Relay Kit Comparisons

[eldusto84]

I am planning on replacing my old (and most likely original) relays soon, but I'm trying to figure out which kit to purchase. DMCH has a basic $65 kit and then an "improved" $200 kit. Likewise, SpecialT is selling an improved kit that's $140.

Any recommendations on which kit would be best? Is there a huge difference in the OEM changeover relays in the $65 kit as compared to the more expensive purple Bosch relays?

[jawn101]

I am planning on replacing my old (and most likely original) relays soon, but I'm trying to figure out which kit to purchase. DMCH has a basic $65 kit and then an "improved" $200 kit. Likewise, SpecialT is selling an improved kit that's $140.

Any recommendations on which kit would be best? Is there a huge difference in the OEM changeover relays in the $65 kit as compared to the more expensive purple Bosch relays?

I got Hervey's premium kit and it was actually great. Everything was just right and good quality. The plastic cased relays also look a lot better (non original, but way better) in the compartment than the metal ones.

Even right on DMCH's site they tell you the basic kit has a shorter duty life than the premium one. My rule of thumb is that if a Bosch part is available, it's likely worth the extra cost over a non-Bosch one.

[DMCMW Dave]

The cheaper DMCH kit uses the OEM NOS relays. The expensive DMCH Kit uses Bosch relays. Otherwise the two kits are identical.

DMCH kits includes all the fuses, a fan jumper, and an RPM relay. I don't know about the other vendors.

[David T]

Different venders offer different relay kits. There is no "standard" kit. The basic kit usually consists of several uprated relays and circuit breakers and the "premium" kit offers a few more and better quality relays. Unless you use the car a lot you can probably get by just fine with the base kit. You should at the very least get the basic kit. It should include uprated circuit breakers for the cooling fans and heater fan. You should have removed the blue fan fail relay and installed the bypass jumpers for the fan bypass.
David Teitelbaum

[jawn101]

The cheaper DMCH kit uses the OEM NOS relays. The expensive DMCH Kit uses Bosch relays. Otherwise the two kits are identical.

DMCH kits includes all the fuses, a fan jumper, and an RPM relay. I don't know about the other vendors.

Good point, Hervey's kit did include an RPM relay, fan jumper, replacement (and uprated) circuit breakers as well as all new fuses - but the RPM relay was a cheap crossover. I forgot about that since I was running a solid state one and just chucked the new relay in my parts box.

David T is right; it's not standard but it's hard to go wrong. Anything is better than the 30 year old stuff you have currently. I gambled on the cheaper Special T route and came out very happy. But for the fusebox I went with the Houston repro.

[chris williams]

Just got this kit(SpecialT auto's) the purple relays are tyco (common in automotives) and the RPM relay is by Ronak, cant comment on quality as I dont know of the brand! But as another poster wrote, everything seems to be reasonable quality for the price and the kit includes new fuses, fan bypass,circuit breakers Etc. Fitted the same (less RPM relay) in my old car six years ago and it was all fine.
Chris

[Bitsyncmaster]

You can get the data sheets online from a part number off the relay. Then you can compare the specs. Don't think you will find much difference. Even if one relay is rated for 30 amps and another at 40 amps you still have to determine what that buys you. The only relay that needs 40 amps is your fan relay running OEM fans. Then would be your fan speed #4 relay would runs about 25 amps.

[Nick774]

Just Got my Special T relay kit in the mail today, bought the $140 set with the purple bosch's and a couple of new ground cables,#5#6#8 riv-nuts, and center console bulbs. Installing all tomorrow morning!

[DMCflux]

I have Herveys relay kit. Then rpm relay when plugged in runs the fuel pump nonstop. Does anyone know why? I have kept the stock one in because of this.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I have Herveys relay kit. Then rpm relay when plugged in runs the fuel pump nonstop. Does anyone know why? I have kept the stock one in because of this.

If your original works then the Hervey one must be faulty. John should replace it for you.

[DMCflux]

If your original works then the Hervey one must be faulty. John should replace it for you.

That's what I was thinking (faulty)

[thomasfreed]

I got Hervey's premium kit and it was actually great. Everything was just right and good quality. The plastic cased relays also look a lot better (non original, but way better) in the compartment than the metal ones.




How much do a Hervey's premium kit costs? By the way of your words, it really sounds great and I find a great interest about it.