View Full Version : Everything I need to know about headlights.
Well I got paid today so I was thinking about gettin some xenon headlights. I've heard so many terms, xenons, HID, hyperwhite, what do all these mean? All I've deciphered is that there seems to be a real system for them, or you can just get bulbs that look like them.
That's what I want, just the white/blue looking lights. So what do I need, what brands are good, what size?
One last thing, I've also heard that some of these things need a lot more power than the stock headlights, is there any way around this, cause my lights already dim quite a bit when I have my stereo going so I don't think I should really strain my alternator any more than I am. Anyways, I know I must sound like a babbling idiot, but any info would be greatly sppreciated, thx.
JScullin
01-26-2003, 11:58 AM
Everyone say's PIAA's are the best bulb replacement. Both in light quality & longlevity, but you'll pay for this quality as the lights go for $80 a pair.
You can get a true HID conversion kit. Someone here did it and it cost a couple hundred but, you do get the true HID lights & quality lighting.
I've had good luck with cheapo bulbs from WalMart & Autozone. Anywhere from $10-20 for a set of ones w/a slight blue tint to a crisp white light (I prefer the white). Sylvania's make a set called SilverStars @ Autozone for $20 and they work really good. Those ones you see on Ebay suck. I had a set and one of the filiments broke after a few months.
caenus
01-26-2003, 12:42 PM
You get what you pay for. If you are happy spending $15/pair for decent bulbs that are white and not as bright go for it. Just expect to replace them every 6 months depending how lucky you are. I replaced all three pairs of headlights with some cheapo ones back in April. Within 2 days one of the low beams burned out and I got it replaced for free, about 2 months later one of the fogs burned out and they wouldn't replace them. So I bought some PIAAs (used) for my fogs. They look about the same when looking at the car, but seem a little brighter when inside. Once my lows burn out I'll replace them with new PIAAs, doubt I'll do anything to the high beams.
The HID conversion kit is really nice, but very expensive. Some people can justify that amount of money on bulbs but I can't. I think lilfiesty did it to her car, I've heard lots of good things about them (very very bright).
Oh and the PIAAs I have are Xtreme white
kilkenny
01-26-2003, 08:19 PM
i got a pair off a group buy from here, the name of the headlights were farenheight, ive had them for well over a year now and no problems, they are pretty bright and have hint of blue in them, they resemble those hid light but they are not as bright, but i enjoy them
Mity2
01-26-2003, 11:12 PM
i got Nokiya HID lights, and I've got nothing but good luck with them. And I think they were like $30/[ear
ok, the only thing I still need to know is what size do I need?
low beams and fog lights same size? I think I'll do both.
JScullin
01-27-2003, 10:24 AM
9006 for Low beams
9005 for High's.
caenus
01-27-2003, 12:13 PM
And Fogs are H3 if u have a 99/00. Not sure about 01/02 - I know one of their bulb sizes is different, I think its the fogs.
EdgeCat
01-27-2003, 04:52 PM
I know they're not the coolest or the brightest, but (*knock on wood*) I've had all bulbs but one factory fog light stay burning bright since I bought the car in May of '99. Like I said they may not be the cool blue color or super bright, but I think OEM is the reigning champion for longevity. :cool:
caenus
01-28-2003, 11:49 AM
They last longer cause they are made different. I believe the cheapos and other "aftermarket" bulbs burn brighter which causes them to die early. Normal stock lights probably will last 3-4 years.
ninco
01-28-2003, 06:48 PM
I am currently using the CATZ HID bulbs. I have had these bulbs for about 6 months now. Before these bulbs, I have a pair of PIAA Xtreme bulbs. I like them both, but the CATZ are a little brighter than the PIAAs. I have the PIAAs as a backup, in case the CATZ go out.
I visit a website called AutoBulb Depot (http://www.autobulbdepot.com). They have a large selection of bulbs.
I will say that I am a sucker for these lights, even more so when I had a chance to sit in a car with HID lights. A VERY VERY big difference than standard or HID bulbs.
I have noticed that CATZ now has a true HID kit for most cars, but the cost is in the neighborhood of $400 - $500 bucks. I have seriously considered using my tax refund for this, but that is a lot of money just for show and not for go.
well PIAA's are 100 watt compared to the stock 51W lights, are there any that are not significantly higher wattage? I really don't care about brightness as long as they are at least as bright as stock.
I had PIAA's in mine and loved them, have my headlight covers on and you could still see easily at night. As far as I know they're still running stong, since I saw my old Cougar driving around a couple weeks ago