H-1 H-2 H-4 H-5 ???????

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 08:16 AM

I have ome lights on the 87 with a chip in a lens. I need new glass and have no idea if I have H..... 1,2,3,4,5,6 lights?
Search provided nothing useful. What do I order for a lens?

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Original equipment for an '87 was H5. Don't know if the bulb itself will yield clues as to whether its an H5 or a PO changed to H4s.

creaturecat · 07-26-2004, 08:25 AM

h 4

Rufblackbird · 07-26-2004, 08:26 AM

I don't think there's a such thing as H-2 and H-6; at least they're not very common.

H3 is usually used for fog lights. Warren mentioned on a post that if you've got 4 adjustment screws, then it's a H1.

david914 · 07-26-2004, 08:26 AM

If you still have the stock US headlights, they're H-5's. Do the lenses have "DOT" marked on them, and the little "tits" for the alignment machine? If so, they're stock H-5's. If not, they're probably H-4's or H-1's. H-4's have two adjusting screws, H-1's have four.

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 08:27 AM

I know my lens does not have the H4 in the middle of it. Therefor oem H5 I am guessing. Maybe I will wait for the winter and H4 upgrade.

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 08:40 AM

H5's it is. ...with the alignment tits.
Is there much difference upgrading to H4's fron the H5's??
They look pretty close to me.

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 08:46 AM

Will the chrome rings on my 87 look stupid if I move to the H4's?

jkarolyi · 07-26-2004, 09:17 AM

The H4s are easy, they just bolt right in and are MUCH better than the H5s from what I hear. There's differing opinions on the surrounds. Some paint them black or body color, but I think the chrome looks OK even on newer models, especially if you have chrome (or polished aluminum) on your Fuchs wheels or elsewhere.

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 09:33 AM

I've got the Al reed polished petal and lip 7 & 8's and polished ghl muffler in route. Maybe the chrome H4's would look good!

pwd72s · 07-26-2004, 09:37 AM

Ken, I don't think you'll regret making the swap to H-4's...just carry an extra bulb in case of a burn out...easily changed.

Grady Clay · 07-26-2004, 10:34 AM

I agree with Paul, H4 is a great choice.

H1 have the advantage of individual bulbs for high and low beams. There are 55W and 100W bulbs available. Since the bulbs are separate, it is possible to wire the circuits for all four 100W to be lit when on high-beam or flash your lights. That 400W will get someone’s attention.

Best,
Grady

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 10:41 AM

H4 European or US H4?
Keeping in mind I have an 87 with the factory H5's.

jazzbass · 07-26-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ken_xman
H4 European or US H4?
Keeping in mind I have an 87 with the factory H5's.

You'd want to go with Euro H4s, since "US" H-4s (actually just sealed beam replacement lenses) would require the sugar scoop trim rings from pre-87 cars.

H-4s can (and usually do) have two trim rings. The rings with the alignment screws is chrome. These rings are part of the entire light assembly and can be a pain to remove and have painted. Get the chrome, and if you don't like the look, get the outer trim rings, have them painted to match, and install them over the chrome rings.

ken_xman · 07-26-2004, 11:45 AM

I cant just buy the pelican kit us h4's and reuse my factory trim ring?

SpeedracerIndy · 07-26-2004, 11:52 AM

I like the look of the chrome trim rings. I think it gives the car a classic look. I like painted too though. Here are some original chrome trimmed H4s.

I'm not sure if you can reuse the painted trim rings from your H5's or not.

jazzbass · 07-26-2004, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ken_xman
I cant just buy the pelican kit us h4's and reuse my factory trim ring?

Nope. The H5 and H4 trim rings are different. Different adjustment points for the headlights, different mounting point, and I think a different shape. C'mon now - Porsche needs to sell those replacement parts after all

.

North Coast Cab · North Coast Cab's Garage

I believe Hella makes an H4 light assembly to replace the factory H5's. If you go this route the car looks exactly the same. If you change to the Euro H4's the you get that sloped back trim ring look which so many like. Either way the H4's are much better performers.

John

88911coupe · 07-27-2004, 11:43 AM

John, Could you shed a little more light (no pun intended) on this Hella option? I thought if I "upgraded" to H4s I'd have to install a relay and this never looked too simple, at least not for me.
TIA

jazzbass · 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by North Coast Cab
I believe Hella makes an H4 light assembly to replace the factory H5's.

The Hella H4s replace the sealed beam lights on pre-87 US spec 911s. It keeps the "sugar scoop" style trim rings and simply replaces the bulb.

H5s are the "H4" like assemblies used on 87-89 cars. To replace these, you need to get the Bosch Euro-style H4 assemblies, along with the H4 specific trim rings (if you don't want chrome).

To replace your H5s with Hella H4s would require the headlight assembly and trim rings from an older, pre-87 car.

[Edit for spelling]