avigar

I wanted to make this a poll so I closed my other discussion thread. Everyone knows that the C5's factory headlights are lacking in brightness. I'm wondering what you've done to try to improve them. How many of you are still using your stock headlights vs. aftermarket ones? For the ones still on stock, which bulbs are you using now to try to get a brighter output? The ones with after aftermarket setups, let us know which ones you're on and if you're satisfied with the end results.

knewblewkorvette

Still using the stock headlight bulbs on my 02 but upgraded my driving lights to PIAA's. They are bright enough I really don't need headlights at dusk.
Not sure what headlights are in my 99 as I'm not the original owner but I'm guessing stock lights.

acuevo

I really wanted to go with the ACA projectors with HID lights but after seeing some of the headache stories about the finicky electrical issues that can accompany them i decided against it. I plan on installing HIR bulbs soon in the stock housings. I'm sure someone will chime in with more info on them as I'm not terribly familiar with them yet. Supposedly they are close to the brightness of HID but without the coloring of the light.

Tsumi

HIR bulbs are the simplest and most cost effective upgrade. The color temperature will be slightly higher, I believe they're around the 4200k range.

I went with FX-R 3.0s retrofitted into ACA housings, what an adventure that was. Love the output with 5500k TRS bulbs and 50 watt ballasts (brings color temperature to the 4500-4800k range). I did have to wire up a custom relay setup to make the HCM behave properly though, but it allowed me to do a high-4 setup while not interfering with any of the factory functions.

MAC5

Installed Radioflyer's Non bi-xenon ACA headlights with 4300k Hid's, and 55watt ballasts. Also installed RF's HID fogs and switchback LED DRL's and clear corner lights, plus hyperflash harness back in late 2013. No headlamp operation problems.

beboggled

I did the same thing as him. Custom FXR retrofit in ACA housings. Enormous upgrade. Frankly anything else is last century and a safety issue.

Choreo

I installed the Speedbuilt Euro Headlight Upgrade over 10 years ago. I run the High Wattage 135/90 H4 bulbs.

Purchased here: http://www.pfyc.com/VT1003.html

Totally satisfied. Glass & Metal housing and lenses used in Euro C5s - not plastic like in U.S. Also lenses have beam focus to avoid bothering oncoming traffic.

avigar

Looks like most of us are opting to stay with the same factory setup. I'll have to look into the HIR bulbs as the least costly option for now. Are there specific catalog numbers and brands recommended for both the HIR high and low lamps? How much extra heat and wattage will these produce? Will the factory wiring and fuse capacity be sufficient to properly allow the upgrades?

Tsumi

Philips HIR 9011 and 9012 are the only ones to use. There is no extra heat or wattage with these bulbs.

BigBossMY03Z

Stockers for me, I'll look into brighter options when one of them burns out. I try not to drive at night too much, but honestly the output is ok. I don't drive down many roads that have no lighting, but if I did I would probably upgrade sooner. The aftermarket options do look nice, but not sure how willing I'd be to take on such a project and expense considering how infrequently I am driving it at night.

Rob 02

I cant see $#!+ with the stock headlights.
The ACA projector lenses provide adequate light.

avigar

Which ones are high and low lamps? Will the electrical connectors be plug n play as well? Any modding on the mounting tabs be required on the HIRs to make them fit into the factory housing? Sorry for all the questions. I just need to make sure before I order them online. Thanks!

Tsumi

9011 are highs and replace 9005, 9012 are lows and replace 9006. Connectors are plug and play. Trimming of the tabs on the HIR bulbs are required, plenty of images online with a google search, or just compare to the stock bulbs and trim as required.

Vetteman Jack

Still on my factory lights and bulbs. Maybe someday will get around to upgrading the lights.

grantv

Now that it's dark in the morning on my drive to work I'd maybe consider getting something like the Philips HIR 9012, but the drive is well lit streets. Coming home is 3:30, nice and light. Car will be off the road soon... nah, stock bulbs for now. Maybe a winter job.

chasboy

I ended up with HIR’s in both my C5’s. I tried a couple of HID’S and they were not worth the work. I have not tried LED’s, from what I’ve read, results are too anecdotal.
I must have mine aimed poorly, because I easily overdrive the low beams, and highs are sort of equivalent to the lows on my other cars.

acuevo

I'm having trouble finding these... I see them on amazon but it says they're standard brightness and just looks like a regular halogen. I thought the HIRs actually looked different. Or are the ones on amazon correct?

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-9011-Standard-Replacement-Headlight/dp/B00480J5CW

Tsumi

HIRs look mostly the same as regular bulbs. Those should be the right ones.

acuevo

Great, thanks!

Stephen Meredith

put the 9006 led low beams out of my camaro into the vette the day i got it. got a good deal on the projector headlights in chrome (ugh) for $130. They come with H11 low beams and will be here tomorrow.

I will probably put led's in them too