Sugar scoop sealed beam to H4 conversion

[jplucas]

Not talking about the Euro H4s, but the sealed beam replacements like these:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 70476-M44

These 7" sealed beam replacements are available from Hella, Bosch and Cibie. Are there pros & cons for choosing one brand over another? I tried searching but couldn't find any threads comparing the different brands.

[HarryD]

For the drop in replacements, I have the Hella units and am very happy with them. I suspect the difference between the Hella, Cibie, and Bosch units are minimal.

You definately want the E code ones though.

[Arne2]

I've used at least 9 or 10 different brands of 7" round E-code lights since I first discovered them in 1976. Let's see - Cibié, Marchal, Bosch, Stanley, Wipac, Lucas, Carello, Hella, Neolite and Autopal come immediately to mind. I've had 3 different models of Cibié, and two of Marchal. The three brands Harry mentioned are all nice lights. Of them all, I generally prefer Hella, they have the best low beam pattern (broad, good cut off, very few shadows). And since you use the low beams far more often than the highs, that's what I look for.

[SilberUrS6]

I have the H4 Hella E-code drop-ins with my sugar scoops. I very much like the low-beam pattern, and there is plenty of light with those bulbs.

Plus, as the heretic that I am, I prefer the look of the sugar scoops.

[flame suit on]

[jplucas]

I too like the old school look of the sugar scoops, I think it fits the character of the car better.

Between the different brands, is there a big difference on the outer curvature of the glass? I've read that some e-codes are rather flat. What does that look like on car compared the current curved sealed beam surface?

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Arne2]

Hellas and Bosch are quite flat, as are a few of the less common brands. Cibiés are domed, about the same as the sealed beam. To me, the flat lens do tend to accentuate the sunken look of the lights in the sugar scoops.

My Carrera had Hella drop-ins when I bought it, here's a shot.

[RSTarga]

Before I switched to the Porsche H4s I preferred the Cibie with higher powered bulb..

[darrin]

Originally Posted by RSTarga

Before I switched to the Porsche H4s I preferred the Cibie with higher powered bulb..

Another vote for cibies with higher powered bulbs -- BE SURE TO INSTALL A HEADLIGHT RELAY KIT IN THE PROCESS.

I've been using 80/100 bulbs with relays and factory wiring for a few years now without incident.

[moneymanager]

still another; Cibies were great.

[Arne2]

In my experience, Cibiés have better high beams than Hellas, but more shadows in the low beam pattern. Either are light-years better than sealed beams, and you won't be sorry with either one.

I'd recommend the relays even with standard 55/60 watt bulbs.

[jplucas]

Some follow up on Bosch here.

[HarryD]

Jeremy, Those are not H-4 lights and if DOT approved have the same lousy pattern all the other seald beams have.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Jeremy, Those are not H-4 lights and if DOT approved have the same lousy pattern all the other seald beams have.

Not necessarily. True H4 E-code lights can carry a DOT stamp for motorcycles and many do. They are still not (technically) legal for automobile use, but the reality is that I can't recall when I last heard of anyone being hassled over them. I've used those Bosch lights in the past, and they are fine lights.

[jplucas]

Harry, follow the links to the beam comparison shots. Definitely not the same as the stock sealed beams.

[Reifle]

A couple of things - these are not sealed beams! What the host is selling is a drop in replacement
H4 headlight. All the years I have had cars I have liked the CIBIE the best! Hellas are great too! The second thing - get the relay kit from our host and some brighter bulbs - 80/100 W bulbs is a real improvement as well the relay takes the load off the switch and gives you a brighter light! Enjoy!

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by jplucas

Harry, follow the links to the beam comparison shots. Definitely not the same as the stock sealed beams.

My apologies. I did not notice the H-4 label.