Hi all, just curious who's using HID/fake HID bulbs and which do you reccommend after personal use.
I'm going to be upgrading the lighting system on my 87 LS and I'm looking for some direction....anyone with experience in this area?
Thanks :pbb:
Going to an actual HID system is going to give the best light but it may cause problems elsewhere, i.e. melting lenses and wiring. I have Sylvania Silverstars, expensive but in deer country they are worth twice their weight in gold.
A guy I know put the silverstars in his truck a month or so ago, says they are awesome over stock.
I've got a pair of 7" 100W spots on my sprint, dont even need headlights :p
Scott
Go with the silverstars you won't be dissapointed. I've had them for about 2years and they are bery birght. Those HID would be brighter but they cost more than I'm willing to spend on lights. One guy came in the parts store I work at and needed a new HID bulb it cost $150.00 for a headlight bulb. That didn't cover the cost to have it installed.
How much are these Silverstar bulbs? And are they sold at the locale parts stores?
I have silverstars on my bird. They've lasted almost two years now. I love em to death! Cost was 30 dollars a piece (i think). Sometimes you'll get lucky and they have a sale on em. Definitly call all the parts stores in town and compare prices. Some sell them WAY cheaper than others.
Only price ive ever seen is ~$38 a pair. Walmart has them. Ive heard tons of stories of them only lasting a month or so.
I have Xtravisions. But Ive also got a pair of Hella FF75 driving lights that totally outshine my high beams.
Do not purchase the fake "Xenon" bulbs and use them. You will actually have a more difficult time seeing at night. It has something to do with the type of illumination provided by the blue wavelength. Yes, the bulbs are just painted blue.
Go with Silverstars. They've impressed me in the past.
thanks for the replies, I think I'll go with the silverstars!
Before I took my Bird off the road for it's resto/mod, I had put in 4 Silverstars and absolutely loved them. When the Bird is finished, they'll go back in. I also installed a pair of silverstars in my Durango 4X4 and love 'em in it also. Nice and Bright :D
Lenses melting aren't so much a problem, but the initial current draw of 35w bulbs can be 15 amps, before it settles down to about 3 amps within a couple minutes. A set of halogen 45 watt draw 7-8A and 65 draw 9-11A both on startup and continuously.
Factory wiring very well could melt over time but relays cure all that.
Junk yards or used bulbs from a 2005-newer vehicle will be like new and can be obtained for as low as $20/bulb. Its the initial cost of all the other equipment thats expensive, but obtainable for less than $150 if you don't want highbeams. Compared to a majority of silverstars lasting all but a few months, the cost of hid itself isn't bad, just a lot of custom work to get it looking right.
Just my take on things ;)