1998 NB headlight upgrade

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2005
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Grant
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1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Grant » Sat May 21, 2005 6:57 am

I would like to improve the performance of my 1998 NB headlights. After
converting my 1992 NA lights to Hellas some time ago, the standard NB lights
performance is not as good. They are much better after careful adjustment
though (don't know how they got a WOF the way they were!). I assume the only
upgrade I can do is replace the bulbs with higher performance ones such as
Narva plus 50 or similar. I would prefer to keep the power rating standard
as I am not too happy with the extra heat generated by higher powered bulbs
possibly damaging the plastic assembly.
Anyone done this?

Grant.
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EricW
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1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by EricW » Sat May 21, 2005 1:34 pm

I have also been contemplating upgrading the lights, on my 94 NA . I know
that this is a pretty quick fix, using readily available bits, from Repco I
think.

But I am blowed if I can find the email on the list that lays out how you do
it! I don't remember whether the best solution was fully sealed Quartz
Halogen replacement lights, semi sealed replacement bulbs or what.

Can somebody refresh my memory, with a part number or two if possible.

Thanks

Eric

Grant
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1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Grant » Sat May 21, 2005 1:51 pm

I used Hella 7" replacement headlights that take H4 style halogen bulbs.
Compared to the original 7" lights they are a worthwhile upgrade. At the
time they cost me about $170.00 including a pair of high output bulbs, if I
remember correctly.
The Hellas are available with or without the small park bulb. They were
cheaper with the fitting for the park bulbs but I didn't use them.
To replace is a very simple operation. Just raise the lights, remove the
black plastic sides of the fittings, remove the locating ring around the
light. Unplug the cable from the original light and plug it onto your new
ones. Fit the new light and lock it in place with the retaining ring. No
modification required as the lights are a standard design. Replace the
plastic cover and that's it. Check the headlight alignment (especially
important on dip) and enjoy greater visibility than you had before.
Other manufacturers make replacement headlights and some are somewhat
cheaper. The Hellas are well made with a high quality reflector and glass
making it well worth paying the extra for in my opinion.
I can't remember the part number of the Hellas but any good supplier should
have them.
Grant.
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Simon Lord
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Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2006 1:09 pm
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1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Simon Lord » Sat May 21, 2005 2:55 pm

I did this - it really is as easy as Grant suggests and it does make a big
difference.

Simon
97 SR Ltd (sparkle green)
Email: simon@franchise.co.nz

Michael & Kate Cooper

1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Michael & Kate Cooper » Sat May 21, 2005 4:05 pm

Hi Eric

We had these two list e-mails saved in our "car stuff" file. They may
help...

Number One:

You can get a new one (sealed bulb) from Repco for probably about $25 to
$30. Teel them you want the "sealed beam". They are a common size that fits
many cars and should be in stock. Time to change one is 10mins. If you are
on the shore I can do it for you.

A thought. If you do any night driving on the open road, I would suggest
this is a good time to upgrade your lights. Many of us have changed them to
what's called semi-sealed. This costs about $105- all up and you get halogen
bulbs which are about 100% brighter. From Repco the semi sealed beams are
(part No. 7019ss) $73.98 (a pair) and then you need to buy a pair of halogen
bulbs for $30 ish. Personally I hated the dim MX5 lights at night, and this
is a must really an awesome improvement, but if you don't do night driving
much or wanna save the $$$ go with option A and get the sealed beam.


Number Two:

Below is a copy of the information from Hella:
There are two semi sealed inserts that you can use.

1/ Without the front position park globe holder part number 1056
Recommended retail $70.40 each +GST,
it also comes in a kit form Part number 5604 Recommended retail
$150.70 +GST which includes
the two bulbs, but they are not cool blue.

2/ With the front position globe holder Part number 1058 Recommended retail
$63.80 each +GST

3/ The cool blue bulbs are Part number XD1260/55CB Recommended retail
$23.98 each +GST


Hope this helps.

Kate

Penzance Kennels & Cattery


www.penzance.co.nz

Stuart & Chaanah Oliver

1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Stuart & Chaanah Oliver » Sat May 21, 2005 5:50 pm

Grant

I also have the same problem with my NB (note not discussing NA's) , have
heard 100/90 watt lamps do work but also don't want to risk it with the heat
problems and will kill your headlight relay faster. Hella +50's don't make
much difference as I am running them in my NB . Best option is to get some
headlights from Ross out of a 2001NB that have projector lamps in them and
they also look a bit better , best check that they fit though.

Stu

Grant
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1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Grant » Sat May 21, 2005 7:21 pm

I had wondered about the later projector ones. Might ask Ross what sort of
price and whether they would fit. I expect they are probably above my budget
though! I like the look of them also.

Grant.
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MX5PWR
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1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by MX5PWR » Sat May 21, 2005 10:02 pm

Hi, The Series 2.5 NB has different shape head lights - will not fit in 98
model.

Nigel

Grant
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Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 175
Joined: Thu May 18, 2006 9:41 pm
Location: Sunny Blenheim

1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Grant » Sun May 22, 2005 8:21 am

That solves that problem then!
Looks like I had better try some Hella plus 50's then as the only option
available. Interesting how Stu found they made very little difference while
Jeff says the plus 30's did make a difference.
I'll get some and report back once I've installed them.

Grant.
Red 2006 NC Tiptronic
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Graeme H

1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Graeme H » Sun May 22, 2005 9:56 am

I know a fella who put bigger, brighter bulbs in his NB (don't ask me what size) and he did manage to melt all of the inside of his lights. He part exchanged the car not too long after that to a mazda dealer. I was talking to the same salesman about 6 months later, and he was still mad about the cost of replacing 2 lights so he could sell the car on.
Have a look on the miatanetforum for info on alternative bulbs.
Oh yeah, and everyone is correct, the projector lights are a different shape.

From: "The Simpsons" <grant@simtronics.co.nz>
Date: 2005/05/21 Sat PM 07:21:00 GMT+12:00
To: "MX5List" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: 1998 NB headlight upgrade

I had wondered about the later projector ones. Might ask Ross what sort of
price and whether they would fit. I expect they are probably above my budget
though! I like the look of them also.

Grant.
http://miata.cardomain.com/id/britracinggreen

Phil

1998 NB headlight upgrade

Post by Phil » Sun May 22, 2005 10:32 am

As I understand it, the lights on our cars (indeed most modern cars) can
only handle 55w bulbs because of the plastic lenses. If they were glass,
then we could fit 100w. I assume that the guy mentioned below stuffed 100w
into standard headlights and wrecked them.

The earlier model pop-up lights use a 7" light which should be available as
a semi-sealed glass lens unit so an upgrade to 100w would be possible.


Regards,
Phil

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