sik_xj

Been looking at upgrading my lights for a while now, and I ran across the hella head lights, they are about 55 from quadratec...just wondering if any of you guys have ran them and how much better they are than stock.
Thanks

cruiser54

Don't bother upgrading your headlamps until you've added an upgraded headlamp wiring harness. Simple to do, and keeps your headlight switch from burning out from the extra load. Even stock lights will be about 30% brighter with just the harness.


http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--...s-PRD7540.aspx

And yes, Hella E-codes are good.

Illuminator

Haven't tried the Hellas yet but I've got autopals on mine and I like them.(I also have a harness upgrade and hella 100/80w bulbs).

N8N

Hella makes two different headlights, the "Vision Plus" are 100% street legal in the US but those aren't necessarily the ones you want. They also sell E-codes which are designed to conform to European regulations, they have a much sharper cutoff on low beam and better control of the beam pattern (but may or may not be legal for road use depending on what state you're in.) IME Cibie E-codes are superior to either, although only slightly better than the Hella E-codes.

I second the recommendation to include a relay harness as part of any lighting upgrade. That alone will probably give you more benefit than any change of bulb or bulb/reflector assembly, and will also allow you to run overwattage bulbs should you choose to go down that road. I would definitely NOT run overwattage bulbs in a stock or Vision Plus headlight assembly though - that's just rude to other motorists.

this guy is a good resource for automotive lighting questions:

http://danielsternlighting.com/

sik_xj

Thanks for the info. Where are you guys getting your upgrade harness?

N8N

I'm not aware of a premade one other than the Putco harness, but based on seeing a similar harness at swap meets in the past I think the wiring on those is only 16AWG or maybe even lighter. hopefully someone can correct me if I'm mistaken. Daniel Stern sells a kit with everything you need except wire and loom if you're comfortable making your own, in that case you could run heavier wire for a better result.

sik_xj

And how does the putco one work? Is it plug and play or does it involve splicing?

Illuminator

I've got the putco harness, it was plug and play and easy to install, removing the grille and running the wires along with the factory headlight wiring worked well.

cruiser54

My experience exactly. I've had Hellas and now have Autopals. I'd buy Autopals again in a heartbeat.

cruiser54

http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--...s-PRD7540.aspx

Lowrange2

OR you could make your on harness for about 25 bucks... It's simple, guys. Make an effort.

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoHeadlightLoom.htm

xjknut11

the harness is easy to do, you don't even need directions and if you do...it's like a childrens book there's no way to mess it up. I had to use one when I upgraded my headlights to HIDs.

I have a question as well, anyone have Hella fog lights? i think the ones I'm looking at are the Hella 5003s? I'm wondering if they're sealed lamps like the stock headlights??

fritzthekatt

I run these Hella's and they made a huge difference in light pattern and visibility at night.

H6054 200mm Rectangular E-code Hi-Lo Conversion with 100/55 bulbs

Everyone is going to have an opinion so the only real factor is how much you want to spend. If you search the forum you will find guys who have laid out parts to put together a set for 50 bucks and that includes building a new harness. But like others have stated the key is to upgrade your harness no matter what option you choose.


Like another poster before me go to Daniel Stern and read. There is a ton of information there and will help you make a educated decision

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/

N8N

yeah if you are on a budget I would do the harness FIRST and keep your sealed beams (assuming they are halogens) and then upgrade the light assemblies later. That's the most bang for your buck.

wildcat

i put the hella's in and wasn't really impressed. then a few months later i upgraded my light harness....wow! you need to do this part. takes about an hour and i am no electrician.