I am trying to find out a few things about the headlight bulbs. I am assuming the bulbs are replaceable vs. sealed beams, based on the fact that the bulbs in my car(previous owner) are very blue & seem to be not stock.

It looks like there are a pair of low beams & a pair of hi beams. Does anyone have the info on what type/specification is used, I always see some numbers & letters designations when it comes to this.

Lastly, I'm curious on brand/model recommendations for a good, bright, white light output at reasonable cost. If anyone has replaced theirs, with something better than stock, I'd like to know.

I just find these blue bulbs are not effective for my night vision. I guess I'll be selling the set after I swap them out, in case anyone is interested.

Thanks.

 

Sylvania SilverStars are great rreplacements - I think the bulbs are 9006 and 9005

 

These part numbers are correct.

There are 3 levels of changes that lots of members have tried:

(1) plug in a new different 9006 and 9005 bulb

(2) upgrade your housings to the glass-lens European housings (T84), which then work with a single H4 bulb that provides both low beam and high beam. If you do this, you have a choice of using your stock wiring harness with some type of adapter, or re-wiring your system with relays so that you get better (i.e., less loss) power directly from your alternator/battery.

(3) HID kits, which depending on which one, works with either (1) or (2).

Each has its pros/cons. I did the latter part of (2) and am happy with the result. Good luck.

 

The low beams use a 9006 also known as an HB4. The highs use a 9005. I'm a vendor on this site for headlight xenon conversion kits. Tinted halogen bulbs such as the silver stars are decent for what they are but are no where nearly as bright or showy as genuine xenon HIDs. HIDs also use less power then a halogen bulb, last much longer, and produce an output closer to the color of natural sunlight for dramatically improved visability. Please come visit our site www.BlingLights.com or email me at jason@blinglights.com to learn more about our products. thank you

 

Be careful - a lot of HID upgrade kits are being recalled...

NHTSA 43-04
Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Contact: Rae Tyson
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

NHTSA ILLEGAL LIGHTING CRACKDOWN CONTINUES
Continuing its crackdown against manufacturers and suppliers of illegal lighting equipment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced its decision that high intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits produced by a Texas company do not comply with federal safety standards.

The owner of ASTEX USA, a supplier of aftermarket HID kits, was ordered to conduct a recall campaign and provide a no-cost solution to the customer. The company is based in Dayton, TX. When installed in a motor vehicle, the HID kits "can be expected to produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists and others," NHTSA said in its decision.

To date, NHTSA has investigated 24 HID conversion kit suppliers; all investigations have resulted in recalls or termination of sales.

"These illegal lights are a potential hazard to those who share the road," said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge, MD. "And we will continue to pursue those offering them for sale and violating the law."

Companies that sell, import or manufacture non-compliant equipment could face substantial civil penalties, NHTSA said.

NHTSA Article on aftermarket HID kits

 

Thanks for all the info everyone. I wasn't considering any HID setups, mainly due to the higher cost & additional work installing. I guess I'm just going to replace the bulbs with a standard substitute.

I didn't realize the lenses were plastic, although I know that is the common material nowdays. I'm assuming the housing & lens is stock, but now I'm wondering. I just remember it said "Guide" on the front of the lenses. Does that sound like the stock setup?

 

I don't know about the word "Guide," but if you have two different bulbs and sockets for each light assembly, then they are most likely stock. (since the Euro glass ones, which are better in terms of light distrubution and cutoff, only have one bulb per assembly).

 

I just went with 100 watt bulbs and I am very happy. No problems and no overheating issues.

 

Last week I installed the T84 high wattage kit from PFYC and it made a tremendous difference in the light output over the stock lights. I guess the next step would be HID or projection lights. Someone on the forum is working on installing projection lights in his car and is planning on having them NHTSB approved. Again, the PFYC kit is great and Brian is great to work with. He answered all of my questions with a quick email.