Xenon Upgraded Headlights - Requirements

[jimmycakes401]

I searched around for xenon, h4 and headlight upgrades but just found info on the IAP and GS upgrade kits.

I was given a pair of these xenon lamps for Christmas and I'm not sure if I should put them in without upgrading some wiring. I assume I need to upgrade? Or it would at least be a good idea. But I thought I'd ask. I was going to put this in electrical issues, but it's not an issue yet.

[maytag]

is there a ballast included? (some would call it an ignitor)

[wikkid]

Watts are watts. Watts / Volts = Amps. If these are just xenon lamps (bulbs) instead of halogen, and not a HID setup, then compare the wattage of the xenon lamps you pan to use with the original OEM headlight wattage.
Do you have any more info on the headlight fixtures and the lamping of them?

[maytag]

my understanding of xenon (and it's possible I'm wrong, since most of my knowledge comes from non-automotive applications) is that it requires the ballast / ignitor to work. It is a non-filament bulb, so it IS an HID lamp. there are some "fake" xenon lamps on the market. they are a filament-type bulb, and have a "xenon-like color". These are not xenon, and wikkid's assessment above is right on the money.

[jimmycakes401]

This is a housing. A small H4 bulb goes in it. The ones he gave me say H4 12v 60/55w to 100/85w

I don't mind buying other bulbs. Wondering if I should even do the "upgrade". I don't think these lamp housings are cheap. I could always sell them off in the parts area and buy something else.

What are your thoughts? Should I bother? I'm also running an original alternator. Don't know if it matters. I was thinking the H4s might use less power. Will look into factory bulbs. Did I mention I have a 1981 SI 2000?

[baltobernie]

The headlamp that you've illustrated is an "E-code" lamp. AKA "European" headlight. These come in right-hand and left-hand versions. Search "Daniel Stern Lighting" for an explanation, and to determine if the lamps you have are suitable for USA roads.

"Watts are not watts". Electrical loads may be identical in various lamps, but usable light output varies widely between technologies. A 35 watt HID headlamp delivers many more lumens than a 55 watt halogen bulb. Even adding the losses from the ballast, the HID system is much more efficient than the halogen, and LED technology promises to be better still.

I personally feel that properly-aimed E-code headlamps (in good condition) from a reputable manufacturer are terrific. See for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doIWmD0vp-A. I have a 65-watt alternator, and there's 13+ VDC at the headlamp.

[baltobernie]

The standard H-4 bulb uses the same current as a standard USA sealed beam headlamp, 55 watts, but in the proper housing, it produces much more usable roadway light.

[wikkid]

Sylvania makes really good H4 lamps (bulbs): http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-H4ST-BP- ... 712&sr=1-1

Hella also does well, but I like the Silverstars by Sylvania (from the point of view of a motorcyclist, who (generally) has only one headlight, so it had better be a good one!).

[jimmycakes401]

The only markings are the numbers on the side: neo-910c yfl

I assume he bought USA legal. Most likely from IAP. That seems to be where he bought everything before giving me the car.

[jimmycakes401]

Pretty sure he ordered these: http://www.international-auto.com/drivi ... lights.cfm

[baltobernie]

The only markings are the numbers on the side: neo-910c

Probably Neolite, an Indian knockoff of the classic Cibie Z-beam. About one-fifth the cost of the French/Belgian original. Pretty good lamps; I had a set a while ago.

With decent bulbs, good voltage and proper aiming (see 'Stern"), they will be just fine.

[maytag]

they do not appear to be xenon, but rather just halogen. yes?

[baltobernie]

Yes. There are folks who make HID "conversion kits" that fit into an H4 bulb socket, but virtually every DOT has declared them illegal, as such combinations produce an enormous amount of glare. The bulb and housing must be designed as a set. You can YouTube such conversions and their consequences.

[jimmycakes401]

I just noticed it has built in bulbs. The bulbs he gave me separate from the housing were H4s... and seem... to be blue now that I look at them. LOL. I will be needing the white ones they came with.

Well, does everyone agree it would be a nice upgrade for safety or should I skip it and sell them off?

[MrWampus]

I have an 81 and I changed my sealed beam headlights to E-spec H4 and it made a big difference. I didn't change anything else (wiring harness, alternator). The E-spec housing uses a slightly different focusing pattern and has a fairly definitive top line break so it focuses most of the low beam light to the lower half of the lens. The high beams are nice and bright. I'm not sure why the E-spec lights are not DOT approved other than they just have a different standard, but I very much like the conversion. The low beam light pattern is nearly identical to my stock 2005 Subaru Outback which has "projector style" lamps with halogen bulbs.

My state (SC) does not have inspections but I'll probably move into NC pretty soon where they do. If the inspector fails me on the lights, I'll just buy a cheap pair of sealed beams to pass inspection and swap them back out. (I'm also running with a resonator but no rear muffler and that won't pass inspection either. But the car sounds GREAT without it and is not obnoxiously loud.)