I installed a Whelen P36G3L (PAR 36, landing light version) in our 7GCAA a few years back. It is fantastic: still works with the Pulselight (depends on the PL model), very little draw, and super-bright! Whelen is more expensive, but their products generally seem more robust to me.
As for the wires, were they routed too close to the exhaust manifold? The wires should be routed through (and supported by adel clamps) to keep well clear of the manifold. I can send a pic of mine the next time the cowl is off, if that would help? Might be a while, however!