Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 1/2002 444-544 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

head lights 444-544

some years back I up graded my head lights to the non sealed beam CIBIE units
while the brights are brighter the dims are not any better or worse than stock.
question is can I up grade to PIAA supper white bulbs without any amperage change
'IE' to much load on wiring?
Thank you








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    head lights 444-544

    63C;

    If you don't increase current (or Wattage) of Headlight elements (Wattage rating of OE elements are 40/45W), there is no electrical reason why you can't install elements which are whiter...or more efficient...in fact I recommend it! See: https://www.sw-em.com/lighting.htm

    ...but any work on lighting should be accompanied, even preceded!, by a voltage drop check to see if there are any significant in-line resistances in the current path, where voltage is being dropped (which in-turn is then not available at the elements, making them dimmer or yellower, and causes guys to want to "upgrade", or control Headlights with relays, in the first place. See: https://www.sw-em.com/lighting.htm#relay_controlled_headlights and https://www.sw-em.com/Amazon%20Lightswitch%20Review%20and%20Refurbishing%20Notes.htm ).

    More than about 0.5V drop from Solenoid terminal to Headlights means Headlights are not operating with max voltage available...and if this is not sort first, that would still be the case with groovy "upgrade" elements, and a waste(!) of their groovyness, so locate and correct (minimize) voltage drops...and they can be multiple, and can be ANYWHERE in the current path, including connectors (See: https://www.sw-em.com/voltage_drop_in_headlights_power_in_hex_connector.htm )...or chassis connections, or oxidized crimps along the way. Use ACZP (NOT DIELECTRIC GREASE!) to minimize for a LONG time! (See: https://www.sw-em.com/anti_corrosive_paste.htm )

    Cheers








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      head lights 444-544

      https://vintagecarleds.com/shop/bulbs-only/vcm3-bulbs-only/ I installed these bulbs on my 122. I like the improved lighting. I also have Cibie headlamps.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    head lights 444-544

    These don't have increased current draw. Reviews say that they do have a very short life and being expensive too makes for a bad buy. You can get increased output bulbs for less than half the price from branded makes like Philips and Osram. All uprated bulbs have a shortened life so it's down to what it's worth to you. If you spend a lot of time driving where you are on dipped beam and need more light for safety, you may want to consider a pair of driving lights set to give you better short range and wide light. Adjust so as to reinforce the dip pattern and not to greatly increase the distance. Set them so they don't affect oncoming drivers. Best to have an alternator plus upgraded wiring and relays to get the best out of them. Even setting up your current Cibies with relays will give you better lighting by minimising voltage drop. Your dip beam output might increase by an amount that you are happy with especially if you change to +30% output bulbs. Depending on local rules you may find that uprated bulbs are "legal" only for off road use. Usually not a problem if your lights are properly adjusted and not annoying other road users.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    head lights 444-544

    If you get higher amperage units, replace the plug with a ceramic plug. Also have to make sure your wiring will handle the load as well as the fuse.







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.