New Headlights!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
New Headlights!!
Ok I'm wanting to upgrade to some really really bright headlights for the Vette. What type bulb will I need that is compatible with my car that I will need? I dont want to modify it, just fit in there like factory. What bulbs should I buy ? 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Silverstars are cheaper than Hellas and brighter than stock and made of glass
Hellas are made of plastic and hence lighter so less stress on the headlight motors and supposedly brighter.
I’m running Silverstars and they are fine for me. Both look stock and fit the same as OEM. GC
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,773
Likes: 1
From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
I put silverstars on mine about 3 weeks ago and I like them a lot. They are a whiter light and seem to be a lot brighter. Some people say they are heavy but they felt the same as the halogens that I took out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I drive at dark every day and needed something extra. First, I went with Sylvania Cool blues, silverstars and then went to Hella's. I purchased the 80/100's and they seem to do the trick. They are in plastic as apposed to glass for weight reduction/stress on headlight motors.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Warren, Michigan
I converted my Ducati bikes and my friends '71 Monte Carlo with the HID headlamp bulbs. the REAL ones w/ballasts . what a difference 
. I have HID lamps in my BMW and just got spoiled and thought I'd try them out on my other rides. the kits you buy are plug and play.the ballasts get plugged midway between your OEM harness and the new gas bulb. only thing that you would have to do is to upgrade your lamps to the kind with the bulb that is removable from the rear. I went w/ the Hella replacements. the HIDs also only use 35watts per side as compared to 55/65 watts like the OEMs. lots of choices
. I have HID lamps in my BMW and just got spoiled and thought I'd try them out on my other rides. the kits you buy are plug and play.the ballasts get plugged midway between your OEM harness and the new gas bulb. only thing that you would have to do is to upgrade your lamps to the kind with the bulb that is removable from the rear. I went w/ the Hella replacements. the HIDs also only use 35watts per side as compared to 55/65 watts like the OEMs. lots of choices
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
The Silverstars are the quick, easy choice. They don't last as long as regular lights, but are much easier/cheaper than the hids. They don't look as good as the hid, but bang for the buck is on their side to give a 1st try to.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washington
I went the Hella route with very high quality bright bulbs and the difference was dramatic. The stock headlights were quite poor.
I considered the HID's also, but the expense was high, and they were heavy, and somewhat involved to install.
I considered the HID's also, but the expense was high, and they were heavy, and somewhat involved to install.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I drive at dark every day and needed something extra. First, I went with Sylvania Cool blues, silverstars and then went to Hella's. I purchased the 80/100's and they seem to do the trick. They are in plastic as apposed to glass for weight reduction/stress on headlight motors.
6" x 8" Rectangular Vision Plus High-performance Halogen Seal Beam Headlight Part# ZX157018Y
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Warren, Michigan
expense
.. the kit was 149.00 next day aired.you can pay an extra 20.00 for the slim ballasts(about the size of a cigarette pack).you can also install the Sylvania Silverstar headlamps or you can buy the headlamps that have the replaceable bulbs, choices,choices 
The HID kit was just unplug the OEM harness and plug in the kit and mount the ballasts. the expense in the headlight choice is what made the difference: the cheaper plastic headlamps for approx 35-40 delivered or the Hella glass lamps around 80-90 bucks. seeing things lit up like daylight in the night is well worth it IMO. once I get over this xmas madness, I'll install the kit on mine and post them up
.. the kit was 149.00 next day aired.you can pay an extra 20.00 for the slim ballasts(about the size of a cigarette pack).you can also install the Sylvania Silverstar headlamps or you can buy the headlamps that have the replaceable bulbs, choices,choices The HID kit was just unplug the OEM harness and plug in the kit and mount the ballasts. the expense in the headlight choice is what made the difference: the cheaper plastic headlamps for approx 35-40 delivered or the Hella glass lamps around 80-90 bucks. seeing things lit up like daylight in the night is well worth it IMO. once I get over this xmas madness, I'll install the kit on mine and post them up
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washington
expense .. the kit was 149.00 next day aired.you can pay an extra 20.00 for the slim ballasts(about the size of a cigarette pack).you can also install the Sylvania Silverstar headlamps or you can buy the headlamps that have the replaceable bulbs, choices,choices The HID kit was just unplug the OEM harness and plug in the kit and mount the ballasts. the expense in the headlight choice is what made the difference: the cheaper plastic headlamps for approx 35-40 delivered or the Hella glass lamps around 80-90 bucks. seeing things lit up like daylight in the night is well worth it IMO. once I get over this xmas madness, I'll install the kit on mine and post them up
.. the kit was 149.00 next day aired.you can pay an extra 20.00 for the slim ballasts(about the size of a cigarette pack).you can also install the Sylvania Silverstar headlamps or you can buy the headlamps that have the replaceable bulbs, choices,choices The HID kit was just unplug the OEM harness and plug in the kit and mount the ballasts. the expense in the headlight choice is what made the difference: the cheaper plastic headlamps for approx 35-40 delivered or the Hella glass lamps around 80-90 bucks. seeing things lit up like daylight in the night is well worth it IMO. once I get over this xmas madness, I'll install the kit on mine and post them up 
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse Utah
Pricing is down quite a bit now on HIDs--$75 for a single beam conversion, $130ish for a dual beam conversion (based on an H4 light housing). I currently have Euro spec H4 glass housings with 80/90 beams. Much improved vision but I will eventually go to the HIDs.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Warren, Michigan
slim ballasts
here's a couple of pictures of the "slim" ballast to get an idea of the size. there is a close up and an away picture for guaging the size. it's on my Ducati, but the kit is the same, just times two(the silver square module)
(the silver square module)
Last edited by Harryscarlot; Jan 21, 2008 at 11:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
What about the Hella E specs what all is involved in this H4 light I would like to go this route, but can I just buy the H4 bulb and put it in my car or do I got to buy the lenses as well???
Found a deal on the Hella E spec's.
http://www.rallylights.com/hella/200mm.asp
Product ID: HL79567
Description: 79567 Hella 200mm Rectangular H4 Hi/Lo Beam Headlamp, E-Code, Replaces 6054 Sealed Beam, NO BULB included.
Each Price: $38.46
Pair(2) Total: $76.92
Standard Shipping $9.00
Grand Total: $85.92
You'll have to decide what H-4 bulb you want and purchase it separately.
If you really want some super, crazy bright white lights go for these.
MTEC Super White H4
Bulb Type: H4
Model: MT-447
Wattage (draw): 100/90
Wattage (output): 170/160
Color: Super White
Color Temp: 4750K
http://www.automotivelightingusa.com...roducts_id=929
Found a deal on the Hella E spec's.
http://www.rallylights.com/hella/200mm.asp
Product ID: HL79567
Description: 79567 Hella 200mm Rectangular H4 Hi/Lo Beam Headlamp, E-Code, Replaces 6054 Sealed Beam, NO BULB included.
Each Price: $38.46
Pair(2) Total: $76.92
Standard Shipping $9.00
Grand Total: $85.92
You'll have to decide what H-4 bulb you want and purchase it separately.
If you really want some super, crazy bright white lights go for these.
MTEC Super White H4
Bulb Type: H4
Model: MT-447
Wattage (draw): 100/90
Wattage (output): 170/160
Color: Super White
Color Temp: 4750K
http://www.automotivelightingusa.com...roducts_id=929
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
I recently bought the Hella E-Spec lenses from the link above and also, bought two 85/80 Osram clear Hyper H4 bulbs #CP64206.
The H4 bulbs are used in conjunction with the Hella lens. The only modification you have to make, is to cut out a 4-4 1/2 inch opening in the stock headlight adjustable mounting bracket seat in order for the larger rear of the Hella lens to fit through (you'll see what I mean when you try to fit the Hella lens in). I used an air cut off wheel but, a jigsaw would work just fine.
I chose the Osram 85/80 H4 bulbs because they work well with the stock wiring. The lighting with the Hella lens and Osram bulbs is Great! I re-aimed my headlights and now the reflective markers on the road really illuminate.
I too went the Silverstar route before but, was not satisfied. I decided to spend the extra money and do it right this time.
The H4 bulbs are used in conjunction with the Hella lens. The only modification you have to make, is to cut out a 4-4 1/2 inch opening in the stock headlight adjustable mounting bracket seat in order for the larger rear of the Hella lens to fit through (you'll see what I mean when you try to fit the Hella lens in). I used an air cut off wheel but, a jigsaw would work just fine.
I chose the Osram 85/80 H4 bulbs because they work well with the stock wiring. The lighting with the Hella lens and Osram bulbs is Great! I re-aimed my headlights and now the reflective markers on the road really illuminate.
I too went the Silverstar route before but, was not satisfied. I decided to spend the extra money and do it right this time.
Last edited by GKK; Dec 18, 2007 at 02:04 PM.