Upgrading Headlamps

[fbachman]

I have found H11 Halogens @ 80 watts (low beams) --- stock is 55 watt

 

There are also 9005 s available @ 100 Watts (high beams)

 

Will going with higher wattage bulbs generate sufficient additional heat to melt anything in the OEM headlamp assembly????

 

Anyone upgraded their stock bulbs? What's your experience? Any recommendations on brand?

 

Looks like one needs to be a contortionist to replace the bulbs. I'll have to let some air out of my hands to get to them.

[pchrist]

Don't put those lights in the higher wattage lights will eventually melt the connection of the bulb and the wire harness. That has been my expierence. Either go with the same wattage or go with HID!!!!

 

just my 2 cents

[cbxeric]

Go H.I.D.

[pwall]

I ran the higher wattage bulbs for a number of years with no apparent problems.

However...one winter the 'electrical switch' in the steering column, that all the headlines seem to route to, blew. This left me with no headlights at all. Driving home at 10pm from the ski hill was not the greatest.

Not sure if running the higher wattage bulbs were the real cause, but I've moved to HID.

[ujtruck]

I have found H11 Halogens @ 80 watts (low beams) --- stock is 55 watt

 

There are also 9005 s available @ 100 Watts (high beams)

 

Will going with higher wattage bulbs generate sufficient additional heat to melt anything in the OEM headlamp assembly????

 

Anyone upgraded their stock bulbs? What's your experience? Any recommendations on brand?

 

Looks like one needs to be a contortionist to replace the bulbs. I'll have to let some air out of my hands to get to them.

 

 

don't install higher watts bulbs unless you want to see some fireworks in the engine bay , however if you willing to run higher gauge wires and extra realy then - go ahead. you can use your current head lamp wires to trigger the realy.

 

for me it not worth the hussle

[Rocco715]

Will HID's melt the caps infront of the bulbs inside of the headlight housing? talking about 8000-12000K

[anthony2558]

No. Actually if i'm not mistaken HID's produce less radiant heat then halogen's. Hids are a much safer alternitive then higher wattage bulds. That tend to just burn out faster and they still cant compare to the lumens output if HID.

[hubbycap]

Do you guys wear sunglasses at night or something? I've been extremely impressed with the output of the GMT900 head lights. Good coverage and plenty bright. I get an occasional flash from oncoming with mine on dim. Hmmm mebe they need alignment.

[fbachman]

Do you guys wear sunglasses at night or something?

 

 

No... I just wear my age all day.

 

My eyes don't seem to be what they used to be... especially when it comes to night vision, ESPECIALLY AT DUSK.

[hubbycap]

Do you guys wear sunglasses at night or something?

 

 

No... I just wear my age all day.

 

My eyes don't seem to be what they used to be... especially when it comes to night vision, ESPECIALLY AT DUSK.

 

 

Tell me about it Frank. I just upgraded my Walmart readers a notch. I guess the NBS lights are such an improvement over my old '95 1500 hazy lights I didn't know what I was missin.

[spartus]

A good upgrade would be some SilverStar bulbs, and a upgraded headlight harness. Bulbs = $40, and harness = $50....

[gregbj33]

maybe a dumb question, but if i decide to go silverstars in both heads ang fogs, which numbers do i need.

 

thanks!!

[iminaquagmire]

H11 for the lows, 9005 for the highs, and H3's IIRC for the fogs.

 

Advanced auto had Silverstar Ultras on sale so I decided to upgrade. Well their computer gave me the code for the highs in place of the lows so I installed those not even thinking about what I was doing. The are much nicer but pretty much useless for me as I never need my brights. I haven't replaced the lows yet. A friend just installed Hellas in his car today and I wasn't very impressed. They are supposed to be Xenon blue but were more white.

[jrrod2004]

Will HID's melt the caps infront of the bulbs inside of the headlight housing? talking about 8000-12000K

 

8000-12000K HIDs will produce even less light than what you currently are getting from stock. you want to stay in the range of 4300-6000K for the most light, anything past 6000K becomes darker and 12000K is nearly black on the light output, 4300K is what most OEMs parts are rated/engineered for.

[topdj]

Do you guys wear sunglasses at night or something? I've been extremely impressed with the output of the GMT900 head lights. Good coverage and plenty bright. I get an occasional flash from oncoming with mine on dim. Hmmm mebe they need alignment.

 

ya so far I been able to see well and after the RC level kit they are aimed a bit higher LOL