max H4 watt globe

[josh9465]

i have a suzuki sierra.
whats the max wattage H4 headlight globe can you replace it with the standard 65/55W. ie can i replace the standard with like 100/90W h4 globes.

can the electrical circuit cope with an increased wattage.

im not worried about the legal/illegal side of things.

[DamTriton]

If you have the standard alternator (40 Amp IIRC) you would be pushing to go much above stock, remebering that the output is usually specified at 2-3000 engine rpm. Usually takes about 20-25 amps to run the ignition system (maybe a bit less in a zook), 5 amps for your parkers, add another one for radios, and you are looking at 25-30 amps before you even turn your headlights on (14 Volt, 110 watt total = 8 amp). You may have about 5-10 amps left to play with before you start flattening the battery at peak alternator output, so a safe selection would be a 100/65 if you could get it, with the high beams only to be used on the hwy.

Consider upgrading the altenator and the headlight loom, or just go for the HID's

[josh9465]

is there a way of upgrading the existing alternator to increase the output amps. or do i need to get a new alternator

[cplux]

used to be able to get a 100/170w

[DamTriton]

used to be able to get a 100/170w

I've got 100/140's

[Oscars]

anything above stock ratings will increase the current creating more heat, which will wear out the switch, relay, bulb holder and lamp quicker. unless u modify

[-Scott-]

anything above stock ratings will increase the current creating more heat, which will wear out the switch, relay, bulb holder and lamp quicker. unless u modify

Yes. If you're going to install higher wattage globes you should install new wiring to avoid stressing factory components, and minimise voltage drop, which will maximise voltage at your lights.

Or, as Damkia proposed, spend big and go HID.

Scott

[nicbeer]

Can the housings handle the heat?

josh9465 - do a search in the suzuki section on this. ones that come to mind are ef ford and also kf laser ones are v/similar.

Nic

[cplux]

Can the housings handle the heat?

short term yes, just dont leave the lights on whilst the vehicle is stationary.

my cibie lights ended up being a nice greeny colour on the reflector and totally useless but the light output when the reflectors were good was awesome, couldnt even tell when i turned my super oscar d/l on

[festy]

Have a look at the Hella +50 bulbs - they still draw only 60w so your wiring and alternator will cope, but they produce 50% more light than a normal 60w globe.
Also, make sure you don't have too much voltage drop to your lights - Halogen globes drop something like 13% output for a 5% voltage drop.

[pongo]

im pretty sure ARB list a 100/170 for around $55 each.

[cplux]

$67 in the arb cat i have ,2004