Do you have to aim new headlights?

[Natty]

My drivers side low beam is out on my S13 fastback. If I go ahead and upgrade to the PDM Bosch H4 kit, would I have to reaim them? How hard is it and are there any insturctions? Do I need to upgrade wiring?

While I am at it, are 55/60 bulbs that come with the kit still better than stock sealed beams? How much would a single stock sleaed beam replacement go for?

Thanks!
Jeff

[mrmephistopheles]

it's always best to re-aim when you install a new set. it's REALLY easy, and there are directions in your owner's manual. As far as the rest, do a search. Your answers will come right to you.

[uiuc240]

Yep. Gotta aim 'em. It's easy though. After you get them installed, wait until dusk, and go drive to a super-flat surface with a wall in front of it. Often times, the back of a large grocery store or something similar will work well. Use the adjusters to aim them properly. To do that, you'll need a tape measure. First, measure the distance from the ground to the middle of the headlight. Then, measure the distance from the headlight to the wall (it should ideally be 25').

If the car is on level ground, and it's 25' from the wall, you should aim the headlights to the beam is 2.1" LOWER than the center spot of the headlight bulb itself. Does that make sense? This is for E-code headlamps. If you're not 25' away, you'll need to figure out the trigonometry for that.

If you want more info (no sense in typing it)...go here:

http://www.midstatedmc.com/tech/aim.htm

I just Googled and found it...good site. Most importantly, though, is to GO DRIVE AND CHECK. If the aim is low or high or off to the right or left, fix it. It's easy. When you get it right, you'll know because it just looks NICE. Those Bosch lights rock the party. And yes, the standard Hella bulbs that Don ships with the kit are really nice. About 32495876 times better than stock sealed beams (which can be had for about $7 each). Nice thing about the H4 conversion is that now you have so many bulb options. Get them.

Eric