I just replaced a burned out H4 headlight bulb on my 1988 XJS. I bought two so the light would be even, only to find out that the other headlight is a sealed beam. Now I have one of each.

Which way should I convert? Are there any modern headlight alternatives? There is lots of space behind the headlights for transformers or other rocket science.

 

An easy upgrade without going to HID or such is to get E-code headlights. Cibie and Hella offer good choices.

Cheers
DD

 

Agree with Doug. Cibie are not cheap, but excellent lamps, far superior to a sealed beam. They have a sharp cutoff, so all the light is directed down to the road so opposing drivers are not blinded, yet the maximum amount of light is put to the road.

In contrast, sealed beams are designed to scatter the light, so as to illuminate overhead signs. The road is always dimmer with them as the lenses don't put all the light on the road. The H4 lights are usually a slightly higher wattage (55W on low beam) than sealded beams too.

Bosch, Cibie and Hella make the round E code headlights. I've used all 3, and I think the Cibie's have a slight advantage. Don't get the Chinese/ebay knockoffs, but get the European made ones and you won't regret it.

Daniel Stern is the guy for lights: https://www.danielsternlighting.com/.../products.html

This clearly shows the difference between a 55W E code light and standard sealed beams. http://www.naxja.org/forum/showpost....89&postcount=8

 

Nice alternatives posted Fellas, thanks. If it's not too far OT, what's currently the best, cost is no object, I want modern lighting option?

 

Cibies, and Osram nightbreaker H1 ANF H4 BULBS.
Greg

 

Here what I used for mains. H1 bulbs. They have a flat not domed face
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...5811/overview/

And these for main/dip H4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HELLA-00285...53.m2749.l2649