Brighter Headlight Bulb Replacement

[Zippy5150]

I have the OEM (9007) headlights. I want to replace them with something whiter and brighter. What should I use, Sylvania Osramm, PIAA Xtreme White, or Plasma GT-X, or something else.

I know someone has already checked out all the possibilities, since many of you are off roaders. I will be driving only on road, I don't care if they are approved for street applications. I just need Bright White light. Also will I need to change any of the wiring, or add a pigtail to prevent melting of the OEM plug?

 

[cmphk9]

I like the Sylverstar Ultras by Sylvania; I think they are a big improvement over stock. Also, just plug them in and that's it.

 

[Richie18]

Given the price of HIDs lately you can get them for a similar price to what new (performance) bulbs would be, and HIDs would be much brighter. Only downside is many lack a hi-beam, although many users have said you don't need it with HIDs.

This of course if you don't mind a little installation, also you want a bulb with a temp color in the range of 4300k-5000k

http://www.ddmtuning.com/products/DDM_35W_55W_Slim_Ballast_HID_Kit-101-85.html

 

[JohnnyO]

GE Nighthawks are supposed to be the brightest replacement bulbs you can currently get.

 

[ShawnTRD]

GE Nighthawks are supposed to be the brightest replacement bulbs you can currently get.

Who sell's them?

 

[celly]

GE Nighthawks are supposed to be the brightest replacement bulbs you can currently get.

Says who? I've always viewed Nighthawk and Silverstar as about the same as far as "premium" bulbs go.

Actually, most of the reviews I've read suggest that Philips X-Treme Power bulbs are supposed to be the brightest halogens out there. Hard to find though.

I agree with what someone else said about HIDs coming down in price a LOT. Of course there are disadvantages (can be quirky to focus, no highbeam etc), but the light is far superior to halogen. I feel like I'm driving in the dark when I'm behind the wheel of a car with halogens. My eyes have grown so accustomed to HID lighting (been using them 3+ years now).

 

[Richie18]

Says who? I've always viewed Nighthawk and Silverstar as about the same as far as "premium" bulbs go.

Actually, most of the reviews I've read suggest that Philips X-Treme Power bulbs are supposed to be the brightest halogens out there. Hard to find though.

I agree with what someone else said about HIDs coming down in price a LOT. Of course there are disadvantages (can be quirky to focus, no highbeam etc), but the light is far superior to halogen. I feel like I'm driving in the dark when I'm behind the wheel of a car with halogens. My eyes have grown so accustomed to HID lighting (been using them 3+ years now).

Actually you can get high and low beams for a 9007 application, but only with projectors, but that's a good as projectors give a much better performance with HIDs. Only downside, price.


If you had the money this option would deliver the best lighting performance you could get.

http://www.retrosolutionsllc.com/servlet/the-305/BIXENON-RETROFIT-PROJECTOR-HID/Detail

 

[celly]

Actually you can get high and low beams for a 9007 application, but only with projectors, but that's a good as projectors give a much better performance with HIDs. Only downside, price.

The ONLY 9007 projectors I've seen are available for the 2nd generation Explorers (95-01 4 doors and 95-00 2 doors not including Sport Trac). This thread relates to lighting options for Sport Tracs.

I know all about these projector headlights because I have them on my '99 Eddie Bauer as do several other EF members who also have them (recently scored via a Group Buy). 410Fortune is another member who has them as well, but a different version made by another manufacturer. The Group Buy price was $250/shipped and did not include HIDs for that price (straight halogens). They're a quad beam setup with projectors for low beam (where my HIDs are) and a reflector for high beam (I use a halogen for those). The headlights plug into a 9007 harness, but the actual bulbs used in the lights are H1 (HID or otherwise). I use a 4300K HID kit in my projectors and use Osram Nightbreakers in my highbeams.

Pic below (these will NOT fit Sport Tracs of any generation or any '01+ Sport):

I have not seen any similar setup for any other Explorer of any generation, Sport Trac or otherwise. I'm not saying they don't exist, but I certainly have never heard of them.

The projector you reference is a great idea....if you have the patience and skill to complete a "retrofit" (easier said than done, but far from impossible).

 

[Richie18]

In the link above you'll see that the kit i linked comes with a 9007 base plate in which the projector would fit into. I dont have first hand experience with this but i've heard their customer support is great so i'm sure a phone call could clear up any doubts about the compatibility.

 

[JohnnyO]

Says who? I've always viewed Nighthawk and Silverstar as about the same as far as "premium" bulbs go.

Consumer Reports magazine.
Although I have replaced headlights in new vehicles with the Silverstars I took out of my previous vehicles and frankly I didn't see any difference. Halogens do get dimmer as they age so if you replace older lights (with anything) you'll probably notice an improvement.

 

[celly]

In the link above you'll see that the kit i linked comes with a 9007 base plate in which the projector would fit into. I dont have first hand experience with this but i've heard their customer support is great so i'm sure a phone call could clear up any doubts about the compatibility.

Yebbut, you have to get the projector inside the light housing. All a 9007 base will do is allow you to plug it directly to your OEM wiring harness.

 

[celly]

Consumer Reports magazine.
Although I have replaced headlights in new vehicles with the Silverstars I took out of my previous vehicles and frankly I didn't see any difference. Halogens do get dimmer as they age so if you replace older lights (with anything) you'll probably notice an improvement.

I used Silverstars in the past before I jumped to HIDs and they were OK. A bit brighter than standard bulbs, but nowhere near as "white" (or bright) as HIDs. I'm sure Nighthawks are similar. They're at the same price point anyhow.

 

[Zippy5150]

I found the Nighthawks on Amazon, buy one pair get one free. I bought 2 pairs for $34.99 with free shipping (that's $17.50 a pair). For that price I'll try them.

They should come in next week. I'll try them out and report back after I get them.

 

[jeremyc653]

i bought some of the Sylverstar Ultras extreams by Sylvania and they are pretty good i upgraded the from the ultras so only a little more i have never seen stock bulbs though

 

[bdmaash]

has anyone bothered trying a relay harness.
In the stock setup, the power goes from the battery, to a fusebox, to the headlight switch, maybe through a relay, then to the lightbulb through wiring that probably just meets spec. This config makes a bunch of little voltage drops across each connection, so the bulb gets less voltage (slightly dimmer).

If you put a relay at the battery and connect the bulbs to it, with heavier gauge wire, the voltage won't drop as much and the lights should be brighter, and high wattage bulbs won't melt the harness either.

 

[celly]

has anyone bothered trying a relay harness.

I'm running a Suvlights harness in my setup. I'm digging it. I scored it for all the reasons you mentioned and know of others who have had similar success.