Brightest Headlight Lamps Available?

[250SLFranco]

I am considering replacing my old headlight lamps.  Has anyone done the research to find out what the brightest lights available for the U.S. might be?
Thanks,
250SLFranco

[awolff280sl]

H4 55/100 halogens work, but the brights are not street legal in the US

[Baybear]

If you want to keep sealed beams the Sylvania Silver Star would work. If you want something brighter the Cibies with an H4 bulb would be a good choice.
Baybear

[Cees Klumper]

Does anyone know off-hand whether the power to the headlights is routed through the light switch in the dash, or whether the switch operates a relay that then channels power to the lights more directly?
Reason for the question is that on US cars of the era changing the wiring to be relay-based is a real upgrade to the intensity of the lights, because there is much less voltage drop.
Don't want to hijack this thread, but the question is related.

[71Beige280SL]

I just installed a set of the Sylvania Silver Star sealed beams. Huge improvement.

[114015]

Dear Cees,

Does anyone know off-hand whether the power to the headlights is routed through the light switch in the dash, or whether the switch operates a relay that then channels power to the lights more directly?

Yes, I do know off-hand.
The power to the headlight is routed through the push light switch (foot dimmer switch) on the floor well/lower firewall and is left-foot-operated.
There is no difference between Euro and US regarding this (but only for the non-connected headlight flasher).
Pls. see the wiring diagramm which I sent you a couple of years back.
Oh, it's in our Wiki ...; you can find it there as well. It's symbol no. 35.

Best,
Achim

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Achim - I knew this must have been detailed in the wiring diagram but I don't have mine handy. As the power goes through that switch as you say, that is probably ok then, the dashboard switch must then direct a relay. So long as the thickness of the wire to and from the foot switch is adequate, there should be no negative effect on the intensity of the lights.