[anavant]

Hey all. I apologize for a question concerning a well documented topic here, but I just wanted to clarify a question I have concerning headlight modification.

I am about to switch out the low beam bulbs on my 2001 LC as to have brighter beams. As suggested on earlier posts I purchased Sylvania 9005 bulbs.

There are several types though :

Standard : 3100 K ($20 a pair)
Silverstar :4000 K ($40 a pair)
Silverstar Ultra : 4100 K ($50 a pair)

I have read that some folks have put in the standard and some the Ultra. The Standard has a much longer life compared to the Ultra but obviously a good bit dimmer as well.

Any suggestions as which ones to go with ? Also, I have read the thread on how to modify the 9005 bulb to fit in the 9006 socket ( http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-c...light-mod.html ) but wonder if this is a permanent modification, meaning if I have issues and need to put the 9006 back in will it fit ?

Any suggestions are very much appreciated. I hope to start this job today as I have a long dark drive ahead of me tonight from NYC to VT !

[Hicaira]

The color temps do not denote brightness, just hue. Both Silverstars should have the same lumens so the choice between those is one of preference. The higher the kelvin temp, the "bluer" the light (and eventually purple if you keep going).

HID lights (factory OEM types) have a color temp in the 4200-4800K range, but 2 to 3 times the lumens of a halogen bulb.

The standard Sylvania bulb will be about the same as your OEM bulb BTW. Not much of an upgrade.

You can also look into PIAA ultrabright bulbs which are brighter than the silverstar but expect shorter bulb life. And more $$.

Altering a 9005 to fit a 9006 socket only alters the bulb base, not the socket. Waste of time in my opinion as you can get higher wattage 9006 if that is the goal.

Or, just swap out the halogens and put in a HID system. They can be had for well under $200 now. Be prepared to piss off other drivers though as the housing was not meant for that many lumens. You'll need to re-aim the headlight.

Hope that helps.

[Trunk Monkey]

Silverstar and the like are crap, all marketing. If you want truly brighter lights, put in HIR's or change the harness. Otherwise just get a good, normal bulb.

[anavant]

thanks for the feedback guys.

[2000UZJ]

I put silverstars in mine... and imediatley noticed the difference. My 8 year old bulbs were brighter than my new 50$ silverstars. I have not been impressed with Silverstar. They are really weak.

Hopefully somebody has had better experience.

[cruiser100]

Silverstar's suck. Go HIR, D2R HID set-up or a HID projector conversion if you want brighter. Otherwise, just stick with the halogens.

[bwbski26]

i went hir and didnt notice that much....