Headlamp UPGRADE

Headlamp UPGRADE

Author
Discussion

TopVpowerRoadste

Original Poster:

211 posts

116 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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Hi evreyone,

I need to change the front headlamp of my 1989 S2 to LHD to go through the Belgian MOT.
This might be the opportunity to upgrade these for better lighting.
Is it possible to upgrade to other headlamps without any modifications to the electrics and bodywork?

Thanks for your help.

Best regards,

Geoffrey

mk1fan

10,509 posts

224 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
IMHO the biggest restriction is the TVR wiring loom. It is just 'big' enough. Check and clean up your earths to begin with.

Brand new lamps are going to give an improvement simply because the reflectors will (well should) be clean.

'Nightbreaker' bulbs seem to be the current best performing replacement bulbs. A set of these would be your only option given the conditions laid out in you post.

Don't be tempted to fit higher wattage bulbs as the wiring won't supply enough power and possibly melt.

Not sure what the law allows you to do in Belgium but additional driving lamps would give you more on full beam. Would need some wiring though.

That all said, the low front end of the car will always compromise the perceived output of the lights.

phillpot

17,105 posts

182 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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A "favouite mod" is to wire in a couple of relays. The dodgey, tired TVR wiring just switches the relays and a decent live feed direct (via a fuse)from the battery to actually feed the bulbs.

jwigglesworth

400 posts

137 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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[quote=mk1fan]
Don't be tempted to fit higher wattage bulbs as the wiring won't supply enough power and possibly melt.

Not that I would ever admit to having 100W bulbs fitted m'lud nono but allegedly I have never had any problems, he says knocking on any wood he can find, sinced owning the car (2000 AD)and the bulbs (along with the song) remain the same. Hope that helpswhistle

Barry S1

1,709 posts

188 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Electric...

I have these made a big difference, as said clean all connections, I got the 90% extra bulbs, and don't forget to check that they have the side light I think the ones in the link have.
Good luck

Edited by Barry S1 on Thursday 26th February 21:41


Edited by Barry S1 on Thursday 26th February 21:48

Barry S1

1,709 posts

188 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all

TopVpowerRoadste

Original Poster:

211 posts

116 months

Friday 27th February 2015
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Hi everyone,

Thank you to all for their contribution. As I understand, better stay close to original headlamps.

BarryS1, do these headlamps are a straight fit with no modifications to body and electrics.
Could you please confirm reference S4701?

Many thanks,

Best regards,

Geoffrey

Barry S1

1,709 posts

188 months

Friday 27th February 2015
quotequote all
Yes straight fit S4700 I think for you,you need right hand dip two or three options on there,
Barry

TopVpowerRoadste

Original Poster:

211 posts

116 months

Friday 27th February 2015
quotequote all
What do you mean by "two or three options". I'm sorry, I'm not too familiar with technical car language.

glenrobbo

35,087 posts

149 months

Friday 27th February 2015
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Barry S1 said:
Yes straight fit S4700 I think for you,you need right hand dip two or three options on there,
Barry
nono S4700 is for Right Hand Drive ( UK ) applications.

For LHD Continental use, S4701 ( single unit? ) or the S4699B kit ( pair ) is needed I think.

TopVpowerRoadste

Original Poster:

211 posts

116 months

Saturday 14th March 2015
quotequote all
Hi Barry,

Did you have to change the plastic bowl (PLASTIC HEADLAMP BOWL KIT S5400) or did you use the original TVR one?

I sent them an email, but they cannot confirm that it fits the TVR S.

Thanks for your help.

Best regards,

Geoffrey