Brighter Bulbs!?!?

[BeauBlues]

So, I got a set of H4s for X-Mas, they are great. I love the look and the light is much better than those crappy sealed beams. Tonight, I just finished installing relays and rewired both headlights with 12g wires. The lights got slighty better, but nothing too noticable. But, my dilema now is that I want more light. Mainly just for good driving visability at night. I have read up on the daniel stern website and they sell some really bright bulbs. So the question is, are 130/100w bulbs just overkill or should I go with 100/90w.

I know there are some people on this board that run with 130/100w bulbs. If I can get input from anyone with experience with bright lights, like the ones I mentioned, that would be great.

Also, If anyone has any pictures comparing different lights, that would be good too.

[Steve@Rennsport]

BB:

FWIW,...I've run H-4's (with relays) using 100/130's and 100/150's quite successfully.

I'd also say that there are major difference in the quality of bulbs and many of their rated outputs are simply exaggerated.

This is a complex subject since there are many factors at work that determine lighting performance and longevity.

Dan Stern's website is THE gold standard for such subjects, but I've had really good luck with some high-powered H-4 bulbs that he doesn't like. I can say that since he's really a good friend,...

[rnln]

Steve@Rennsport,
100w+ bulbs? Do you mod/replace wire?

Baeublue,
I have seen many wire melt, light housing melt with 100w bulbs. I used 80w 85w once with no problem but affraid at 100w.

[rob justice]

Must admit that even with H4's - my 911 has the worst and most dangerous headlamps I've ever experienced.
Compaired with modern vehicles - this is one area that highlights progress in car design.
I was actually thinking of fitting a HID setup.

[Steve@Rennsport]

rnln:

I use 10g wire for these applications. One must be VERY careful with many of today's headlight housings due to the increasing use of plastics that cannot stand the heat. Older metal-reflector types with glass lenses do very nicely but it varies on the lamp design & configuration.

Rob:

HID and halogen lamps require different housings and reflectors. Installing HID lamps into a headlight designed for halogen bulbs throws all kinds of unwanted beams & glare into oncoming drivers and places where its useless.

Apples & Oranges, sir.

[rob justice]

Thanks for that Steve - I was just about to spend £175!!!!
Looks like I'll head down the uprated wiring/relays route.

[Glasgow 911SC]

Rob
Over on the PCGB website there are a few chaps that have had great success with aftermarket HID setups. Like you, my headlights are next to useless. This is with new reflecters and a relay kit fitted.

[Gordo2]

I found a place that sells 7" lamp housings that are actually set up for converting older cars to an actual HID set up. Nasty... Picture a small HID bulb, like you see on a newer car, with the small bulb encased in a 7" lamp housing. It has a reflective casing around the small HID bulb in the center.

It looks like an eyeball. Very noticable/very ugly.

I haven't found any positive feedback on putting the HID bulb in a standard H-4 light assembly.

Good luck, Gordo

[RoninLB]

There is an optical difference between DOT and non-DOT lens.

[Rot 911]

Damn I have the Euro style H4's on my '86 and am still amazed at how much light they put out. I have whatever the stock bulbs are that came with the lights. I wonder if you have your lights adjusted properly. As a baseline I also have an RX8 and an Altima with the HID's.

[Jadams1]

I am using 80W100W with heavy duty Hella bulb sockets. Make sure your headlights are aimed properly so you don't vaporize oncoming traffic. Here's a pic of the heavy duty socket compared to the stock socket for your reference.

[Wil Ferch]

I don't get it either... I have the Bosch (aero) H4's in my 911 with 55/60 W standard bulbs, and the output and beam pattern are great !

Aiming problems, maybe?....for the others?

Another thing for those guys even thinking of going to HID conversions ( beyond the optics problems)...do these conversions still allow low AND high beam? Huh? .....I can just see trying to pass inspection if you can't show hi/low !!!

Wil

[masraum]

I had the stock H-5's on my '88 and the lighting was good. Maybe not HID quality, but certainly on par with any other car that I've driven.

You guys that can't see with regular H4s and H5s. Are they adjusted properly?? Are your eyes loosing some of their night vision ability?

Maybe Driving lights would be a good addition.

[masraum]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
Another thing for those guys even thinking of going to HID conversions ( beyond the optics problems)...do these conversions still allow low AND high beam? Huh? .....I can just see trying to pass inspection if you can't show hi/low !!!

Wil

I remember that for a short time they used to sell round single headlight HID kits here in the States. I believe they had high and low beam, but I could be wrong. It's been a while since I saw the kits.

[BeauBlues]

So ok, I think I'm convinced enough to get the 130/100w bulbs. Its all just a matter of the setup and aiming. So how does one get a hold of dan stern to buy bulbs? I tried the email link and it doesnt work.

[450knotOffice]

Beau, make sure you get those big Hella sockets if you're going to go with those super bright (therefore super hot) bulbs. Otherwise, you'll probably melt the stock ones and be left with no light when you need it most.

[creaturecat]

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/home.html

for info purposes - please buy from Pelican if possible.

[goldgunner]

"heavy duty Hella bulb sockets" per picture above.

Anyone know where to buy? Part number?

thanks,
Jim

[Wil Ferch]

To the orignal poster...and all others..when you upgrade the wiring gauge...don't think you're done unless you also similarly upgrade the ground wires. Upgraded "feeders" ( alone) won't cut it. This is a DC circuit that has to be completed!

That may be the problem of not noticing an improvement in the first place !

- Wil

[Jadams1]

goldgunner,

I purchased the heavy duty sockets and Bosch relays from Daniel Stern. There was no part number on the socket itself. Maybe a goolgle search may find it?