Found a way to help X's bad headlights - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

08-06-2002, 09:05 PM

The other day I got those Sylvania Cool Blue headlights for my 92. I changed them and as soon as I got out of town on to the darker streets I noticed the difference. So much better than the standard halogens. The good news is that the lights are 100% street legal in every state. These lights have a light hint of blue, not like those annoying ricer kids with those darker blue lights. The cool blues were about 15.00 a piece. Of course I will be getting extra exterior lighting but this was a start.
Kurt

sideswipe · 08-06-2002, 09:06 PM

Try the Sylvania Silverstar's, they're even better.

*Hartman* · 08-06-2002, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sideswipe
Try the Sylvania Silverstar's, they're even better.

Indeed.

*xlt-sport* · 08-06-2002, 10:59 PM

to quote "tony the tiger" [silverstars]

they're GREEAATT!!

peter

liquidx9 · 08-07-2002, 12:57 AM

i second the silverstar vote.... SOOOOOO much better than stock

asp84 · 08-07-2002, 04:12 AM

I have never seen the slyvania silverstars before......although have been headlight shopping for a a couple months.
-What makes these better than the cool blues?

Thanks,
Al

*Hartman* · 08-07-2002, 10:04 AM

What makes them better? They're brighter and whiter than anything else out there. If you want blue, get the Coolblues, if you want BRIGHT WHITE, get the Silverstars.

*aldive* · 08-07-2002, 10:07 AM

I am very happy with my SilverStars.

*taxx* · 08-07-2002, 10:24 AM

where can you get the silverstars?

*xlt-sport* · 08-07-2002, 10:26 AM

asp84

the silverstars are 60/70 watt, a LITTLE higher than standard 55/60.

they are not high enough to melt anything plastic.

i got mine from advance auto.

www.performanceproducts.com sells them

go to the sylvania website [sorry i can't remember address], they have a lot of info on them.

they're around 23-25 bucks each, that is still a LOT less than piaa.

peter

liquidx9 · 08-07-2002, 12:51 PM

i bought mine at autozone... just call around to different auto parts stores in your area... and if you think your regular lights are bright.... wait until you see the highs.... both of them will BLOW YOUR MIND... ford should have made these bad boys stock

spiper · 08-07-2002, 02:34 PM

I noticed a heck of a difference with XV's as well. I think I'll try silverstars when the XV's burn out though.

andypinto · 08-07-2002, 04:42 PM

Hi there:

Worried about the same poor lighting power of my 92 XLT, I found a new developed xenon gas filled 9004 bulbs, Xenonix brand, manufectured by a canadian based company named Green Lighting Co.

The change was amazing!

A 100% improvement of the lighting power and, more over, the bulbs (sells in pairs) cost only $8!

Try this ones, I strongly recommend that.

Andy.

SWLathrop · 08-08-2002, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Worried about the same poor lighting power of my 92 XLT, I found a new developed xenon gas filled 9004 bulbs, Xenonix brand, manufectured by a canadian based company named Green Lighting Co.

These are actually manufactured in INDIA. They are also sold under Phoenix Lamps India Limited, an Indo Japanese Joint Venture.

As a side note to coated bulbes. All coated bulbs emit 15-33% less usable light (LUMENS) due to the coating.

andypinto · 08-08-2002, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the correction.

Anyway, the Xenonix headlamps are OK for me, no matter where they are manufactured, so I share my experience with other guys, also dissapointed with the poor lighting power of the standar Explorer headlamps.

In fact, I add to my XLT a pair of Hella Pilot 150 fog lamps under the front bumper, because in my city a special kind of fog, very dense (called Camanchaca) is usual, so the normal headlighs only glare myself when the light is reflected by the fog into the cabin.

In such cases, just turn off the headlamps and turn on the fog lamps, and the visibility improves a lot.

:redexp:

InS0mNiAc · 08-08-2002, 04:34 PM

now im no ricer, but i happen to think that hiper white bulbs that have that deep blue tint in the headlights are really nice, i'd rather have the blue than this bright white

SWLathrop · 08-09-2002, 12:14 AM

I personally use 100/55 watt lights with #12 wiring thru relays (no voltage drop due to old and undersized wiring). The biggest problem with those "BLUE" lights is that they cause excessive glare (about 35-45% more) to oncoming drivers. This is due to the fact that the blue wave length is the shortest one in the light spectrum. Thus ones eyes do not dialate properly when the "BLUE" light approches them causing more than normal amount of light to enter the eyes.

VOATMJ1 · 08-09-2002, 01:49 AM

I have to agree will all of the other posts, the Silverstars are truly the BOMB!!

The lighting vs the stock bulbs are amazing. Ford should make this standard in their vehicles.

Had mine for 2 months and no regrets. I only wish that I could get some for my stock fog lights.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

08-09-2002, 11:46 AM

I know of a guy that took the sockets off a junker and wired them inplace of the stock fog light sockets so he could have all the lights match. This was on a 99 mazda/ranger pickup.
Kurt

*A Wise Guy* · 01-15-2003, 12:30 AM

Instead of the Sylvania Silverstars go with the Osram Silverstars. Osram is the parent company of Sylvania. The Osrams are extremely white burning at 4000k with no hint of blue what so ever. They are legal just about everywhere except the states. But being that they do not show any color you won't get picked out of the crowd for looking ricey. I have a set in my Honda CR-V with clear lense headlights and they rock. I bought them through www.powerbulbs.com.

08-06-2002, 09:06 PM	#2
sideswipe Wannabe Elite Explorer Brooklyn, NY '98 EB Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 992 Vehicle Specs	Try the Sylvania Silverstar's, they're even better. __________________ Exterior: Mondera, Pirelli, Lund Audio: Lows By Rockford Fosgate, Highs By Infinity & Kenwood My Explorer Page

08-06-2002, 10:59 PM	#4
xlt-sport Fire/Medic Hurricane, WV '02 xlt 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 294 Vehicle Specs	to quote "tony the tiger" [silverstars] they're GREEAATT!! peter __________________ '02 xlt 4dr 4x4 sport pack OE clear corners HIR Bulbs

08-07-2002, 12:57 AM	#5
liquidx9 Wannabe Elite Explorer Houston, TX (home) Ripon, WI (school) 5.0 AWD 97 Limited Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 586 Vehicle Specs	i second the silverstar vote.... SOOOOOO much better than stock __________________ 97 5.0 Black Limited w/ Manik Grille Guard, 4 ProComp 55w Clear Corners, SilverStars, 35/20/20 Tint Thule 4 Snowboard Rack Premier DEH-860MP/CDT Components Front-Audiobahn 600Q Components Rear/Pair Infinity Kappa Perfect Subs/Memphis 440W Amp-components/Audiobahn 600 Class D sub Amp

08-07-2002, 04:12 AM	#6
asp84 Wannabe Elite Explorer Tempe, Arizona 1998 V8 AWD Mounty Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 721 Vehicle Specs	I have never seen the slyvania silverstars before......although have been headlight shopping for a a couple months. -What makes these better than the cool blues? Thanks, Al __________________ 1998 5.0 V8 4x4 Mounty w/ Ported and Polished GT-40 Heads, Bored out.030 over, FMS headers, 4R70W tranny with Advanced Adapter to BW 1354 for true 4x4. (Future Mods: Coilover Front Susp, FMS Roller Rockers, DIS-4)

08-07-2002, 10:04 AM	#7
Hartman From lowered to lifted Indianapolis, IN '95 4WD Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,118 Vehicle Specs	What makes them better? They're brighter and whiter than anything else out there. If you want blue, get the Coolblues, if you want BRIGHT WHITE, get the Silverstars. __________________ 32x11.5x15 BFG A/Ts, TT/shackles. college = no money for mods.

08-06-2002, 09:05 PM	#1
kandtholman Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Found a way to help X's bad headlights The other day I got those Sylvania Cool Blue headlights for my 92. I changed them and as soon as I got out of town on to the darker streets I noticed the difference. So much better than the standard halogens. The good news is that the lights are 100% street legal in every state. These lights have a light hint of blue, not like those annoying ricer kids with those darker blue lights. The cool blues were about 15.00 a piece. Of course I will be getting extra exterior lighting but this was a start. Kurt

08-07-2002, 10:07 AM	#8
aldive Elite Explorer Sarasota, Florida 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,208 Vehicle Specs	I am very happy with my SilverStars. __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30

08-07-2002, 10:24 AM	#9
taxx Make em say Ugh Indianapolis, IN 73 EB Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,429 Vehicle Specs	where can you get the silverstars? __________________ 73 EB 04 Evo

08-07-2002, 10:26 AM	#10
xlt-sport Fire/Medic Hurricane, WV '02 xlt 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 294 Vehicle Specs	silverstars asp84 the silverstars are 60/70 watt, a LITTLE higher than standard 55/60. they are not high enough to melt anything plastic. i got mine from advance auto. www.performanceproducts.com sells them go to the sylvania website [sorry i can't remember address], they have a lot of info on them. they're around 23-25 bucks each, that is still a LOT less than piaa. peter __________________ '02 xlt 4dr 4x4 sport pack OE clear corners HIR Bulbs

08-07-2002, 12:51 PM	#11
liquidx9 Wannabe Elite Explorer Houston, TX (home) Ripon, WI (school) 5.0 AWD 97 Limited Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 586 Vehicle Specs	i bought mine at autozone... just call around to different auto parts stores in your area... and if you think your regular lights are bright.... wait until you see the highs.... both of them will BLOW YOUR MIND... ford should have made these bad boys stock __________________ 97 5.0 Black Limited w/ Manik Grille Guard, 4 ProComp 55w Clear Corners, SilverStars, 35/20/20 Tint Thule 4 Snowboard Rack Premier DEH-860MP/CDT Components Front-Audiobahn 600Q Components Rear/Pair Infinity Kappa Perfect Subs/Memphis 440W Amp-components/Audiobahn 600 Class D sub Amp

08-07-2002, 02:34 PM	#12
spiper Wannabe Elite Explorer Missouri 1991 XLT Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 958 Vehicle Specs	I noticed a heck of a difference with XV's as well. I think I'll try silverstars when the XV's burn out though. __________________ STEVE 343 FDNY BROTHERS NOT FORGOTTON 09/11/01 '91 Explorer '92 Crown Vic PI '00 Crown Vic PI

08-07-2002, 04:42 PM	#13
andypinto Wannabe Elite Explorer Arica, Chile 92 XLT, 2002 XLT Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 159 Vehicle Specs	I have another tip about Hi there: Worried about the same poor lighting power of my 92 XLT, I found a new developed xenon gas filled 9004 bulbs, Xenonix brand, manufectured by a canadian based company named Green Lighting Co. The change was amazing! A 100% improvement of the lighting power and, more over, the bulbs (sells in pairs) cost only $8! Try this ones, I strongly recommend that. Andy.

08-08-2002, 01:28 PM	#15
andypinto Wannabe Elite Explorer Arica, Chile 92 XLT, 2002 XLT Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 159 Vehicle Specs	Thanks for the correction. Anyway, the Xenonix headlamps are OK for me, no matter where they are manufactured, so I share my experience with other guys, also dissapointed with the poor lighting power of the standar Explorer headlamps. In fact, I add to my XLT a pair of Hella Pilot 150 fog lamps under the front bumper, because in my city a special kind of fog, very dense (called Camanchaca) is usual, so the normal headlighs only glare myself when the light is reflected by the fog into the cabin. In such cases, just turn off the headlamps and turn on the fog lamps, and the visibility improves a lot. :redexp: Last edited by andypinto; 08-08-2002 at 01:36 PM.

08-08-2002, 04:34 PM	#16
InS0mNiAc Wannabe Elite Explorer Chatsworth, California 2002 Explorer Sport Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 217 Vehicle Specs	now im no ricer, but i happen to think that hiper white bulbs that have that deep blue tint in the headlights are really nice, i'd rather have the blue than this bright white __________________ If the whole world could kiss my ass at one time, I'd let it.... My X Sport Pix

08-09-2002, 12:14 AM	#17
SWLathrop Wannabe Elite Explorer Yorkshire,NY 01 & 02 Stang, 94 Sable Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 326 Vehicle Specs	I personally use 100/55 watt lights with #12 wiring thru relays (no voltage drop due to old and undersized wiring). The biggest problem with those "BLUE" lights is that they cause excessive glare (about 35-45% more) to oncoming drivers. This is due to the fact that the blue wave length is the shortest one in the light spectrum. Thus ones eyes do not dialate properly when the "BLUE" light approches them causing more than normal amount of light to enter the eyes.

08-09-2002, 01:49 AM	#18
VOATMJ1 Wannabe Elite Explorer Southwest, Iowa '00 Sport 4X4 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs	I have to agree will all of the other posts, the Silverstars are truly the BOMB!! The lighting vs the stock bulbs are amazing. Ford should make this standard in their vehicles. Had mine for 2 months and no regrets. I only wish that I could get some for my stock fog lights. Does anyone have any recommendations? __________________ Retired Military

08-09-2002, 11:46 AM	#19
kandtholman Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	I know of a guy that took the sockets off a junker and wired them inplace of the stock fog light sockets so he could have all the lights match. This was on a 99 mazda/ranger pickup. Kurt

01-15-2003, 12:30 AM	#20
A Wise Guy Translator Extraordinaire McHenry, IL. '06 Limited Dark Cherry Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,325 Vehicle Specs	Instead of the Sylvania Silverstars go with the Osram Silverstars. Osram is the parent company of Sylvania. The Osrams are extremely white burning at 4000k with no hint of blue what so ever. They are legal just about everywhere except the states. But being that they do not show any color you won't get picked out of the crowd for looking ricey. I have a set in my Honda CR-V with clear lense headlights and they rock. I bought them through www.powerbulbs.com. __________________ '06 Limited V8 Style K&N 77 Series Metal Intake, Magnaflow Cat Back, X-Cal 2, Tint up front... Searching and Posting starts here: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting