NA headlight options
 

I searched and didn't find any threads about this so I wanted to hear what people have tried and liked. I feel like my headlights are a little inadequate and want to upgrade a little. Has anyone tried the Bosch H4 conversion kit from FM? Or do people think some nicer bulbs will do the job?

These housings fall into three general categories: DOT-compliant (US style), E-code (Euro style), and eBay (crap.)

All else being equal, I feel that the Euro-style reflectors provide the most optimum distribution of light. While FM doesn't expressly state which style they are using, the images provided (both of the glass and the beam) look like the euro-style pattern to me (It lacks the three raised alignment bumps on the face of the glass which are required on DOT-approved housings, and provides the diagonal kicker on the right-side of the projected pattern which is indicative of the EC housings used in LHD countries.)

If this is the case, then knowing Bosch, it's probably very similar in design and quality to the Hella E-Code housings which have been sort of the gold-standard of NA headlight upgrades for years. I use them in my car, and they are a massive improvement over DOT style sealed-beam lamps.

I second the post above.

The Autopal's havent been very bad, but for those who've had them then the Hella, how much better are the Hella's?

good source and info

http://www.rallylights.com/default.aspx

I have FM's Bosch kit in both the Miata and my '67 International and they're definately E-codes. I've used Hella, Cibie, Carello, and the I'd say the Bosches are as good as any of them.

And while FM has a decent price on them still at $69.95 (with bulbs), Bus Depot still has them on the sale price of $52.85 with bulbs (44.95 without if you want to source your own) http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=0301600118

+10 on the E-codes. Friend got some on the group buy a while back, and they're a huge improvement over stock. So much so, that I bought a set, and I rarely drive the car after dark. Better light, better projection, better cutoff. All around worth the price, and it's a 30 minute install at most.

Ahhh. Thanks for all the quick info. I've been snooping around CR.net cus I figured this is more their thing. Feels good to be back on home turf. Too much "adonized" this and "hella flush" that.

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I got in on the last FM group buy for Bosch H4's (E-code) and they are great. Much brighter than the sealed beams.

I have the FM E-codes in my daily and that mod is worth every cent.

My lights are stuck up right now, I need a relay (LA12). But I have the E-codes, they are decent.

I've been wondering about that. Did you do a writeup somewhere?

I don't drive at night. Fuck headlights.

In order of preference, Cibie, Hella, Bosch E-codes.

Don't get low profile lights. They suck for light output. I've got a set of very stylish lights, but they suck for performance. I'm about to swap out the original junk housings with some much better quality PIAA lights that are very close matches in the hopes they are close to stock performance.

Attachment 189106

I was disappointed with the stock NB2 headlights after driving with my Hella E-codes from rallylights.com

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So I feel like a real genius. I finally used a saw to notch the screws securing the barn doors and used a flat head and vice grips to loosen those effing rounded out screws loose. When I got 'em off to examine why my lights are wobbly I was like "Durrr. These things ain't got no bulb. Just three plug thingies":noob: I can't believe I never knew that after 4 years of working in a shop and 5 years of owning a miata.:loser:

I know this thread is old. Modernbeat just kind of curious as to what brand-kind of lights are those on your car.

They are a RS Active brand kit with some no-name dual beam housings. The bracket and bezel are decent, but the quality of the reflector and lens is junk. I'm swapping the housings out for a pair of lightly modified PIAA 960 housings which look like they are much higher quality. The PIAA 960 are almost the exact same size as the original junk housings. The similar PIAA 940, which is much easier to find, is way too small and doesn't put out enough light.