Headlight recomendations - 97 E350 Ambulance - what works well?

[Bikersmurf]

Looking for upgrade options. I've got a 97 E350 with rectangular Wagner Sealed beam halogens. Crestline equipped it with Bosch driving lights, but only the wiring remains now. I drove my Fj40 with Hella headlights, and realized how marginal the current lights are.

Things I'm considering:
- Power upgrade - using relays to power the headlights directly off alternator output
- con: no alternator = no lights due to isolator.
- pro: 14.7 v at lights.

- Autopal H4 DOT legal headlights.
- con: +/- $100, no experience with manufacturer.
- pro: more focused light pattern(s)

- Street legal driving lights
- con: none... Just need to know best bang for buck.
- pro: prewired to work with high beams.

- Bosch, Hella, other rectangular headlights: input welcomed!

- Ford or other non-rectangular:
-Cons: may yellow, harder to replace in future.
-Pros: unsure... Any opinions?

 

[4xdog]

I've driven behind Hella H4 in 200 mm rectangular and 7 inch round for hundreds of thousands of miles. I've used Bosch, Cibié, and <gasp> original sealed beams, too.

Totally sold on Hella -- they get my highest recommendation. An H4 +30 bulb is a reasonable upgrade. Direct wiring with relayed switch is probably a good idea, but I'd check voltage at the connector to see how much you'll gain -- I've not decided to do this on any of my cars with decent connections.

 

[Forbye]

Best bet is a headlight relay harness. I am more familiar with Broncos than E-Series but if it is similar all of the headlight power is routed through the headlight switch causing high switch temperatures and lack of full battery voltage to the lights. Adding a headlight relay harness connects the light directly to the battery resulting in much brighter lights. You can buy a universal harness from LMC, Summit, Jegs etc... or make your own out of junkyard parts.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Thanks for the recommendation for Hellas... I bought a used set 20 years ago, I've always liked them... Only had factory lights to compare them too. Curious about the Autopals because they claim to be equal to Hellas.

I'll likely make my own harness if I go that route... I've got a 4 gage junction point from the alternator within about 1' of the headlights... The alternator would barely notice their drain. But first I'll check the voltage... It I upgrade to 90/100W, I'll certainly do it.

Anyone have any recommendations for driving/fog lights? I've got 130wx2 ******** Cepek lights on my Fj40, but I'd like something street legal to the Ambo.

 

[djbonsu]

OP have you considered these?

http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wc...eases_en_US/5x7LEDHeadlamp.html&storeId=10001

I plan on going this route rather than the composite headlight route because of light output performance compared to other halogen and HID combinations. Also they draw less power and they are built with military grade components. Not sure how they perform in the cold or longevity but ill be dropping some coin on these sooner than later. If the lifespan is longer than HIDs/ballasts/Igniters at a price point of $190/light the investment should pay for itself!

Here are some pics of them installed on an e-series (not mine) owner that switched from the composite headlights to the sealed beam style.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riAtkFlEO98

 

[mk216v]

The Retrofit Source 35w 5k HID kit? I'm loving my 9007 unit in my E-350!!

 

[Bikersmurf]

Hadn't seen those... So far the LED options I'd seen weren't street legal.

HID is an option... But Hella lights have been lighting my way for 20 years & 100,000 miles without complaint. Not bad for a $20 set of lights from the wrecker. So H4 Hellas are high on my list.

I checked the aim on the lights... Clearly it hadn't been adjusted since all the Ambulance gear had been removed. The headlights were about 10" too low at 25'.... I knew it was off a bit, but I had no idea.

Driving lights are now first on the wish list. I'll likely stick with Halogen since I've got tons of alternator power and there's lots of bang for your buck.

 

[mk216v]

Hadn't seen those... So far the LED options I'd seen weren't street legal.

HID is an option... But Hella lights have been lighting my way for 20 years & 100,000 miles without complaint. Not bad for a $20 set of lights from the wrecker. So H4 Hellas are high on my list.

I checked the aim on the lights... Clearly it hadn't been adjusted since all the Ambulance gear had been removed. The headlights were about 10" too low at 25'.... I knew it was off a bit, but I had no idea.

Driving lights are now first on the wish list. I'll likely stick with Halogen since I've got tons of alternator power and there's lots of bang for your buck.

Agree on Hella quality, but you're forgetting they're halogen's...old technology. Seeing thru high quality HID's like TRS setup is almost night/day(pun intended!).

 

[Bikersmurf]

Keep us posted on how they work out for you. I'd like to hear how well they stand up.

Do the ballasts get warm/hot?

In general I try to follow he KISS principal. Given my nighttime driving is quite limited, and highway nighttime even more limited. For the time being, I'm going to continue research, and try to improve what I've got without reinventing the wheel. Hence the reason I'll likely start with some driving lights.