norvalwilhelm

I was asked if I could make my own Mad kit for brighter headlights?
Other then a pair of 30 amp relays and a little wire it should be easy.
Our charging system in stock form send all the power from the alternator to the fuse panel but first it must go through the amp gage, This is a long way around causing a voltage drop and a large amount of power passing through the dash mount amp gage.
Years ago I by passed all this and run a number 6 wire directly from the back of the alternator directly to the heavy positive lead on the starter motor. This way all the charging current is going directly to the battery, I also run a line to the fuse panel under the dash. This renders the amp gage useless but I much prefer a volt meter,
Now to wiring up the lights. I have never done this nor looked into it but will do this modification in the near future.
By routing all headlight power directly through the pair of relays the head light switch no longer carries and significant current so it will last forever.
For relays the 30 amp bosch relays from any auto parts store cost about $5 each and have 2 outlet terminals.
I am going to post this now since I have done this post earlier today then lost it.
I will be right back
Guys I am constanly loosing the rest of the post.,I keep getting error reports.
I am having problems
I will do this from work Monday


[Modified by norvalwilhelm, 8:31 PM 5/15/2004]

AlwaysWave

Norwal, do it as a Word document, then copy and paste it here. :cheers:

clem zahrobsky

i have wired my cars so the low beam come one when you are on hi beam and i power them from the alt output thru a inline fuse. just trigger the relay with the hi beam wire and the relay contacts turn on the low beams :chevy

Enad

I drew this up when I thought I would do it on my car. Turns out my voltage drop was minimal so I never did try/use it.

Desertdawg

Dane, thanks for the picture. Looks great.

Why don't you join the ACE (Arizona Corvette Enthusiasts)
http://www.arizonavette.net/

We have lots of cruises, and other fun stuff.... :seeya

Enad

I already did. :yesnod: I missed the last two outings because the car was tore up. Its back together for the moment.

Desertdawg

Thats cool. Why don't you come out next Saturday.
I would love to look your vette over.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=816028

ddecart

Cool. Thanks for the pic. I didn't quite get what Norval was getting at with the "mad kit" reference. 4 bright lights on high beam. Hmmm...

Touringpro

He's referring to relay kits packaged and sold by MAD Enterprises in central Cal. This link explains the benefits. I ordered a couple on Friday and am anxious to install 'em

:cheers:

norvalwilhelm

Norwal, do it as a Word document, then copy and paste it here.

I thought about that but after typing the whole thing out twice and loosing it I gave up and went back out to work.

When I do this conversion and I want to just to save the light switch from handling all the power and maybe get a bit more voltage to the lights.
Anyway I would first make a little drawing of the plug and what power is sent to which wire when on low beams and the same with high beams.
I personally will mount 4 relays even though 2 would handle the job, you know me overkill.
I would cut the wire leading to the low beams first then after running a large #10 wire from the alternator to the input of the relay I would take the part of the cut wire comming form the dash and hook it to the trigger side of the relay, the other side of the trigger is ground. Then from the output of the relay run a wire and solder it to the wire cut off the plug. Make sure to leave enough.
Do the same to the other side since there are 2 output tabs on the relay.
Now when you turn on the low beams the power from the switch just turns on the relay and the alternator sends full power to the lights.
Do the same for the high beams using a different relay but the same prinicple.
Since our light are only absolutely maximum 100 watts that is about 8 amps absolute max so the 30 amp relays will easily handle the power required.
Two relays cost about $10 plus wire plus connectors. I have never seen the Mad Kit and don't have a clue to price but regardless I would do without a kit.
It might include a wiring diagram but in a few minutes with a volt meter checking the plug you can quickly make up your own.
Once the yard is finished I will do this modification.

81' Corvette Guy

Norville..make sure you include a diagram w/ instructions on this...thanks Norval"Overkill"Wilhelm!!!! Joe! <*)))><