headlights

Millermancab · Millermancab's Garage

Hello I am new to this and Porsche's. I just purchased a 1988 911. One of the headlights was broken and I was told it was an H-4. It is not, and I wish to upgrade my headlights and there is just so many different prices and very little explanation. I could use a bit of advice. Thanks in advance.

Hendog · Hendog's Garage

Welcome to Pelican! This will invariably be your home now

Just so you know, it is customary to post pics of your car as a new member. We love pictures. As to your headlight question, you will find the search feature most helpfull. I've only added a headlight relay system, so I can't comment on your specific queary. Again, welcome!

4sd911 · 01-30-2010, 08:38 AM

You should have the H5 system in your car. You will need the full H4 bucket conversion to change from the H5, the ones that cost $233 or $212. The other H4's in the $50ish range on that page are for cars that have the sealed beam type of head lights. You may need a different electric plug, I'm not sure what the H5 uses. Also the seal to the fender needs to be the factory Porsche seal or you will have trouble installing the unit.
Porsche 911 & Carrera Lights and Lenses - Page 1
Check link on that page on installing.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

^^^
What 4sd said plus, 1) get the relays as well 2) Std wattage H4's and fresh bulbs will give you tons of light. Don't worry about high watt bulbs. 3) You will need a plug adapter or new H4 plugs, 4) Welcome! We have an informal and unwritten rule that you should post a pic of your ride. 5) Hendog is right. There is a wealth of info on this BBS and its immediately available. The Search button is your friend. I spent months going over old info getting an education.

Millermancab · Millermancab's Garage

I thought I did post a pic. But I will now. Thanks for the welcome. I am looking forward to the info from car owners. Wow seems like a lot just for a broken lens. When I bought the car the guy told me thay had already been changed over to the H-4 system and only need a lens. It wasn't. Thats OK! I guess.

flatsixjunky · flatsixjunky's Garage

I have an '89 and I changed from H-5's to H-4's last year. If you only have a single screw at the bottom of your headlight's rim you have H-4's, if you have three screws holding the rim you have H-5's. Look at the lenses, if you see DOT, you have H-5's if you don't H-4's. A stock '88 has H-5's.

O-

80-911SC · 80-911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatsixjunky

I have an '89 and I changed from H-5's to H-4's last year. If you only have a single screw at the bottom of your headlight's rim you have H-4's, if you have three screws holding the rim you have H-5's. Look at the lenses, if you see DOT, you have H-5's if you don't H-4's. A stock '88 has H-5's.

O-

the "three" screws ?????? the trim ring is held by one screw. there are two covered adjustment holes in the cover. the H5 is held in by 4 screws under the trim ring .

by the way just a side note the uber price h4 do have a tendency to fall out (they do) but I have never seen or heard of an H5 falling out ..........

flatsixjunky · flatsixjunky's Garage

[QUOTE=80-911SC;5160307]the "three" screws ?????? the trim ring is held by one screw. there are two covered adjustment holes in the cover. the H5 is held in by 4 screws under the trim ring .

That's absolutely right, sorry I misinformed. Th rim has three holes, two are covered by plugs.

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4sd911 · 02-02-2010, 12:13 PM

[by the way just a side note the uber price h4 do have a tendency to fall out (they do) but I have never seen or heard of an H5 falling out[/QUOTE]

The after market head light seal is to big I can see this in causing a problem with the top of the ring hooking in place and could cause the bucket to pop loose.

Millermancab · Millermancab's Garage

Well I have decided to stay with the H-5 for now. The only problem I had was a broken lens. I have some other issues that I would rather address for now. Thank you all for your responses and I will be back to this at a later time. I have issues with the top locking motors not locking at the same time. So I'm off to repair this first. Thanks again, Dave

Monza_dh · Monza_dh's Garage

Check here and or ebay for a used H5. Where are you located? I've used dcauto.com for a few used parts over the years. I have also cleaned up my H5's with new standard bulbs and the light is not that bad. I dont drive much at all at night so they work fine for me.