Hey guys just getting ready to do alil modding. First is new headlights gonna be upgraded from the sealed beams to the semi sealed beams, was wondering if I wanted to up the watts to a slightly brighter bulb would I need a relay harness for them or would I be find without it, also gonna possibly be doing some new carpeting is the foam padding along the floor boards a real must have or could I chuck then to help shave alittle weight off? Tips an thoughts? Thanks for any and all help

 

Dont know what series car you are talking about, but just a couple thoughts.

I have done this on a couple of cars with minor nominal watts increases but far greater light output with modern bulbs. Never had a wiring issue related, but I guess it all comes down to what you think is slightly brighter and end up selecting. In an XJ6 really I would just clean up the entire circuit from lights, various connectors and engine bay fuse box before I did anything. The lights may actually be better than you think and just operating with a handicap at the moment.

The foam question seems odd. These are very heavy cars, the % weight you save not having a bit of foam would be somewhere between almost zero and zero. Really depends what you are trying to achieve I guess.

 

I've used the E-code headlights with 55w bulbs in a Ser III and XJs and had no problems. From memory the Jaguar headlight wiring looks like 16 gauge. I suspect it's adequate but just barely.

I'm sure there's info/charts/formulas out there regarding wiring requirements for xyz-wattage lamps.

Many report good results by adding relays in any situation but, as Steve says, make sure all your existing connections are clean and tight first!



Cheers
DD

 

Try the Osram nightbreaker bulbs. They are significantly brighter than standard halogens and use no more current.

Don't know if you mean the foam strips or the insulation itself. The foam strips are there to stop the carpet assuming the same shape as the floor. The sound insulation may be replaceable with a more modern version, but removing it altogether would lead an increase in noise and a decrease in Jaguar-ness.

 

Or:


Merely a fresh set of "modern" Halogen sealed beams to replace ancient lamps does wonders, sans stress.


However, using relays to enhance volts to the lamps goes way back and does work.


Carl