Headlights....what do I have?

[GSpreeman]

How do I tell what headlights I have? I know the POs made a lot of upgrades but didn't document them.

If mine are stock, what are they ('87)? How high can I go without screwing with the wiring? 100/80?

[island911]

If they are stock I believe they are Hella (not so sweet) H-5's.
Are they cloudy white? That would make them H-5's.
A picture would be helpful.

[RickC]

How to tell which lights? Both H4's and H5's look similar from the front. But the top part of the light protrudes from the trim ring. This crescent shaped protrusion is an easy telltale: H4 top crescent shape is frosted glass; H5 top crescent shape is clear. Beam pattern is another: H4 beam pattern on a nearby wall will have a very, very sharp cutoff dead level on the left and rising at about 15 to 20 degrees from center off to the right (to illuminate street signs). H5 lights have a cutoff, but not as sharp. Mine seem to have a dead level cut off with a small bright spot in the middle. Fuzzy cutoff though.

I'd get the relay for high powered bulbs. Not that the wiring probably couldn't handle it in 1987, but that was almost 16 years ago and why risk anything for the small $$$?

My 87 Targa has the original H5 lamps. I asked Pelican about upgrading to H4's as their beam pattern is better & brighter and has a better cut off. (Converted to H4's on all my other car's and the light IS better than the H5's). Unfortunately he said the trim rings on 87-89's which look like they'll fit H4's do not.

Rather than going through the hassle of buying about $300 worth of lights and rings and having them painted, I got some PIAA super white bulbs from Pelican. Just the regular 55/60 wattage. They are a definite improvement, and I may move up to a higher wattage along with the upgraded relay. Definitely buying the H3 PIAA bulbs for the driving lights too. These bulbs look very white BTW - which I like, but blueish bulbs are available too.)

Didn't really save the $300 of course, just used it for other P-car winter project parts......

[steve911]

GSpreeman--

can't help with identifying your headlights, but others have much more knowledge on that (and other things ) than me.

as for how high wattage can you go? been a bunch of threads on headlight relays;
check out this one.

I did the same install with the same kit - very easy and gives great peace of mind over not frying the headlight switch.

[Eric Coffey]

All good info above, especially the relay recommendation. Although, I think the only headlights with a completely clear top "protrusion" are the H1's. Also, I believe the H5's that were used on the `87-`94 cars were made by Bosch, not Hella.

[island911]

Originally posted by Eric Coffey
. . . Also, I believe the H5's that were used on the `87-`94 cars were made by Bosch, not Hella.

so your saying their *not* Hella sweet . . .like the H-4s

[Eric Coffey]

Damn! Undermined by the SCWDP once again! Yes, the H4's are superior. However, I think the early car guys would undermine us both with the "H1's-are-best-of-all" argument.