[Z06] Headlights stink!!!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Headlights stink!!!
I have an 03 Z-Anybody ever upgraded the headlight bulbs??? I think they're terrible, coming off my BMW330CI's Zenons. How do you change the bulbs? Could use instructions! Thanks! :hurray:
[Modified by Dr.Ron, 4:08 AM 7/10/2003]
[Modified by Dr.Ron, 4:08 AM 7/10/2003]
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Daphne AL
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
Hi Dr. Ron :seeya
As for just bulbs, I use Xenon replacements in my Stealth (same type of bulb) and in my last C5. There is also the H.I.D. upgrade, I think its for the low beams only but Im not sure. If you want a full-on replacement/upgrade you could go with the export housings, harness, and 90/135 watt H4 bulbs. Which is what I went with and absolutely love them! 90W Low beams are brighter than stock high beams, and the 135W high beams are like the sun in a bottle. :yesnod:
I hope this helps! If you want I can email you the links to different sites with these. But Im pretty sure the forum's mall and/or supporting vendors sells these upgrades!
Happy cruising! :steering:
Mongoos
As for just bulbs, I use Xenon replacements in my Stealth (same type of bulb) and in my last C5. There is also the H.I.D. upgrade, I think its for the low beams only but Im not sure. If you want a full-on replacement/upgrade you could go with the export housings, harness, and 90/135 watt H4 bulbs. Which is what I went with and absolutely love them! 90W Low beams are brighter than stock high beams, and the 135W high beams are like the sun in a bottle. :yesnod:
I hope this helps! If you want I can email you the links to different sites with these. But Im pretty sure the forum's mall and/or supporting vendors sells these upgrades!
Happy cruising! :steering:
Mongoos
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Gardiner)
I just did the PIAA addition and I can tell you this. It doesn't help much at all.
You get more light in the 0-30 range in front of the car but beyond the 30" mark you are SOL.
You get more light in the 0-30 range in front of the car but beyond the 30" mark you are SOL.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,596
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Z06ufgrad2002)
I just did the PIAA addition and I can tell you this. It doesn't help much at all.
You get more light in the 0-30 range in front of the car but beyond the 30" mark you are SOL.
You get more light in the 0-30 range in front of the car but beyond the 30" mark you are SOL.
I checked with one of the local guys who has the PIAAs with the vararam, He used the brackets as normal and everything is fine.
I may run into him this w/e. I will try and get some pics of how his are installed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: Headlights stink!!!
Keep this in mind, while you may love the brighter bulbs oncoming drivers hate them. I know I do! I can't stand how overly bright those things are as I drive towards them.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Shylor)
I have the Provision Xenons
Plan on adding the PIAA 1100x driving lights next.
You may also want to check into the CATZ HID system since you are used to that from the bimmer.
all the things I mentioned are obtainable from http://www.tlelectronics.com :thumbs:
Plan on adding the PIAA 1100x driving lights next.
You may also want to check into the CATZ HID system since you are used to that from the bimmer.
all the things I mentioned are obtainable from http://www.tlelectronics.com :thumbs:
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,596
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Shylor)
Keep this in mind, while you may love the brighter bulbs oncoming drivers hate them. I know I do! I can't stand how overly bright those things are as I drive towards them.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Fuel for the Fire
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
I put the 9006 80 watt, blue coated Hyper-White bulbs in every car I own.
I get them at West Coast Corvette, because theirs are a true blue white 4000 Kelvin beam. I got some Hi Intensity Blue's at Mid America that were disappointing.
I usually aim the drivers side about 75-100 feet downrange and middle lane to keep from blinding oncoming traffic, and the passenger side about 125. No one ever flashes their hi-beams, so it must be okay...
:chevy
I get them at West Coast Corvette, because theirs are a true blue white 4000 Kelvin beam. I got some Hi Intensity Blue's at Mid America that were disappointing.
I usually aim the drivers side about 75-100 feet downrange and middle lane to keep from blinding oncoming traffic, and the passenger side about 125. No one ever flashes their hi-beams, so it must be okay...
:chevy
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 14,697
Likes: 584
From: Sioux Falls SD
Re: Headlights stink!!! (ACELRNT)
I put the 9006 80 watt, blue coated Hyper-White bulbs in every car I own.
I get them at West Coast Corvette, because theirs are a true blue white 4000 Kelvin beam. I got some Hi Intensity Blue's at Mid America that were disappointing.
I usually aim the drivers side about 75-100 feet downrange and middle lane to keep from blinding oncoming traffic, and the passenger side about 125. No one ever flashes their hi-beams, so it must be okay...
:chevy
I get them at West Coast Corvette, because theirs are a true blue white 4000 Kelvin beam. I got some Hi Intensity Blue's at Mid America that were disappointing.
I usually aim the drivers side about 75-100 feet downrange and middle lane to keep from blinding oncoming traffic, and the passenger side about 125. No one ever flashes their hi-beams, so it must be okay...
:chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Re: Headlights stink!!!
I just did the PIAA addition and I can tell you this. It doesn't help much at all.
You get more light in the 0-30 range in front of the car but beyond the 30" mark you are SOL.
You get more light in the 0-30 range in front of the car but beyond the 30" mark you are SOL.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=388966
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Re: Headlights stink!!! (alexWS6)
Hey Alex,the zenons you have,do you have to just change bulbs or the entire headlight itself?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: SAVANNAH GA
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
I have four sets of aftermarket HID's. Navigator head and fog lights and GTS head and fog lights. You are going to replace the bulb wit hte new hid bulb. That then attaches to a ballest box and a started that you will hide somewhere behind the headlight housing. So to answer your question no you do not have to replace the housing. BTW as soon as the z gets here I plan to put HIDs in those head and fog lights as well. There's nothing quite like a true HID conversions. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 6
From: redlands,ca.-usa
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
In the long run changing out to the European C5 lights with 100watt bulbs is the best you can do.Is a simple bolt in /plug and play operation BUT you still are saddle with the poor headlight adjustment system,you can only change elevation/direction for both high and low beam as a unit-not individually.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
Hey Alex,the zenons you have,do you have to just change bulbs or the entire headlight itself?
just the bulbs themselves. everyone says the euro lenses in addition help focus the light more, i may get around to adding those later. but as of now the bulbs are doin just great
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,035
Likes: 117
From: Sands Township, Marquette County, Michigan
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
I agree, they aren't very good. the rplacement is very simple and well explained in the manual. It took about 15 minutes to do both. Simply putting in brighter bulbs really doesn't do the job. :(
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Re: Headlights stink!!! (ACELRNT)
I just put in the 9000 80W hyper white bulbs & went for a brief test drive. Not sure if they made THAT much of a difference....or maybe my eyes just hadn't adjusted to the night time lighting yet.Maybe I need to reaim the headlights a little??? Any input would be appreciated!!! :steering: Also,are the gold,star shaped bolts what I turn for the aiming adjustments??? :flag
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 722
Likes: 342
From: Vancouver British Columbia
Re: Headlights stink!!! (Dr.Ron)
I agree, the stock lights are pathetic. The polycarbonate lenses have terrible dispursion properties and the bulbs are woefully inadequate. In addition, the problem is exaggerated with such a low car and sight line to the lighted area.
I went with the Euro lenses (glass), 10 guage wiring upgrade and 100/140 watt H4 bulbs. Lighting is now acceptable, but still nowhere near as effective as German factory zenons.
Jacob
I went with the Euro lenses (glass), 10 guage wiring upgrade and 100/140 watt H4 bulbs. Lighting is now acceptable, but still nowhere near as effective as German factory zenons.
Jacob