Headlights newbie question

[samourai71]

Hi, I'd like to upgrade my headlights on my Porsche 911 1985 coupe.
I've installed the high powered relays.
My question is this...
The originals headlights are sealed with scoops.
If I want to upgrade to something like h4, can I just buy a set of headlights with a set of h4 bulbs?
If yes, are these the ones 70476-m44? (From our host)
Do I need anything else?
I just wasn't clear I know there's a lot of treads on this but it's a little confusing.
Why would anyone buy the bosch kit that is more expensive?
What are the differences?

Thank you in advance

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[gtc]

Yes, those would work. Just two of those and two bulbs and you are good to go.

Regarding the Euro H4s, most people agree that the Euro H4's look better than the US scoops. The light output may be better also, but I think it's mostly because of their looks.

I would suggest installing some lens film on whatever you buy... $40+ per rock ding adds up after a while.

[nettles503]

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 70476-M44

Yes, these are the ones you want. You might want to consider installing a set that has a "city light" function built into them, if you really want to go uber-cool. This thread is what I'm talking about.

I have seen no evidence that the actual quality of the light output is different between the DOT replacements and the Euro version. I agree with Graham...it's all about the looks. I have a set of these in my 86 and I think they look fine. They certainly work great, and easy to install.

[donporfi]

The 70476-m44 are H4s that you can use if you have sealed beams. If you search for sugar scoops those are the headlights that used to be on US Porsches.
There is other option to upgrade to H4s, you buy a set of european H4s that are completely different from the US H4s, only the H4 bulbs are the same. In this case you change the complete headlight assembly.
Also I think that US 911 85s had H5s, if you want to upgrade from those to european H4s you also need to change the complete headlight assembly. The connectors for the H4 and the H5 bulbs are different you need to change these also.

[Kidasters]

I put these in my stock sugar scoops

Sylvania H6024 ST SilverStar High Performance Round Halogen Headlight Bulb (Low/High Beam), (Pack of 1) : Amazon.com : Automotive

and I think the light is better than the stock bulbs, or the H4's that I had on my 964 (until I upgraded those to silverstar bulbs).

And - it's a cheap upgrade.

[samourai71]

So if I get this correctly, the new headlights are the same size as the sealed ones and they have an opening on the back for witch ever bulbs you choose?
Someone mentioned a different harness, do I have to change that as well?
Thank you guys, I really appreciate it.


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[nettles503]

If you currently have DOT sealed beams, the lights that you referenced will drop right into your existing buckets, and a H4 bulb will plug into your existing harness. You won't need to modify a thing.


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[Arne2]

Originally Posted by gtc

Regarding the Euro H4s, most people agree that the Euro H4's look better than the US scoops. The light output may be better also, but I think it's mostly because of their looks.

I've had both in the same car. Had Hella (as sold by our host) when I got it, now Bosch/AL euro H4s. Trust me, it's all about the looks. The Hellas light output (with 55/60 bulbs) is every bit as good as the bigger lights.

In theory, the only other advantage the euros have is that with the greater air volume inside, higher wattage bulbs may last longer due to less heat buildup. But I suspect the difference isn't all that great, if any.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by Kidasters

and I think the light is better than the stock bulbs, or the H4's that I had on my 964 (until I upgraded those to silverstar bulbs).

And - it's a cheap upgrade.

Your 964 had H5's. Or did when the factory built it, anyway

I removed H5's to fit Euro H4's. Because while H5's are plenty bright, the beam focusing/cutoff isn't the best - not by a long shot.

You might be very pleasantly surprised if you tried Cibie or Hella H4 reflectors with silverstar bulbs in your sugar scoops.

[HarryD]

I went with the Hella E Code Drop in replacements for the USA Sealed beams.

Huge improvement with the 55/60 bulbs supplied with the lamps.

[wwest]

These will make you proud.

Slim Bi Xenon HID Conversion Kit 1 Set 4300K White 12V 35W H4 Hi Lo Beam | eBay

[wwest]

[Nico911]

While we are on the subject, does anyone knows from which model year did the Carrera came stock with non-sugar-scoops headlights ?

[Arne2]

1987 was the first of the H5s, Nico.

[donporfi]

Thanks for the H5 note.

[McLaren-TAG]

In 83 the US dropped its ridiculous headlight regulations that made all US imports use 7 inch sealed rounds. A couple of years later cars started showing up with the more aerodynamic European replaceable bulb headlight designs.

I guess that Porsche took a little longer.

[nineball]

Originally Posted by wwest

These will make you proud.

Slim Bi Xenon HID Conversion Kit 1 Set 4300K White 12V 35W H4 Hi Lo Beam | eBay

this is NOT the way to upgrade your headlights. you can't just stick hid bulbs into halogen housings, you will blind everyone coming at you and it's against the law in most states.

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by Kidasters

I put these in my stock sugar scoops

Sylvania H6024 ST SilverStar High Performance Round Halogen Headlight Bulb (Low/High Beam), (Pack of 1) : Amazon.com : Automotive

and I think the light is better than the stock bulbs, or the H4's that I had on my 964 (until I upgraded those to silverstar bulbs).

And - it's a cheap upgrade.

I love the look of my scoops and I think I'll try these. Thanks for the tip!

[nettles503]

Originally Posted by nineball

this is NOT the way to upgrade your headlights. you can't just stick hid bulbs into halogen housings, you will blind everyone coming at you and it's against the law in most states.

Yes, and further...

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

[darrin]

Installed Xpel's headlight protection film on the Cibie H4s I have in my sugarscoops -- they make versions for headlights with aiming posts (DOT spec) and for those without (the e2 specs I have). Went on fine after I fired up the high beams to heat the lenses -- can be found at XPEL Technologies Corp.: Universal Headlamp Protection

Also installed Xpel's film on my carrera fog lights -- can be found at https://www.xpel.com/products/headlight_protection.asp?prevtype=1&prevyear=1986&prevmake=33&prevmodel=581&prevsubmodel=0&prevseries=0&type=1&year=1986&make=33&model=581&submodel=1544 (they also sell for the Bosch Euro H4s) -- film for both light sets was quite thick -- xpel quoted 30Mil.

Straigthtforward install that should protect me from more stone chips.