Miata Mailing List: January 1996, Message #97
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   From: Keith Tanner 
Subject: Re: Headlamps
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 22:03:07 -0500

>I could also use the same information if you have installed a strut tower
>brace or replaced your headlamps with a low profile kit or the replacement
>lamps from Hella, etc.

In case any else wants to know about the Hella lights-

Do it.  They are apparantly legal in all states now with the low wattage
bulbs (55/60W) and give a much whiter, brighter light than stock.  The low
beams have a sharp cutoff - you can see the line on the trunk of cars in
front of you.  This means that the low beams don't blind oncoming traffic.
They kick up on the right side to illuminate the side of the road.  Very
nice.  The high beams are regular beams, but bright.  

The real attraction is the high-power bulbs.  55/100, 80/100 and 90/130W
combinations are available, and the miata electrical system can handle any
of them.  I've run the 90/130's for several long trips, and these are true
photon torpedoes!  Just don't hit anyone with the high beams unless you want
them to have an accident.  They're very very bright.  Even with the 90 W low
beams, oncoming drivers don't get any more light than from other cars,
thanks to that cutoff.  I haven't been flashed once in over a year.  Did I
mention the high beams?

Installation is simple - just replace your standard lights with the H4 kit.
It takes me about 10 minutes a side.  Instructions are in your owner's
manual.  When the lights are off, you can't tell them from stock unless you
feel like reading the embossed name on the lens.  No holes to be drilled, no
wires to snake through the car, nothing else.  Some have wired in relays,
but I have found no need, and I've run the 100W high beams for 3 hours
straight in Northern Ontario.  You do have to make sure they are aligned
properly, though!!  Otherwise, you'll blind everyone you meet.  Tools
required are a Philips screwdriver and a wall to aim them at.  A tape
measure helps, too.  Again, instructions are included.

Price is about $100 US, I think - replacement (or higher power) bulbs are
about $15 US.  I have yet to burn one out.  The quality has been flawless,
and it couldn't get any easier.  Cheaper kits can be found at auto parts
stores (like Canadian Tire).  The cutoff comes from the bulb design, not the
reflector.  Many new cars use the same bulbs - a 93 Civic will take the same
bulbs without any sort of adapter.  Guess where my 80/100's went :)

So our family stable includes Baby (90/130W), Jelly (80/100W), VW Passat
(55/100W) and a bicycle with a soon to be installed 50W halogen.  Hey - it
gets dark at about 4:45 here now!

Keith and Baby, who goes topless when it gets above freezing (maybe in March).
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