I just purchased a 2001 SUS limited. I am looking at putting in the super white headlight bulbs and replacing the fog lights bulbs as well. Does anyone know the max watts I should get as not to melt my harness or cause any unneeded damage?? Thanks

My brother is running 90/130 watts in his 92 legacy with no problem. They aren't the white color lights because a state patrol friend said they will pull over people with those because they know they are usually over legal wattage but have a much harder time telling if the regular colored bulbs are beyond legal. I beleive the highest you can legally put in is 55/60.

I'm running 90/100W in my 97 OB. The connectors get quite hot. The soft rubber boot around them has hardened and cracked. No melting of wires though. Sometimes the connection gets flakey and I have to poke at it a bit to tighten it up again (the metal connectors themselves).

 

I think that newer cars can take less over wattage than older ones. Wiring has gotten thinner over the years, less safety factor, etc. I know some people with my generation have melted wiring harnesses with 80/100W bulbs.

 

I have seen 70/80W bulbs, but they are rare.

 

Basically, you are taking chances if you overwattage. Most seem to get away with it, in reason. Keep the connector clean. Use some dielectric grease. And keep an eye on them for the first while.

 

I'm using the Eaglite bulbs from midnightmoose. Inexpensive, and LONG life.

 

Commuter