Sylvania SilverStar bulbs
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo Grove IL
They are just OK. I had them for a couple of years and didn't notice much if any improvement over stock. I now have a HID set that I just got in 2 weeks before the car got put away for the winter. So far, they are just great.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: Bay City Texas
Never had the HID but the Silverstar Ultra's are a good bit brighter and cast a white light. I started off with just the low beams and liked them well enough to get the highs as well. I've had them for a while now and haven't had any problems.
You might want to take a look at Sylvania's website. They have a light for light comparison although HID are not included. Might give you a better idea of what to expect.
One thing of interest is that after the swap, I found that my headlights were doing a wonderful job of lighting up the ditch. I never noticed that before. The "hot spot" is easier to see (and is kinda weird shaped). Anyway, I spent some time aiming the lights.
Please take this with a grain of salt since it is subjective and your mileage may vary.
You might want to take a look at Sylvania's website. They have a light for light comparison although HID are not included. Might give you a better idea of what to expect.
One thing of interest is that after the swap, I found that my headlights were doing a wonderful job of lighting up the ditch. I never noticed that before. The "hot spot" is easier to see (and is kinda weird shaped). Anyway, I spent some time aiming the lights.
Please take this with a grain of salt since it is subjective and your mileage may vary.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 2
From: Chicago-NW Burbs Illinois
Anything is better then stock. I wouldn't waste my time with aftermarket bulbs as you'll only see a slight inprovement. Best bang for the money would be some HID lighting. I myself am going with HID next month. You should check out this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1899176
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1899176
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
If you are staying with stock lighting, the best bulbs I have ever used were the Phillips Vision Plus. They are a step up from the Silverstars. Very clean, sharp, white light (no crappy blue)... as good as a halogen gets IMO. No halogen compares to a HID. And no HID bulb swap compares to a true HID (projectors). It just depends on how much you want to spend... there is a huge price gap between HID bulbs and HID projectors.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1
From: Chino California
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Anything is better then stock. I wouldn't waste my time with aftermarket bulbs as you'll only see a slight inprovement. Best bang for the money would be some HID lighting. I myself am going with HID next month. You should check out this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1899176
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1899176
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
I also did the high beam mod AND added a transformer to keep all 4 lights on when I go to highs - it'll light up a ballfield.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Silverstars are moderatly better than stock, but IMO are still dangerous for night driving.
HIDs have far more output but in the stock reflector housings have horrible hot spots and glare esleciappy if you get the 5000K capsules. I'd go 4500 or 6000 otherwise your eyes will hurt after driving at night.
What you might consider is replaceing your fog bulbs with HIDs. this will give you a Nice sharp cutoff and eleminate the need for headlights all together.
HIDs have far more output but in the stock reflector housings have horrible hot spots and glare esleciappy if you get the 5000K capsules. I'd go 4500 or 6000 otherwise your eyes will hurt after driving at night.
What you might consider is replaceing your fog bulbs with HIDs. this will give you a Nice sharp cutoff and eleminate the need for headlights all together.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
I've been reading about the Halogen Infrared Reflecting bulbs, like the ones used in the viper.
They can be used to replace 9005 & 9006 bulbs with minor trimming. They seem to be quite a step up from stock and a lot cheaper (approx. $30/bulb) than a HID conversion.
Not convinced enough to try them yet.....
They can be used to replace 9005 & 9006 bulbs with minor trimming. They seem to be quite a step up from stock and a lot cheaper (approx. $30/bulb) than a HID conversion.
Not convinced enough to try them yet.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 13
From: Kinston North Carolina
Hir
I've been reading about the Halogen Infrared Reflecting bulbs, like the ones used in the viper.
They can be used to replace 9005 & 9006 bulbs with minor trimming. They seem to be quite a step up from stock and a lot cheaper (approx. $30/bulb) than a HID conversion.
Not convinced enough to try them yet.....
They can be used to replace 9005 & 9006 bulbs with minor trimming. They seem to be quite a step up from stock and a lot cheaper (approx. $30/bulb) than a HID conversion.
Not convinced enough to try them yet.....
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
If you were going to replace all 4 bulbs with HIRs, HIDs are about the same price. (no trimming required.....unless you want to build your own custom projectors like me 
)
)
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1
From: Chino California
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Bartlett Illinois
Thanks!
Sounds like the major consensus is to go HID. Will probably wait and save up for them. Saw that thread with the offer as well for $229 and sounds tempting. Thanks to all for their inputs!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I have been running a higher wattage "blue" bulb in my Trailblazer and Vette for the past 4 years. Not heat issues, nothing. Brighter and more white light.
Purchased them on Fleabay for $5 a set, shipped.
The Sylvania's are just a retail mark up, IMHO.
Purchased them on Fleabay for $5 a set, shipped.
The Sylvania's are just a retail mark up, IMHO.
