My '87 4kQ is getting euro lights (h1/h4s). I'm told it's a plug 'n play instal, but others have advised to install relay(s). At risk of being ridiculed here...I'm an idiot when it comes to electrical so a shop will be doing instal. For one who wants as much light as possible, keep reliability of stock, and not dump a load in labor charges...what's the best advice? TIA.

The reason for the relay is the h1/h4s draw more current and tend to burn out the light switches. Also search the board for a recent post where somebody diagrammed how they did a home made harness. Check out Daniel Stern's web site for good info and products (see link). Also check out www.audiquattroparts.com, and www.ipdusa.com (yeah its a volvo site, but they have a harness for a 4 light set up)<ul><li><a href="http://www.danielsternlighting.com">http://www.danielsternlighting.com</a</li></ul>

SUVlights.com
I only used H4's though, but I believe they can accomodate to the H1/H4 crew as well! The harness I got I was super impressed with, and the install was cake (thanks to the guys here).
Relay them, Im only running stock bulbs now, but relays are neccessary if you run higher wattage bulbs. Better safe than sorry.
Good luck!

Mike

...relayed H1/H4's. Using 80/100W bulbs will really light up the sky. Reliability will be the same if not better than stock with a fully relayed harness. Installation should be pretty quick and pretty easy. Hardest part is actually mounting the and aiming the lights.

First off, it is not a plug n play routine. You will be losing your front corner markers if you are installing H1/H4 so you need to decide what you are going to do about that situation. As far as relays go, you have a few options. The cheapest way to go without harming your light switch would be to go with only one relay on a mini harness for the H1 and run a max of 55/60 H4 off the existing wiring. You (and we) know that eventually the H4's will be bumped to a higher wattage (100/80?) and in that respect you will need to relay and harness the whole thing. I my opinion, at that point I would go with 3 relays. One for the H1, one for the high H4 and one for the low H4 all fused with 20a and using 12ga wire. Whether you buy a harness or build it yourself just be sure that the ground wires out are of the same size as the wires powering into the lights. I have built a few harnessws with relays and any way you look at it you will be spending a good $60 for quality parts and parts alone. Some people suggest a additional relay for the low beam in the event of a relay failure (still got one good non offending light to get you home) but if you use good relays and are on top of maintaining it, just swapping in new relays in every 4 years or so will eliminate this need for the additional low beam relay plus a good relay is still as easy a changing a bulb if you place it in a convenient spot. Sorry this was long but I hope it helps you (or others) in your quest for the right thing to do when it comes to driving your Audi at night.