headlight replacement advice

[craigmakes3]

i am driving my 81 sc a lot in the evenings, and it's just damn dangerous. I cannot see a thing.
What are the absolute brightest upgrades available? I have read about some euro stuff that have not even been approved in the USA, as well as all the lights offered by our host. If possible, I would like to keep my original rings.

Thanks!

[Michael T]

A lot of people upgrade to the Euro H4. Expensive and some people have had mounting issues where they fall out. I have halogen H5's in my 1989. First thing I did is take them out and clean the inside reflector and lens with rice and rubbing alcohol, flush with water and then flush again with rubbing alcohol. I replaced the bulbs with new Silvania bulbs. Big difference and total cost of $35.

[biopsea]

difference is night and day. do it!

[javadog]

The H1 is the best, H4 is not bad. Two versions of the H4, the ROW and the drop-in replacement bulb assembly for your existing lights. The range in price from north of a grand, if you can find a set, for the H1 to about 10% of that for the simpler version of the H4. All of them benefit from relays and bigger wiring. An H5 is no improvment.

JR

[Cairo94507]

Another option might be the GE Nighthawk LED headlights. I have those going into my 914-6 but the headlights are down unless I turn them on and they pop up. On a 911 they are always visible. The LED headlight looks a bit different but throws out incredible lighting and draws very little amperage so it does not stress your (old) wiring.

[darrin]

If you're looking for more light and don't mind the look of sugar scoops, go with 7" drop-in h4 replacement assemblies -- our host sells the hellas for $58 each with (normal wattage) bulbs -- Pelican Parts - Product Information: 70476-M44

Be sure to add the JWest relay kit to protect your highbeam/turnsignal switch.

[CCM911]

I kept my SUgar Scoops and installed a set of HID lamps. The install is a pain in the butt, but lighting is definitely increased. My stock lights would have killed me!

[grant lyon]

+ 1 on the 7" drop-in h4 replacement assemblies as darrin recommended.
Major improvement with normal wattage, could bump the wattage later if necessary. Need the relays

[MrScott]

I run Euro H4's with the relay kit and Osram CP64206 - 85/80W. Very bright, white light. Only downside to these Osrams is price and shorter bulb life - I end up replacing them every 8-10K miles.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by MrScott

I run Euro H4's with the relay kit and Osram CP64206 - 85/80W. Very bright, white light. Only downside to these Osrams is price and shorter bulb life - I end up replacing them every 8-10K miles.

I have similar issues with the high wattage bulbs I use but still enjoy their BRIGHT light -- since the h4's beam pattern is so much better than the sealed beam's pattern (it has a sharp, defined light cutoff at the top that's quite similar to that of modern HID bulbs), I'd suggest the OP start with standard wattage bulbs (that are included with the hella h4's our host sells that I linked to above) and replace with higher wattage if he still wants more.

[Jonny H]

Forget the bulbs. Clear lenses, shiny reflectors and relays make the most difference.

If you really want to improve your whole electrical system, you could fit one of our fuse panels. It has built in headlight relays. A lot of folks find windows and sunroof more responsive too!

Link below:

Classic Retrofit Fuse Panel Upgrade

[ghamilton]

Go to Daniel Stern lighting consultancy. Cibie H4. Email him, he is a lighting engineer.

At the very least do the relay upgrade, jay west is cheapest plug & play, but Daniel can sell you better quality.

Also do the ceramic connectors at the bulbs.

All in about $250.

Email me offline if you want more details.

[ghamilton]

Pic with running and city lights option.

[dicklague]

I put in HIDs and love them. Also have LED driving lights and they are powerful and don't draw much amperage.

[famoroso]

Originally Posted by dicklague

I put in HIDs and love them. Also have LED driving lights and they are powerful and don't draw much amperage.

Which LED driving lights?

[47silver]

I use the h4 drop in type. Added 2 replays per headlight. if I lived in a more rural area I would use the 80/100 bulbs. They are like aircraft landing lights on high beam. I use the legal size and the lights are very good.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by grant lyon

+ 1 on the 7" drop-in h4 replacement assemblies as darrin recommended.
Major improvement with normal wattage, could bump the wattage later if necessary. Need the relays

+1

This is what I did on both my 73 911 and 70 Bus. Huge improvement. Never felt a need for more wattage.

You can get them here or at most local auto parts stores. be sure to get the E Code ones not the DOT compliant. The improvement is mostly in the light pattern, not the wattage.



After frying my turn signal switch already, relays seem a no brainer.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by famoroso

Which LED driving lights?

something like this off eBay

[DRACO A5OG]

Well? OP has not stated what type of lights he has so we are spinning our wheels :-/

$42 ebay special HID kit 3 years later still working:





Standard Bulb is OSRAM Night Breakers Plus, the best incandecent no dead spots but as you can see not as bright as HIDs.

Caveat, to avoid glare for other drivers I had to lower the beam 1 inch. No Flashes back

[Duc Hunter]

Originally Posted by Jonny H

Forget the bulbs. Clear lenses, shiny reflectors and relays make the most difference.

If you really want to improve your whole electrical system, you could fit one of our fuse panels. It has built in headlight relays. A lot of folks find windows and sunroof more responsive too!

Link below:

Classic Retrofit Fuse Panel Upgrade

I did this to my 89 recently. Just doing this made a noticeable difference to my headlights. I will now be cleaning them up as others have noted. Big thing is my electrical system can handle anything I throw at it. Great upgrade.