Robb

We all know how poor the headlights are on Scoobies. I plan to change the fog lights on my MY99 to driving lights at some point, but in the mean time I was thinking of changing the standard headlight bulbs to 100/80Watt bulbs. Has anyone tried this? Has it been successful or does it cause problems?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Regards

Rob

Mr Bian

Good Question Rob, I to would like to know. It would probably invalidate the warranty for the head lights at a guess?

AndrewC

2 bulb threads in 1 day, winter must be approaching fast!

Using more powerful bulbs may require updating the wiring and connectors (not Subaru's strongest suit).

An alternative used by many owners is to fit Xenon bulbs which give approx 30% more light than the equivalent power Halogen bulbs, they are even available from Subaru dealers.

For serious driving however you need to get some driving lamps.

MorayMackenzie

Both my Imports (WRX and WRXSTI) came with 80/80 H4 bulbs as standard... I have run 130/90 and 100/80 bulbs with no problems except longevity. Obviously, the hotter the bulb, the shorter the life. I am currently running a set of 60/55 Xenon bulbs and I have to say that I am not impressed. I will be switching back to a more powerful bulb shortly as I do much of my driving at night and I find the level of light available from "legal" bulbs is very poor.

I have had uprated bulbs in all my cars, some with relay and wiring mods to support the bulb, and have never had any problems. As long as you make sure the bulb is adjusted correctly, they will sail through the MOT. IIRC, the E mark and 60/55 legal limits have more to do with vehicle electrical standards than light levels.

I don't know if the wiring in a UK car is the same as that in the import cars.

Moray

ptholt

So for the simple minded like that has to pottle down to halfords and ask for a bulb, whats the best one to get 4 my sti thats not gonna set it alight (like my renault 5 turbo did!).

all i have to do then is ask my dad to fit and adjust them hehehehe
<queue long whiney voice>
daddy.........................

Nigel Bowles

Xenon bulbs, it's the only way to go.

The are very expensive but produce more light than the old style bulbs for the same wattage.

I have a set on my bike as well as the Scooby. They are 130/100 and very bright. They also give of a great blue light which help in bad visibility.

pnebbs

I've used 130/90W bulbs in all my cars and never had a problem - they are hugely more effective than xenons, the wiring should be upgraded to suit!

The relectors/lenses on Subarus are plastic so could possibly melt - If I am stuck in non-moving traffic for a long time I switch to side lights but on the move the airflow keeps the lights at a reasonable temperature.

The problem with just fitting 130W driving lights is that when you need to switch to dipped beam you can see bu**er all unless your headlight bulbs are also uprated.

I have 130/90 headslights, 130W small projector driving lights and 130W large hella spots - 780W on full beam - but the alternator seems to cope just fine

Paul

Nigel - Where do you get 130W Xenon bulbs, the only ones I have seen are PIAA at £50 each and they are not really 130W, Blue light is worse in bad visibilty; it defracts more because of its different wavelength

PS 3 Posts at exactly the same time!!!!!

[This message has been edited by pnebbs (edited 08 September 2000).]

JAMES BUSHELL

All

I use 130/90 in my WRX also and they make a big improvement, the even passed the MOT !

Things get even better when the 130W Cibie's go on !

James

Robb

Thanks for the info - I'm on my way to Halfords!!!

By my calculation (P=IxV o Level Physics!)the current headlamp fuse (15 Amp)and hopefully the circuitry should be able to handle a 100W bulb. I'll let you know if my reflectors melt!!!

Cheers

Robb

^Gazzer^

Max power did a test on some 'APC PRO BULBS, and gave them 8 out of 10.

They are 130W and cost £40 for the bulbs, or £75 including wiring and relays.

The contact they give is Motorsport International on 01622 833430.

Greg115

Of course you all know that it is illegal to use more than a 55W bulb on dip.
You can use what you want on full beam as long as it switches off when you dip.
I am using the H4 - 60/55 Watt Xenon bulbs in the headlamps and of course my 2 - 130Watt PIAA driving lights.

Still I have to slow down when I dip.
Greg