Clarification: H4 & H5 headlights

[tcar]

I've heard that the H4 lenses are far superior to H5's, and H4's cost a lot more.

The beam pattern of the H4 (even the H4's that fit in sugar scoops) is suposed to be much better.

However I've seen H5's on Ebay (and here) sell for a price in the H4 range (even more) lately.

The other thing I'm wondering about is the lens.

I've seen here in several posts that the H5 lenses are plastic (polycarbonate?). With posts not to put high watt bulbs in them as they can melt the lens.

But others saying they are definitely glass.

Anyone know for sure? I've done a search and see both ways.

A friend out of state says he'll give me his H5's for postage. Worth it?

[KTL]

When I say H4, I mean the European H4 light assembly. Not the USA sugar scoop ones.

H4 has a better lens- the optics cast a better, more clear-cut light beam. I know this for a fact since I had both H5 and H4 on my car.

H4 lens is also individually replaceable, vs. the H5 requiring you to replace the entire bulb housing/reflector. THis is because the H5 lens is permanently glued to the reflector.

H5 light housing is indeed plastic and can melt. But the H5 lens itself is not plastic. It is glass just like the H4.

Heck yeah i'd take the H5's for postage. Have you seen how much a replacement H5 lens costs????? A friend has broken two H5's due to track debris and he's been lucky to score some used ones for next to nothing like you. On the flip side of the coin, I think I sold my H5's here on Pelican about four years ago for $250?

[Fast Corners]

The H4's (euro version) in my opinion are the way to go. The H5's also have a problem with clouding of the lense on the inside wich is damn near impossible to clean off.

[myamoto1]

+1 to what KTL said. I had H5's and swapped them out for(Euro) H4's. This is generally considered an upgrade, although not technically legal as the H4's are not DOT approved. In the used market H5's don't get the $$$ a set of H4's would get, for the reasons KTL stated above. In terms of buying new, H5s cost almost twice what the H4s cost. Replacement lenses alone are in the $150 range.

[Wayne 962]

I believe the H5s were specifically made for the US market for that silly sealed-beam rule that dates back to the early 1900s. H4 assemblies are basically the best way to go these days...

-Wayne

[imcarthur]

I had stock H5s on my car when I bought it. After my first extended night drive in a rural area, I swore I would never drive at night until I upgraded. I bought the H4 Bosch kit from PP + 80/100 bulbs. Trust me, there is no comparison.

And I sold my H5s which paid for 1/2 the upgrade.

Ian

Note: For higher wattage bulbs you are wise to upgrade the socket, wiring & put in relays.

[gestalt1]

no to hijack a thread, but what is with h1 headlights? i've seen them go for over $1k, and then foe a couple hundred. are there major differences?

[tcar]

H1's are pretty rare, have not been made for years, so nice ones are not easy to find. That's part of it.

They are pretty unique, in that they have separate bulbs and reflectors for high and low beams that can be aimed separately.

As far as lighting the road, they are the best.

I saw a set of "H1's" for sale on ebay for $250+ a couple months ago. Asked for pics. They were old pitted H4's, not H1's.

From a distance, H1's, euro H4's and H5's look similar, but they are different.

I've seen a pair of H5's sell for over $300 (wow) and euro H4's sell for $100 each (new). I just think either the seller (H4) and buyer (H5) didn't know the difference.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by gestalt1

no to hijack a thread, but what is with h1 headlights? i've seen them go for over $1k, and then foe a couple hundred. are there major differences?

H1's: The real best headlight...NLA. Independently adjustable low and high beams allow you to custom taylor to your optimum preferences.

[avale]

Does anyone know where you can get replacement adjustment screws for H1s? I think I already know the answer to this one...

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by avale

Does anyone know where you can get replacement adjustment screws for H1s? I think I already know the answer to this one...

Let me know if you ever find them.....I try to remember looking on ebay now and then, but seem to miss the opportunities. I do have some extra lenses in my possession.

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by Fast Corners

The H4's (euro version) in my opinion are the way to go. The H5's also have a problem with clouding of the lense on the inside wich is damn near impossible to clean off.

Actually, H5 glass is very easy to clean. I've posted the how-to several times.
Having said that, H4's are superior quality.

[tumamilhem]

The bulbs in one of my H5 lights exploded. I heard it break and then smoke. Is this normal? What may have caused this?

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by tumamilhem

The bulbs in one of my H5 lights exploded. I heard it break and then smoke. Is this normal? What may have caused this?

Time to get some H4 reflectors and install H4 LED bulbs. You will not believe the difference!!!

Get that thing modern now is the time!!!

[tumamilhem]

Originally Posted by dicklague

Time to get some H4 reflectors and install H4 LED bulbs. You will not believe the difference!!!

Get that thing modern now is the time!!!

What all do I need? What wattage bulb for really bright? Do I need to change any wiring, relay, fuse, etc? Which wires/relay/fuse if so and to what? No idea about wiring. Any OEM part numbers? Where's the best place to buy? Thanks for the info. Things are simpler on my 914.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by tumamilhem

What all do I need? What wattage bulb for really bright? Do I need to change any wiring, relay, fuse, etc? Which wires/relay/fuse if so and to what? No idea about wiring. Any OEM part numbers? Where's the best place to buy? Thanks for the info. Things are simpler on my 914.

here is a tech article from this site: Porsche 911 H4 Headlight Upgrade | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

new OEM assemblies are $335 each on Pelican.....you could look around for some as well.

Lots of H4 LEDs on eBay. I don't have a recomendation.

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by tumamilhem

What all do I need? What wattage bulb for really bright? Do I need to change any wiring, relay, fuse, etc? Which wires/relay/fuse if so and to what? No idea about wiring. Any OEM part numbers? Where's the best place to buy? Thanks for the info. Things are simpler on my 914.

Look into Serius LED H4 bulbs. Plug and play for around $100. Fit right into your H4 reflectors. The small ballast fits in the headlight bucket without any problems.

I got mine from Amazon. Direct link to Sirius web site:


https://www.siriusledlights.com/collections/all-in-one-led-headlight/h4

[tumamilhem]

I'd like brighter bulbs, but I don't know if I want LEDs. I'd still like it to look classic. What's the difference between the regular H4s and the Euro H4s? How can I know what I'm buying when looking for them? Some prefer the Euro ones I see. Why is that? Anybody have comparison pictures?

[tumamilhem]

Also, I'm not too crazy about the rings on the H4. I like how the H5 has less protruding glass at the top. Is there any way for me to use an H4 housing and use my original factory surrounds on them?

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by tumamilhem

I'd like brighter bulbs, but I don't know if I want LEDs. I'd still like it to look classic. What's the difference between the regular H4s and the Euro H4s? How can I know what I'm buying when looking for them? Some prefer the Euro ones I see. Why is that? Anybody have comparison pictures?

With LED you will still have the original look of the lenses and trim ring, the only thing that changes is the bulb and the greatly improved light output. So your upgrade is only noticeable at night, the outward appearance of your car remains the same.

True that the light is whiter and doesn't look vintage/classic, but that is a small price to pay for far superior light output. Likewise, it is a small price to pay for safety.

The difference in being able to see down the road can only be appreciated first hand. I've run 100 watt H4 bulbs and even then their output is a fraction of an LED bulb.