best Headlights

[syko]

What are the best replacement headlights out there? I bought some PIAA Superwhites, they say they act as if they are 110/100 W. But, I dont think these are the brightest bulbs I've seen, dare I say only a little better that the stock ones I had. Anyone have any suggestions to better ones?

 

[Sport (no trac)]

syko, I just did the same thing and upgraded my 2001 X Sport to PIAAs and didn't notice much of a difference over stock. I'm kinda wishing I saved my money.

The risk with going with aftermarket bulbs of higher wattage is burning out wires and other important things. I think you made the best decision going with the PIAAs, but whether that was a good decision at all...

 

[syko]

You did that too? that sucks. I know those things are expensive for not being what I thought

 

[sideswipe]

The BEST thing to do is to go with one of those 9007 HID conversion kits (like Philips) but they are expensive!

 

[Sport (no trac)]

I don't know if a HID conversion kit is the best way to go. I was not happy spending $70 on headlight bulbs and want to cut my losses where I can.

Syko, I did see a 98 X with the PIAAs. He was behind me when I was driving my wife's car and I could tell the lights were brighter than stock. They looked brighter than lows but not as bright as high beams.

I guess that whole thing is deceiving. From behind the steering wheel, I can't tell that the PIAAs are any brighter than stock. The light is definitely whiter, but $70 whiter? I don't think so. I am definitely second guessing the whole 110/100 claim.

 

[sideswipe]

Its a tough choice. I also have the PIAA superwhites and I think they have made a difference, but I'm not sure as to whether it justifys the cost. Yes, the HID kit is expensive, but I've seen it on an Explorer and an Expedition, and its truly AMAZING. Again, does it justify the high cost, only you can decide that for yourself.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Here are my two cents... I got the PIAA 9007 Superwhites almost a year ago from the group perchase in this forum. After puttin it in, I also didn't find a whole lot of difference. But when it's raining and snowing, that's when the performance come in. You can actually see the road even when raining hard. It's WAY better than what the factory ones can do.

Here's what I think about PIAA, they provide products that are functional, yet not too showy...like these headlight bulbs. But on the other hand, some other companies sell products that provide only looks but doesn't have functionality at all.

Oh, if you don't want to get the PIAA bulbs, try Eurolite's superwhite bulbs. They are extremely WHITE!!! And they're legal too. I bought a pair for my mom's '94 Town & Country because it desperately need some better lights. Go to www.autotoys.com and get them. If I remember correctly, they sell them for $25 plus shippiing.

Sideswipe is right. HID conversion kits are amazing. I've seen one that has a pair of those around here. Here's the disadvantage of this. Once you've done the conversion, you will lose your high beams. If you lose your high beams, you will not pass inspection. At least not in NC. So I don't think it's worth it. Just wait a year or two because Sylvannia is introducing HID conversion with high beams for GM full-size pickups, Tahoe, and Suburban and Ford F-series and Expedition. They all provide high beams and I believe they're legal too.

 

[sideswipe]

Originally posted by '96explorereddiebauer
Sideswipe is right. HID conversion kits are amazing. I've seen one that has a pair of those around here. Here's the disadvantage of this. Once you've done the conversion, you will lose your high beams. If you lose your high beams, you will not pass inspection. At least not in NC. So I don't think it's worth it. Just wait a year or two because Sylvannia is introducing HID conversion with high beams for GM full-size pickups, Tahoe, and Suburban and Ford F-series and Expedition. They all provide high beams and I believe they're legal too.

Wow, I didnt know you lose your hi-beams. That is an issue. It may not pass inspection here in NY without hi-beams either. Thats some godd inof you provided 96explorer. Will this upcoming Sylvania kit work with the Explorer's 9007 bulbs?

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

I don't know if they'll introduce it to Explorers. The Sylvannia conversion is sold as the headlamp assembly, not just the bulbs because they have to make a section for the high beams.

 

[bigtigexplorer]

I don't know if this would be legal or not, but what if you did the 9007 HID conversion for the lowbeams and wired a set of aux lights ( KC, Piaa, Hella, etc. ) to come on with the high beam switch. That way you would still have a functioning high and low beam. Just a though.