Euro Headlight Conversion to US - Worth it?

[Robin Reeve]

I have a 85 Euro 911 Convertible, and I noticed my headlamps do not match. They are the same type and brand, but the bulb on one side is "blue white" while the other looks semi yellowish and not as bright. I suspect the previous owner changed only one of them, since the euro lenses are over $300 each on ebay.

Should I look into converting them to US so that I can get the super bright Sylvanias for less than $25 each? Not sure if anyone has done this. i think mine are the H4 or something?

The lense says H86 13v HB1 on the front.

just want them to match and considering my options for good bright lights! Thanks

[chockymonster]

Buy 2 H4 bulbs, much cheaper option!

[JAR0023]

Welcome aboard.

I don't know enough to decode your number. Photos would help. Most people here end up converting their their US code headlamps to Euro code H4s. If you already have H1s or H4s it's a rather simple to update just the bulbs. H4 bulbs from our host are less than $10 each. You should also look at adding relays to your headlamps to keep the full power of the headlamps from running through the light switch.

-J

[Robin Reeve]

So if I have a H1 or an H4 setup now (standard Euro) I should be able to just buy bulbs and keep the lenses?? That would be ideal!! just curious "if" I can do that. i was afraid to try and remove the head lights and then have a prolem getting them back in, haha

[JAR0023]

Use the search function here. Pretty much everything has been covered multiple times.

Yes, if you have H4 or H1 headlights it's just a matter of replacing the bulbs to get a matching set.

-J

[Robin Reeve]

They have tons of bulbs on eBay that say H1 or H4, but are they all the same (meaning that since I have a Euro, will I run into trouble? I am noticing the H1 and H4 lights, including the lense are like $250-350 online, but just the bulbs are like $15... just making sure I am buying the right thing. ha

[darrin]

Our host sells both types of bulbs -- you first need to determine whether your headlights take h1 or h4 bulbs -- h1 headlights need two bulbs apiece, h4 headlights only need 1

Porsche 911 & Carrera Lights and Lenses - Page 1 will get you to our host's h4 bulbs,

Porsche 911 & Carrera Lights and Lenses - Page 2 will get you to h1 bulbs

it's ALWAYS a good idea to install a headlight relay while your at it -- from the factory, all headlight current runs through the turn signal switch, the relay will bypass this and help keep the switch from failing relay kit link" Pelican Parts - Product Information: JWST-911-HLPR

[Arne2]

Post some pictures if you are unclear on what you have.

[lpsalsaman]

Trust me you want to stay with your Euro's! I have a 85 Targa US model and although I kept the smaller look of the old sealded beams, I did moved to Bosch H4 replacements. I have better lighting now that when I had the sealed beams on any day and if you put HID H4 you will see a bigger difference!

[Robin Reeve]

Here is the picture I just took. It says something on the front like SAE H86 13v HB1

[DRACO A5OG]

wow, small pic, will go blind.

Try a closer pic head on.

As far as bulbs go with OSRAM NIGHT BREAKERS PLUS, a bit pricey but you will not have any dead spot when light is projected like the standard or performance stuff you can purchase at the FLAPS ( even the PIAA stuff does not compare ).

BTW, you have adjuster on top and side tells me it may be the H5 lamps???

[Robin Reeve]

I uploaded a bigger pic, but somehow it resized it in my "garage here". how can I upload directly to insert an image? I have to upload it somewhere else online?

[Robin Reeve]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/65361932/2012-11-07_12-36-45_137.jpg
better?

[DRACO A5OG]

Better, those are H5's.

The different tint may be due to different type bulbs, the supposed performance put blue tint but that actually dull the light projected.

I bet if you swap the bulbs with the same type, the colors will change.

If I may suggest take a head on pic of both side to side to make certain.

I have used Daniel Sterns' Narga Bulbs, which are excellent but found the OSRAM Night Breakers to be a bit more bright. Everything else is just not acceptable.

[Robin Reeve]

Well, if these are the H5, do I need to replace the entire housing, or just a bulb? I see the lenses on eBay for well over $300 per light... That would suck. I am not too mechanical, how can i be sure what is in the car now? A head on photo would help or do I need to pop the hood, etc?

[DRACO A5OG]

Just the bulb.

head on photo will verify.

Just unscrew the bottom retaining screw ( do not touch the top and sides, those are adjusters ), lift from bottom and pull away carefully then unplug the bulb and place the new ones in, that's it.

[Arne2]

H5s also use replaceable bulbs. I'd simply buy a matched pair of replacement H5 bulbs and do both to make certain that they match. You shouldn't need more than a couple of screwdrivers to change the bulbs, the instructions are probably in your owner's manual if you have one.

[donporfi]

Robin, those are H5/9004. The standard wattage is 45/65 watt. Just go to a Pep boys or similar and buy a pair. It is very easy to change them.
There are 80/100 watt bulbs but you will need to install relays in order to protect your headlight switch.
This is what you need to change:

[Robin Reeve]

Thanks guys, but Don, do they also sell the relays at like Pep Boys, or am I looking at buying those as a "special order" from somewhere online? I work right next to Pep boys here. Id go buy the lights today if I knew how to properly install.

Actually, perhaps I already have relays? if the original owner had replaced a headlight bulb before... how do I know, and what am i looking for when i pop open the light?

[donporfi]

In my opinion, if you use the 45/65 bulbs you do not need the relay kit.
To change the bulbs you do not need nothing extra, just the bulbs and a scredriver.

If you are opting for the 80/100 watt bulbs, you definitively should use the relays and also change the bulb connectors.

The relay kit you can buy from our host JWST-911-HLPR.