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> one headlight out, should I put H4s in?
tat2dphreak
post Oct 25 2009, 02:42 PM
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I thought about doing a h4 kit, since the pair is about the same as buying 1 bulb at the FLAPs...

but they all say
QUOTE
These headlights do not meet DOT safety standards and are sold for off-road use only.


what is your experience with these? and are they ok for street use? what gives?
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914Sixer
post Oct 25 2009, 03:50 PM
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Just use sealbeam Halogen headlights. You do not need any extra wiring or relays. About $30 for the pair.
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EdwardBlume
post Oct 25 2009, 04:10 PM
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I like the H4s. They are brighter, have a flat face which I like, and take the look away from stock.

Down side.. the wiring. I didn't ever get it right. I'd flick on the high beams and one side would go out....
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gklinger
post Oct 25 2009, 04:45 PM
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QUOTE(RobW @ Oct 25 2009, 02:10 PM) *

I like the H4s. They are brighter, have a flat face which I like, and take the look away from stock.

Down side.. the wiring. I didn't ever get it right. I'd flick on the high beams and one side would go out....


I'm using the Hella H4 E-Code lights - love 'em. This site also has some great advice on wiring using relays, especially if you're using a high wattage lamp.
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hcdmueller
post Oct 25 2009, 05:03 PM
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Why do you need relays for the 55/60 watt H4 bulbs? I am running some Euro spec H4s on my 914 with the standard bulbs and it doesn't pull any more power than the standard sealed beams. The H4s are twice the brightness. I love them.
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GeorgeRud
post Oct 25 2009, 05:28 PM
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I also went through Cibie Z-beams, etc., and am now using plain Halogen sealed bulbs as they seem more than adequate for the driving I do and I don't have to worry about them corroding.

If you haven't tried the sealed beam halogens, you might be pleasantly surprised! It's also nice to not have to rewire things with relays, etc.
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cal44
post Oct 25 2009, 05:40 PM
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I too am using H4 European blubs on my '86 Carrera. Got them from Pelican. No extra wiring needed. Just plug 'em in.
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djm914-6
post Oct 26 2009, 09:38 AM
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I put Cibie's in my car 9 years ago with no relay and no problems. I'm using stock wattage Hella Yellow Star bulbs. When my friend and I flew to LA to pick up his car, out first stop was at Performance Products to pick up a pair of Hella H4s. Again, just plug and play and it's been many years with no problems too. I love the E code lights, more light on the road and not in the trees.

(edit: don't recall who makes the bulbs, maybe Sylvania not Hella)
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underthetire
post Oct 26 2009, 09:46 AM
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I have H4's in mine. No problem, no wiring change. Since amperage is wattage divided by volts you can calculate the current draw. Sealed beams I think were 35 watts(2.91 amps) and H4's 55 watt (4.5 amps) each. Thats a grand total of 3.18 amperes difference. Oh, and all the new replacement headlamps are 55 watt anyway. I think the car can handle it.
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tat2dphreak
post Oct 26 2009, 10:14 AM
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what about the "offroad only use" thing? is that just :bs: ?

are the ones in the kit the "european/E code"? it sounds like that's the trick to not re-wiring
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ws91420
post Oct 26 2009, 10:22 AM
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In VA if it does not have DOT approval it will not pass safety inspection. That said I am planning to go with Sylvainia Silverstars for mine.
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tat2dphreak
post Oct 26 2009, 10:31 AM
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if it's just an inspection issue, I could care less (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I have the antique plates that are exempt.
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djm914-6
post Oct 26 2009, 10:34 AM
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In MA as long as the lights work, they couldn't care less. most people doing inspection don't have a clue when it comes to "these old car" and their original equipment.
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70Sixter
post Oct 26 2009, 02:11 PM
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No one has ever noticed my H4s including VA. Tho' VA did question my 911's OEM-type H4s.

The relays are definitely needed for the high wattage (especially 80-100W) bulbs to preserve the light switch. I agree with those that said that the lower wattage halogens don't need relays.

Offroad only gets the manufacturer off the hook in states that care about such things. Modern cars and regulations have changed a lot since the days sealed beams in standard sizes were required.

I got mine when they we not legal because they had the Euro pattern that thru more light to the right away from oncoming cars. And more light period.
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detoxcowboy
post Oct 26 2009, 07:47 PM
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I am using "pelican parts" h4 with 55/100 watt bulbs!! no special wiring no special relays, (even will putting a kill switch in had my mechanic down there about it and no need) and the extra light is awesome and really safe when you need it, i have drivin "big sur" coast hwy No. Cal. 3 times in the middle of the night and the first time with 55/60 h4 and the next 2 times with 55/100 h4 and I will never go back to '70s 914 lighting.. same for the fogs, i am using 85 watt piaa h3 bulbs and again no special wiring no extra relay, (with j west flasher) and they just flat out blow awy 35 watt 1970 driving lights for safety and usefullness..

as far as legality in your state.. blah blah no police are going to notice your lenses with the lights on and when they are off they are down out of site..

unless your going for a concourse trophy i definately recomend h4, damn half the cars on the road today i think they have their brights on but nope just better lighting of todays cars..
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aircooledtechguy
post Oct 26 2009, 07:54 PM
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QUOTE(tat2dphreak @ Oct 25 2009, 01:42 PM) *

I thought about doing a h4 kit, since the pair is about the same as buying 1 bulb at the FLAPs...

but they all say
QUOTE
These headlights do not meet DOT safety standards and are sold for off-road use only.


what is your experience with these? and are they ok for street use? what gives?


I can't count how many cars I have installed these exact H-4s onto. . . I run them on my own 914 and the rest of my cars. No special wiring relays needed, they are 100% plug and play. As long as you stay w/in the same wattage rating on the bulbs they will work as-is. It's when you up the wattage to a 90/120 etc., bulbs that relays are required.

These are nice and bright with a nice white light with the bulbs provided. The reflectors are chromed steel and the lenses are glass (rather than plastic as some are). My only wish is that they were still in stock as I need to stock up for my shop.
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tat2dphreak
post Oct 26 2009, 07:57 PM
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I bought a set from bus depot today (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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tat2dphreak
post Oct 30 2009, 08:13 PM
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I hooked up the H4s tonight, the 55/60 bulbs seem to work great, no relay or extra wiring...

went in easy, but the little plastic headlight plugs on the car are beyond their life expectancy. I'll have to find some of those... but the lights seem to work great regardless.
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underthetire
post Oct 30 2009, 09:57 PM
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QUOTE(tat2dphreak @ Oct 30 2009, 07:13 PM) *

I hooked up the H4s tonight, the 55/60 bulbs seem to work great, no relay or extra wiring...

went in easy, but the little plastic headlight plugs on the car are beyond their life expectancy. I'll have to find some of those... but the lights seem to work great regardless.



That connector is very standard since all sealed beam cars used it. If it's just a driver not a concours car, Kragens or autozone will have them in the help section.
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tat2dphreak
post Oct 30 2009, 10:05 PM
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cool. I'll splice in a little longer wires too... tight squeeze.
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