Mako 928

I have been wanting to upgrade the headlights on MY 85 for awhile now.
Will H-5s work for MY 85 as a plug and play?
Or would there need to be se modifications?

Big Dave

Yes, you can make the change, and yes, there will be slight modifications:

http://members.rennlist.com/bigdave/headlight.html

RevAgent

Greg, if I recall correctly, and I'd like to think that I do, I seem to remember a thread that brings up the fact that a new H4 system such as the 8" Bosch eCodes, or the Cibies are far superior as far as light output and beam pattern than the H5's, which I believe the S4's use...

Like I said, however, my wires may be crossed on this one

I'm sure one of the senior members will chime in...

-Mark

Mako 928

Thanks Big Dave, excellent write up. That will work!

Mark
I do remember that thread thanks. The H-5s are still better than the stock 7 inchers so it is a good improvement while also giving a more modern look.

Alan

If you are buying new - note that new 8" H4's are usually marginally cheaper than new H5's. They are also plug and play replacements for the 7" USA sealed beam units (which the H5's are not - they required a bulb socket change or a pigtail adapter).

Since the H4's are better in every way than the H5's you'd be crazy not to do H4's unless you already have a cheap set of H5's available...?

Alan

RevAgent

Alan, do the new 8" H4's have the same updated look (no trim ring, etc) as the H5's ?

I'm definitely going to upgrade my stock 7" lights...just curious.

-Mark

Alan

Yes - there is no plastic/chrome trim rim - they look very similar to H5s (a little better in my opinion). There are no DOT aiming nipples on the front face - so its completely smooth - easier to clean and 'cleaner' looking too.

Remember these were the lights the car was originally designed to have... DOT sealed beams were an abomination... H5s are better but only by so much...

I know of nobody who's installed 8" H4s who isn't very happy with them...

Alan

shadowknight

Alan if swapping out H5's for H4's is it just plug in play or does the plug have to be cut up

Mako 928

See post #2

RevAgent

I've been trying to find the new 8" H4's and cannot locate them...anyone have a supplier or link?

Alan

If you have H5s you need to change the bulb connectors to H4 sockets before you can install H4s - however its pretty easy and cheap. Really good H4 connectors are less tha $10 - typical ones are $3-$4. Ideally you solder them in. It is possible to get pigtail (plug & play) adapers - hard to find and expensive - and probably not worth it...


I believe you can still get H4's via Roger (ROG100, www.928srus.com) or 928 Specialists (www.928gt.com), and maybe 928 international (www.928intl.com).

Alan