100/90W Headlight Bulbs?

[fbrdphreak]

My 97 Subaru has shitty headlights, so a while back I re-wired the headlights with a separate relay system that draws power straight from the battery and put in some higher wattage bulbs.

It's time to replace the bulbs and I'm looking at the Osram Rallye. For about the same price, I can get either the more common 70/65W bulbs or I also found a 100/90W version. I'm intrigued by these very high wattage versions.

I use pretty heavy gauge wiring, I think 10 or 12ga, so the power draw should be fine. Are there any downsides to running these bulbs? You think I risk any chance of melting any housings or anything?

 

[JCH13]

I think you do run the risk of melting your housings. Especially with the high gauge wiring because the bulb will see a higher voltage than normal. Might be worth experimenting with though.

 

[_Rick_]

First make sure they'll pass inspection, would be annoying to go to all that effort only to have them rejected on safety grounds.
Unless that's for off-road use only.

 

[Zenmervolt]

As others have said, the 90/100 bulbs will melt stock housings/plugs.

Also, rather than just throwing more lumens at the issue, take the time to aim the headlights properly. Headlights have very precise beam patterns and if they are not aimed correctly it often seems as though they're dim.

Both of my motorcycles appeared to have absolutely worthless headlights. Then I aimed them properly and it was almost like magic. The same thing was true for my 951 and even the Mustang that I bought brand new.

Fix the aim first, then look at other options.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/1347221

ZV

 

[JCH13]

Also, how are the headlight housings doing? If the lenses have never been redone, or haven't been redone recently, you might be really hurting yourself.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Good feedback all. To clarify, the plugs and wiring are already upgraded and should handle these bulbs. I was unsure about the reflector housing themselves, though it seems the consensus is those might suffer some heat damage.

ZV - good point, I do need to aim them and will definitely do so. One of the bulbs is burned out now, so I'm going to replace them regardless and might as well go for the gold with some bulbs.

JCH - the housings are 6-7 years old now and due for a polishing as well.

 

[JCH13]

Good feedback all. To clarify, the plugs and wiring are already upgraded and should handle these bulbs. I was unsure about the reflector housing themselves, though it seems the consensus is those might suffer some heat damage.

ZV - good point, I do need to aim them and will definitely do so. One of the bulbs is burned out now, so I'm going to replace them regardless and might as well go for the gold with some bulbs.

JCH - the housings are 6-7 years old now and due for a polishing as well.

Though this has been a topic of great contention here in the garage lately, I would suggest clear-coating the lenses. A body shop should do it for around $30-50. This will last a long time without maintenance.

Good luck!