Adding Depo H4 lights...wiring upgrade necessary?
05-02-2007, 01:25 PM
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Adding Depo H4 lights...wiring upgrade necessary?
I'm finally getting around to installing my B3 Depo H4 lights that came with my CQ. I know they aren't great, but they can't be worse than the stock DOT lighting. I was thinking about upgrading the wiring at the same time, but can't seem to figure out the benefit of it for these lights.
I am using Silverstar 9003s in them and their wattage rating is 55/60W. The stock 9004 lights are 50/70W. This doesn't look like it's a big difference and the H4 connectors I got from a B4 90 have the same gauge wiring on them, hence using them seems to negate the benefit of the thicker gauge wiring for the relays on an upgraded harness. The only reason I can see for doing the upgrade would be being able to maybe run higher wattage bulbs down the road. Any thoughts?
I am using Silverstar 9003s in them and their wattage rating is 55/60W. The stock 9004 lights are 50/70W. This doesn't look like it's a big difference and the H4 connectors I got from a B4 90 have the same gauge wiring on them, hence using them seems to negate the benefit of the thicker gauge wiring for the relays on an upgraded harness. The only reason I can see for doing the upgrade would be being able to maybe run higher wattage bulbs down the road. Any thoughts?
05-02-2007, 01:28 PM
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Actually they ARE great. Awesome bang for the buck...
and the "benefit" of upgrading the wiring is not melting your headlight switch, which happens on almost all of these cars, since all the current being drawn by the lights goes through the switch. Relay the headlights as shown in the 20v.org sketch, you'll save your switch and maybe get slightly brighter light. It's easy to do and you won't be sorry.
05-02-2007, 02:51 PM
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Audi's wiring is notoriously undersized. The advantage of the harness is two fold
1) You eliminate the current loss due to the smaller stock wires and 2) you take the electrical load off the column high beam switch. The first part is a minimal improvement the second makes it worthwhile.
And, I consider the Depo lights as just about the best bang for the buck upgrade out there.
And, I consider the Depo lights as just about the best bang for the buck upgrade out there.
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05-02-2007, 04:48 PM
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Owning a CQ is definately going to challenge some previous notions.
So, Depot lights for the Coupe are great while they are crap for the B5? I understand that the B5 lights are notorious for leaking. Do they not have the same problem in Coupes and 90's?