NA headlight options
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From: Manassas, Virginia
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?
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From: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
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.
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.
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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
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
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+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.
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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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From: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
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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.
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.
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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"
I can't believe I never knew that after 4 years of working in a shop and 5 years of owning a miata.
I can't believe I never knew that after 4 years of working in a shop and 5 years of owning a miata.
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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.
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