installing fog lights on '02 SC2

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by marx404, Mar 16, 2007.

  1. marx404

    marx404 Guest

    I want to install additional fog lights (55W halogens) to the under-fascia
    of my '02 SC2. The oem fogs even with silverstars just arent bright enough.
    I want to know if I can wire the new fog lights to use the same switch that
    the oem fog lights use (on the dash) so that both the oem fog lights and the
    new ones work together? Will the wiring/fusing handle it? AGain, I am
    planning to use nothing more than 55W. TIA.
     
    marx404, Mar 16, 2007
    #1
  2. marx404

    James1549 Guest

    I don't have an '02 book to look at to see how the fogs are wired. If
    they run off a relay, which most do, then you would probably be ok.
    Personally I would run my own relay for the new lights. That way you
    are not overloading any factory relays or switches. Use the 'hot' wire
    going to the factory fogs to trigger the new relay.

    James
     
    James1549, Mar 17, 2007
    #2
  3. marx404

    Private Guest

    With consideration of the realities of winter driving and how hard it is to
    keep the lower rad air deflector in place, I would not want to mount any
    lights under the front bumper. IMHO, The S series front fascia is pretty
    flimsy and seems to disintegrate easily, I doubt you will find much that is
    solid enough to mount lights unless you bolt or weld brackets to the
    aluminum front crossframe which would be a good solid mount. The front
    fascia comes off easily for access, structural modification at your own
    risk.

    Sounds like you are really installing high power driving lights and not fog
    lights?
    Conventional wisdom (??) is/was that fog lights should be mounted low and
    long range lights should be mounted high. There are also variations (of
    opinion) in how lights should be aimed, some suggest spreading or crossing
    beams to better illuminate the ditches and corners while also providing a
    central hot spot, YMMV try several methods. The use of higher power bulbs
    in the main headlight units may give better light intensity and range due to
    their higher mounting location. The low location may be best for mounting
    flat beam top fog lights which could be directed slightly spread towards the
    ditches.

    I would suggest that any high power load should be wired with a relay to
    minimize voltage drop due to wire size and length, as well as allowing the
    use of existing and probably undersized wiring and switches for control.

    IMHO the stock light units have too much difference between the high and low
    beam angles. When the low beams are adjusted correctly the high beams seem
    to be focused too high and do not give a nice hot spot on the distant road
    surface. When the high beams are correctly adjusted the low beams seem to
    be focused too close to the car.

    I have thought about putting bumper corner lights on my SW1 but not enough
    to motivate its accomplishment. I am not a big fan of low mounted lights
    for winter use as reflection is greater on snow covered roads and in blowing
    snow. What kinds of lights are recommended? and Why?

    Good luck, YMMV
     
    Private, Mar 17, 2007
    #3
  4. marx404

    James1549 Guest

    And I thought you just asked a few simple questions... WOW
     
    James1549, Mar 19, 2007
    #4
  5. marx404

    marx404 Guest

    In reply to Private,

    The question isnt where to mount them, it's how to wire them. There is no
    show where I am, only giant potholes that form overnight and small animals.
    I need a 55W light (same as headlamp) to light up the road better than the
    silvania silverstars that I already put in both my head and foglamps.

    marx404
     
    marx404, Mar 19, 2007
    #5
  6. marx404

    Private Guest

    "I would suggest that any high power load should be wired with a relay to
    minimize voltage drop due to wire size and length, as well as allowing the
    use of existing and probably undersized wiring and switches for control."

    Suggest you run a SHORT & BIG wire (with fine strands not solid core) from
    the positive junction terminal through an inline fuse and a relay to the
    lights, use any existing (or new) switched wiring to control the relay. Use
    a good clean ground. Big & Short wires result in brighter lights that also
    last longer.

    Larger (and probably illegal) bulbs may be available but are expensive and
    have shorter service life. Use of a relay may be necessary to power larger
    bulbs in stock housings.

    Good Luck & Happy Trails
     
    Private, Mar 19, 2007
    #6
  7. marx404

    James1549 Guest

    Sounds like an echo in here....
     
    James1549, Mar 19, 2007
    #7
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.