H1 headlights vs H-4

[Jeff Burger]

can some one explain the difference between H1 and H4 headlights - what are the physical differences and what was the original porsche application for the H1 TIA jeff

[dean]

The only difference that I know about is the H1's have separate high and low bulbs. The H4's use one bulb for both beams. I think the h1's were used in the early cars before H4 bulbs were invented. ie late 60's

[k9handler]

1= poor illumination

4= good illumination

[David W]

I have owned numerous 911’s over the years and have owned both H4 and H1’s. While both provide vastly superior illumination to US spec light (and look a lot sleeker), I prefer the H1’s. The H1 design allows separate adjustment for the high and low beams. This is an advantage as you can raise up the passenger side low beam a little and still not distract oncoming traffic. You can also separately adjust the high beams to really reach out. Also, it is easy to run separate wattage bulbs in the high/low beams. But the H1s are NLA new and expensive used. The H4 are fine and can be purchased new (just got a set for my 72S). However, the H1’s offer superior lighting.

Regards, David

[Joeaksa]

David (above) is correct on his points. I have driven with both and the H-1s are far better, but then they are far more expensive than the H-1s as well! I have a couple of sets stashed for my car when I get it back on the road. You can pick them up from time to time on Ebay or at autojumble's but still the price will be higher.

The problem areas with the H-1's are the adjuster cables and some of the smaller hardware have been abused or are worn out on some used units. Several guys on the forum have rechromed the reflectors with good success, so thats not a problem and the glass lenses are still available.

If you find a good set at a price you can afford, they are well worth having. Being able to tailor the light pattern to your driving is the main advantage. At 240kph on the autobahn its a must, while on the local highway at 55mph here its not usually as important.

JoeA

[ronb]

can someone please post a photo of an h1 and an h4 for comparision - i'm perplexed about how to identify (was told it's the pattern in the lens?)

[Joeaksa]

Its not just the pattern in the lens. The H-4 has one single bulb in the middle. The H-1 has two bulbs, a high beam and a low beam.

On the H-1 you can put stock wattage bulbs (believe they are 55w) in the low beam and stronger bulbs in the high side, something that is not possible in other lights. Bear in mind that if you go with higher wattage than standard its mandatory to use relays and heavy duty wiring.

When you look at the front or back of a H-1 you will see two distinct bulbs, the H-4 has only one.

JoeA

[pwd72s]

Easy visual clue? H-1 "Originals" have a clear top piece. H-4's are fluted.

[thabaer]

Don't have a problem w/ the 911 H4s; with the low beam properly aimed, the available bulbs are putting out a great high beam. I have other 150+MPH beasties with dual reflector H4/H1 assemblies that make more fire but I never miss them when driving the SC.

BTW: running all H4s as 80/100 and the aux H1s are 100.

[901/05]

edit: after reading the posts and the Haynes manual, it appears that I have H4's. Shawn.

[Oldporsche]

I have owned H1's and H4's both.

I like both of them.

The H1's have four adjusting screws as well as a retaining screw hole in the rim. As far as I know they only came in chrome rings. To make them match the body color one needed to use the trim cover rings. These headlights utilize 2 H1 bulbs in each headlight.

H4's have two adjusting screws as well as a retaining screw hole in the rim. They are available with chrome rings or primered black rings to be painted. They utilize 1 H4 bulb. The paintable trim rings can be also used with these headlights.

Good luck,
David Duffield

[Randy Webb]

amazingly the much maligned Haynes manual has a good photo on these two.

[Jeff Burger]

Thank you all for your responses based on your inputs I have decided I am not going to keep the H1's that came with a car and they will go to E-bay shortly.

[Joe Bob]

For those that have US spec sealed beam head lights, I have one more set of H4s that drop right into the US style buckets.....$100 USD, plus shipping. These are NOT the euro style ones pictured above.....they resemble the US selaed beam in appearance but have the replaceable bulbs and are flat with the H4 label.

New in box includes 55/65w bulbs....if you choose to upgrade to 80/100w it is recommended that you install the relays.

[Jeremy Cottrell]

H4 lenses say H4 in the middle. H1's do not say anything, however the lenses are interchangable. So be carefull somebody doesn't try to fraud you with H1 lenses on H4 lights.

[pwd72s]

Uh. Jeremy, could you be mistaken? My H-1 lenses say "E-1"...yeah, I know...no "H"... but the "1" is easily read.

[Early_S_Man]

Yes, Paul, the Bosch H1 lenses have 'E1' in their center indicating Euro E-code compliance ... a subtle way of saying NO to DOT-spec sealed-beams!

One of the biggest advantages of the H1 assemblies is the ability of running two individual 10 ga wires with Faston connectors directly to each bulb ... doing away entirely with the 'U' connector and intermediate pigtail leads and connectors, should you want to run 100 Watt or 130 Watt bulbs, and that in turn enables running both bulbs simultaneously for a Super High+Low beam!!!

A SuperBeam of 620 Watts of H1-power does a pretty good job of illuminating both roadway and countryside ahead!

[Victor]

H4's