard lighting was marginal at best, now I reckon it's unacceptable. High beam doesn't add any extra range to the lighting pattern, it just seems to scatter light to the peripheral areas. Dip is very well defined, cuts off sharply and has a good pattern so no complaint there, but switching to main just fails to add anything worth having (I'm sure the lamps are aligned right too). Not sure if it's the reflector/lens size or even if I'm expecting too much. Just thought modern 'projector' lamps would be better. As I say, disappointing and I'd be well peed off if I'd paid full whack for the job.

[david beer]

I have the Hella mains(mine are not projector?) and i agree the beam is hardly "pencil" . All you can do is ensure maximum brightness, Philips H7 Vision Plus and a rewire should be a great improvement. There must of been some rewiring to your car as originally your dips would of gone out as soon as the mains came on, maybe ask who did it how they rewired.

[jellison]

Off Road 100w bulbs are not strictly legal - but Bloody good!

[RichardR]

david beer said:

All you can do is ensure maximum brightness, Philips H7 Vision Plus and a rewire should be a great improvement.

I can vouch for the effectiveness of the Vision Plus bulbs (you can get them from Powerbulbs). For the sake of £28 it's probably worth a try (mind you, it was only £20 for my set).