H1s vs H4s

[93097004xx]

Have a NOS set of H4s installed currently but have always wondered if H1s perform any better than H4s. I know a NOS set of H1s will cost twice as much as a NOS set of H4s. Do they perform any better?

[DRACO A5OG]

I found both to be pretty much the same when using stock wattage bulbs. H4s, you can go as high as 100 but you must replace the connector ceramic and maybe upgrade the wires.

I put LEDs so again I found then to be the same I switched to H4s because mine were pretty rusted out

[uwanna]

A good set of H1s equipped with Phillips Xtreme Vision +130 bulbs are fantastic.
They are much more versatile as you can aim the high and low beams independently
of each other and make them much more precise. Do NOT ruin the precision with LED
bulbs. To me H4s are just OK, can't hold a candle to properly setup H1s!

[1979-930]

What does it matter?? You never drive your car anyway. And when you do I'm sure it's daytime to a car show.
Now if you want to obsess about something. Put your headlight washer nozzles on the correct sides.


Sent from my iPhone while Driving

[rlane930]

930s were never equipped with H-1s. Even the 1973 prototype Turbo at Frankfurt had H-4's without the city lights (as did 1973 RSRs of the same vintage). There are many threads on Pelican that compare and contrast H-1s and H-4s but I don't think it's worth the squeeze from originality and any performance gain. IMO, Bosch H-4s are amazing lights with ultra cool city light feature...as good as it gets as long as you don't mess with them, LEDs, etc.

[93097004xx]

Originally Posted by rlane930

930s were never equipped with H-1s. Even the 1973 prototype Turbo at Frankfurt had H-4's without the city lights (as did 1973 RSRs of the same vintage). There are many threads on Pelican that compare and contrast H-1s and H-4s but I don't think it's worth the squeeze from originality and any performance gain. IMO, Bosch H-4s are amazing lights with ultra cool city light feature...as good as it gets as long as you don't mess with them, LEDs, etc.

Originality is of paramount to me.. problem is I swapped out standard seats for sports seats.. Then I installed a momo prototipo..

But yes I need to stop with those mods.. I just keep coming back to the idea of H1s


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[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Have you thought about looking into Dapper headlights? I know you're wanting better performing lights and these definitely are. Many happy individuals have reported improved lighting at night with them. I posted them below just for you to take a peek.

Dapper Lighting - PelicanParts.com

[darrin]

Originally Posted by 93097004xx

Originality is of paramount to me.. problem is I swapped out standard seats for sports seats.. Then I installed a momo prototipo..

But yes I need to stop with those mods.. I just keep coming back to the idea of H1s


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What's your perceived shortfall with H4s? Once properly setup (aiming the sharp cutoff, cleaning reflectors/etc.) they should provide very nice light output. If you've already taken these steps, might be worth looking for other root causes. Have you installed headlight relays? As delivered, 911s route all of the headlight current through turn signal stalk/high beam switch -- relays bypass this chokepoint and help assure full power goes to the headlights. Similarly, bulb selection can play a huge role in output.

My point of reference was upgrading the bulb inserts in my '86 carrera's sugar scoop mounts from us spec sealed beam bulbs to euro spec h4 assemblies. The light output and dispersion provided by the h4s is incomparable to the old sealed beams and rivals/exceeds that of my 2004 touareg's US spec HIDs. If you're not seeing these results, you might need to adjust/etc.

[Tremelune]

The primary benefit of the H1s is that the highs and lows can be aimed independently. The reality is that they'll only be better if they're in better condition than a set of H4s and are aimed well. Most H1s have questionable reflectors and aiming/mounting screws such that it's a bit of a crap shoot. I have H1s and they are a pain to aim. Good lighting when set up well, but I doubt much better than a good H4 setup (which are cheaper and easier to find in top condition). I've never done an apples to apples comparison on the same car, though.

Good 100/55w Halogen H4 bulbs from Hella, Phillips, Flösser, and Osram coupled with a relay kit can improve things substantially, depending on what is in the car now. According to an email from Daniel Stern, 130w highs offer no benefit over 100w highs due to the shape of the filament. 80w lows might improve things, and the ECE lens should prevent them from causing any more glare than a 55w low in a DOT housing [citation needed].

LED/HID bulbs designed to fit as drop-ins for H4 housings are dubious at best. They are brighter, but the light is scattered, causes glare, and brighter light does not necessarily result in greater visibility on the road. The quality and dispersion of the light is important. As an example, having the ground directly in front of your car be extremely bright impedes your night vision and provides no value when you're moving.

The first thing I'd do is get a relay kit and new bulbs. If that proved inadequate, I'd probably pick up one of the LED/HID projectors that a few people are making for these cars. Even if you take both steps, the relays still have the benefit of keeping current out of the pricey headlight switch, which are known to fail from excessive heat.