ZBrink

Just what my heading reads...What are some good strong opinions on bulbs that are truly brighter, whiter and give a better range? I'm not looking for the HID look a likes or those blue bulbs here. I truly want better vision from my bulbs. Anyone tried these?...Sylvania, PIAA, Philips or Osram (not to be mistaken for Osram-Sylvania). If so, which product line of these brands? Where to get the best prices?
Thanks!

fej

I have had stock, PIAA's and the 9011/9012 from Toshiba (I think that is where they are from). PIAA's were definitely more white in color but IMO the 9011's put out more total light and a better pattern.

Fej

Nick1

I like and have used succesfully the PIAA Ultra Whites! You don't have to get the higher wattage to get lots of brightness.

JMc

I just installed a set of four Toshiba HIR 5011's, replacing the Sylvania Silverstars which looked cool, but didn't give me enough light. The Toshibas are staying put. At $26.50 a bulb, they're a no brainer.

I decided to go with the HIR's rather than experiment with the new Sylvania Ultrastars

CMYC4GO

I'll probably get slammed for this, but I've always used the GE Performance Series bulbs, and sealed beams. They are 80% brighter/whiter than standard halogen. 95% of my driving is at night, both in my cars, and in my big rig. They have fantastic penetration, and cast a very wide beam. I've tried a bunch of different brands, and for my money, it's hard to beat good ol' american General Electric bulbs.

jdmvette

The HIR bulbs have the highest lumen output of the halogen bulbs.

lumens are what measures light output, not watts.


stock halogen 9006 low lumens = 1000
stock halogen 9005 high lumens = 1700

HIR X012 replacment for 9006 lumens = 1700
HIR X011 replacement for 9005 lumens = 2300

ACA full HID replacement low lumens = 3200
ACA full HID replacement HIR high lumens = 2300

RocketDawg

I've got Sylvania Silverstars (not the new Ultras), and they're a little better than stock, but not a lot. The light is a bit whiter on high beam, and the low beams have a greenish tint to them. That takes some getting used to.

JMc

Okay, here are some shots I took tonight of the Toshiba HIR's. I'm very pleased with them, but you can draw your own conclusions. When I installed the Silverstars, I had to realign my pattern because the Silverstars were shooting too low. Now, I need to realign again because these were too high (aka normal). The beam pattern isn't great yet, but it should give you a pretty good idea of the kind of light these things throw down the road.

The color balance is screwed up on the first few pics, because we have those yellow sodium street lights around here and it threw the white balance for the camera all out of whack. So the beam in the first few pics appears more yellow than they really look. Enjoy.

Here's how they look from the front. I'm starting with this picture because it's my favorite and I think it looks cooler than hell. I also just noticed something new in this pic. Note how the LED Halos light up the rear reflectors and license tag of the car parked way in the heck down the street on the right side of the picture!!


This is low beam (as mentioned above, the color is innacurate due to the overhead street lighting where the car is parked)



This is high beam. Frankly, not a whole lot of difference. Like I said, these still need proper adjusting.



Driving down the street, now in low beam. More realistic views of how the lights actually perform. Hmmmm. Not bad!







The ubiquitous garage door shots. These are low beam.



These are high beam.


These things are gonna be dangerous once I get them properly dialed in.

One more glam shot for the road.



Let me know what you think.

edved

I'm contemplating a change as well, but can't decide between these two, PIAA Platinum Super White Bulbs or Sylvania Silverstar Bulbs. The difference between the two is nearly $30.00. Though I'm not all that concerned about the cost, I simply want the best bulb between the two.

Any thoughts?

jdmvette

they're both halogen bulbs that are rated at 1000 lumens if they're a 9006. you won't see any actual difference in light output.

go with the HIR bulbs as posted above if you want to actually get more light output.

Vetteman Jack

Those HIR bulbs sure put out the light. Impressive shots.

JMc

Thanks, JD. I finally feel like I'm "finished" looking for headlight improvements for now. Sure, HID's would be marvelous, and the price seems to be dropping to tempting levels for me, but for now, I'm very content with the light output of these things.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

IDM

I think Euro headlights would put out more light than the HIR bulbs no?

RDVT4ME

Those HIR's are amazing. Let us know how it goes.....if you get flashed by oncoming traffic.

I'm wondering if the stock wiring is OK for these lights.

jdgun_0013

Holy Crap, one of them bulbs would put my low beams and foglights to shame...
But i am installing my Piaa foglights tomorrow and will be doing some HID's, to alleaviate any more sucky lighting issues..

LV Vette

Where can I get the HIRs ? Also what numbers for high and low beams? Also can you do something like the regular high beam mod on these also for better low beam light?

Thanks,

Clayton from Las Vegas

JMc

Stock wires are definitely fine for the HIR's. They don't draw any more current nor create any more heat than stock bulbs, from what I understand.

They cost $26.50 each and were purchased through an auction site. Just search "Toshiba HIR". The vendor will ship up to four bulbs for a flat cost of $5.

9012's are the equivalent of 9006 low beams.
9011's are the equivalent to 9005 high beams.

I went with four 9011's and modded the bulb bases the same as you do with the Silverstar high beam bulb in low beam socket mod.

Here's a very interesting read about the various types of bulbs out there:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=954736

jacks996

I just ordered mine and I am putting in PIAA fog lights as well. thanks for the info

PA Z06

Im gonna order some too
Thanks Guys

JMc

I don't know why anyone would slam you for having good results! The HIR bulbs with their infra-red reflective technology, BTW, were developed by none other than GE in the year 2000 from what I have read. Toshiba was officially licensed to manufacture them. So in essence, HIR bulbs really are GE bulbs also, in a manner of speaking. GE stopped producing them a few years ago, so if you want HIR, Toshiba is pretty much the only game in town, now.