MSR Headlamps question

[JonnyRock]

I just got a pair of H-4 Multi-Surface Reflector headlamps, and I'd like to know if anyone else has used this style. They're non DOT approved, and I just want to know if I can get away with running them on the street, or if they are a hazard to oncoming traffic, etc.

[beandip]

Jon, I can't tell about your specific lights . I am running H-4 also, I know my bulbs are too hot for legal street use. However I have been running them for almost 3 years with no problem. I think mostly it's because the pattern of light they throw. On low beam the light is extremely bright up to just over hood level . Then there is a ''line'' so that above this level I don't blind the on coming traffic. I am running 90/100 bulbs. One thing about using H4s , if you don't upgrade the wiring you WILL destroy the combo switch and the fuse block. Do this up grade as it takes the load off the OEM wiring and the switch only handles about 5 amps. One of our members makes a harness that is a direct plug and play and it is a great unit. Gary

[DaveN]

Jon,

Under most conditions well made and correctly aimed H-4 headlights send less light toward an oncoming driver's eyes than sealed beams (and most late model high tech headlights). They're brighter than sealed beams when something -- heavy load, cresting a hill, etc. -- raises the low beam cutoff above an oncoming driver's eye level, but even then the street spec 55/60w bulbs aren't as bad as most late model (and legal) HID headlights. The reflector and lens design controls the light distribution, so unless someone can share experience with the the exact make and model you have you'll just have to mount and try them to see how yours will perform.

You can use 55/60 bulbs with original Z wiring in good condition, but it's marginal -- fuses will run a bit hot even when new, can generate enough heat to melt the fuse box when their fusible strips begin to deteriorate. The upgrade harness mentioned above will fix that and increase light output. Don't even try 80/100w H-4's bulbs with stock wiring.

I've used nothing but Cibie H-4's on my Z's since '72 (with the standard 55/60w bulbs, never the off road 80/100w version). Never had a problem from law enforcement. State safety inspectors sometimes claimed the H-4's weren't aimed properly, but usually relented when pointing the lights at a wall proved that aim testers designed for US sealed beams weren't accurate with H-4's. (The H-4 lights didn't have mounting points for the testers molded into their lenses.) The most I ever had to do was re-aim them after an inspector insisted on adjusting the aim until his machine said they were right.

It may have helped that European spec H-4's were always legal for police and emergency vehicles (including the president's limos, which used them) and that a published California highway patrol test report (ca. 1980)recommended they be made legal AND MANDATORY for all cars registered there because their performance was much better than any sealed beam headlight.

[JonnyRock]

Thanks guys, and don't worry, I've already contacted Dave about the Headlight Upgrade Harness.

I know quite a few people run H-4's with no problem, but I was wondering if the MSR will be a problem. Looks like i'll just have to try 'em out :eek:

[Arne]

If you can get away with running normal (refractive lens) H4s where you are, you should probably have no problems with the MSRs. They are visually obvious as non-stock, but in function they are about the same as a refractive H4.

A properly designed and engineered MSR should be able to be a small improvement over a refractive H4 of similar quality. However, in my experience, a premium refractive light (Cibie, Hella, IPF, etc.) will out-perform most MSRs. The MSRs available today were designed primarily for visual effect, not for best output. The clear lens has a distinctive and striking appearance, and that seems to be to design goal of all the MSRs I've encountered so far.

So in short, if the best lighting is the goal, I'd go with Hella or Cibie H4s rather than MSRs.

[Exdamyankee]

I'm running Autopal MSR H4 lights with standard wattage bulbs on my stock 260Z headlight harness. John at h4lights.com assures me there is no more current draw with this setup than with sealed beams, and so far I notice no great amount of heat from the fuses or any other indication that anything is amiss.

The MSRs light output is excellent and the low beams when aimed properly put the beams in the right spot and are no hazard to oncoming traffic. The high beams are brutal, more like pencil beam driving lights and definitely blinding should you be coming at them, remember to dip the lights and you'll have no issues.

I'm very happy with the service I got from John at h4lights.com, he's a z-guy and knows his stuff. I can definitely recommend the Autopal units, they're fine lights!

[JonnyRock]

Thanks guys. And Exdamyankee; the MSR's I got from MSA are Autopal so it's good to know you're satisfied.