1987 911 carrera head light question

[911 tweaks]

sorry for the dumb question, but just want to be sure...did these cars sold in usa, come with h4 or h5 head lights...?
the lens', which are all smoky, I want to replace and it looks like the unit pictured in pelican parts p/n 911-631-909-00 which says it is an h5 & it looks like what's in the car now ...and they cost $305+ each...OUCH...any less expensive options here...?? either brand a/o set up... ?
for what its worth, the bosch # on the back of the light lens assembly is p/n 1-305-313-083 ...the lens has 3 tits sticking off of it if that helps to describe it...thx...

[mishwa]

87 came with H5s. They are designed to look like the much superior H4s and H1s but met the ridiculous DOT standards. Do a search in this forum regarding cleaning H5 lenses with alcohol. They come out very nice. New lenses will cloud up sooner or later just like your old ones. I have an 88 with H5s and cleaned them with alcohol but ultimately went to H4s for much better illumination and no more clouding. Good luck.

[bigel]

Tweaks,

There are several conversion threads if you choose to swap out your H5s; you'll need to do some wiring adaptations.

However 'mishwa' is correct, you can clean your lenses quite effectively and make them as good as new.

Good luck.

[911 tweaks]

ok thx guys...so if i understand this correctly, "IF" i clean the current h5s, they will cloud up again and they r quite pitted = 220k miles on them...
now "IF" I go to h4s, what do i need for parts and what wiring, ect alterations will be required...?
thx for the info...please lmk the + and - if i stay h5s or change to h4s...

[bigel]

Tweaks,

Lots of posts on the forum about the conversion...here's what I found with very little effort:

88 carrera H5 to H4 light question

H5 alternatives

Pelican H4 socket

Steve

Originally Posted by 911 tweaks

ok thx guys...so if i understand this correctly, "IF" i clean the current h5s, they will cloud up again and they r quite pitted = 220k miles on them...
now "IF" I go to h4s, what do i need for parts and what wiring, ect alterations will be required...?
thx for the info...please lmk the + and - if i stay h5s or change to h4s...

[911 tweaks]

ok thx...
mishwa... can u tell me the cleaning thread or specifics ie alcohol ?? as i have nothing to lose based on how the ones i am inquiring about look now...
also, did u ever try the sylvania multi step kit to polish, sand multi grits, polish, ect...if so, did it work & if so, how long did it last...?
lastly, r the h4 lens glass or plastic...? as the h5s are plastic to the best of my judgement...

[911 tweaks]

ok thx steve...just read a couple of those...
at this point, I am wondering if there is any real gain switching to h4's...really... why not clean up the h5 lens - that is if they will restore back to new or darn close - install some brighter bulbs = h5 80/100w and install the headlite relay kit to protect the wiring & stalk switch...would'nt this be a lot easier and less $$ and keep the oe look & improve the lite output with the brighter bulbs & add the clear protective lens cover material as the last pc to protect the lens...
basically, what am i missing as to why a lot of folks convert h5 to h4...? maybe it is a "euro look" thing...?? thx

[911 tweaks]

mishwa...can u please explain more about your cleaning process of the h5s and more info on what exactly you changed to for parts for now liking the h4 set up more than the cleaned up h5s...thx again guys...
i am off to find how to clean h5s with alcohol...hopefully... :-)

[Michael T]

I have a 1989 Carrera with stock H5's. My combination of cleaning the lenses, installing the relays purchased from our host and new bulbs really brought it up to snuff for a total of $70. The relays by themselves make a noticeable difference. Takes the load down on the turnsignal/bright switch. I used GE Nighthawk bulbs from Amazon.

Amazon.com: GE NIGHTHAWK SPORT 9004 Halogen Replacement Headlight Bulb, (2 Pack): Automotive

[911 tweaks]

thx everyone for your input...
I guess i will take the baby steps = clean the h5s and install relay & maybe brighter wattage bulbs and add the outside clear plastic lens cover to best protect them...
"IF" I don't have satisfactory results then I will inquire more about the h4s as many have liked them...
AND if i am reading correctly, most people like the different light pattern a euro h4 makes vs a US h5 makes...

[Arne2]

Cleaning the H5s is a good first step, as that is essentially free. Adding relays is also a no-brainer, as you'll want those for any headlights, so you haven't wasted any money if you later do change to H4s.

Brighter H5 bulbs is less of a good deal if they don't do what you want, as H5 bulbs only fit H5 lights.