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Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

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Old 10-15-2008, 11:49 PM
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Default Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

Hey,

I'm looking to upgrade my headlight performance a little bit, if that is possible without going to HIDs. I started out by making the mistake of buying some crappy blue-filtered bulbs that look cool, but don't really do much for efficiency. Are there any halogen bulbs out there that will improve upon the performance of my headlights?

What about these?

http://www.autobarn.net/sylh7coolblu.html

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Jason

(2000 Volvo s80 t6 - just hit 100k )
 
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Old 10-15-2008, 11:54 PM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

I've bought Silverstars in past vehicles I've owned......pretty good for the price......you can fork out a little more for PIAA bulbs, never had them myself but those who had them were happy with them..

 
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Old 10-16-2008, 12:53 AM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

I upgraded my Nissan Maxima low beams from stock to sylvania silverstar ultra's and the high beam to HIR lights (HIR cannot be used in the volvo so dont bother)
At best I got a gain of maybe 10% on the low beams but the brightness of the brights doubled

if you ask me, the sylvania is nice but really isnt worth it, you may be better of with an affordable HID kit if you want a noticeable difference... and the thing is, the price of the PIAA halogens, you may as well go HID
 
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Old 10-16-2008, 12:59 AM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

PIAA bulbs are nice, but they are like $100. HIDs all the way.
 
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Old 10-16-2008, 01:09 AM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

Yea, we have been thru the lighting quandry many times before... I think it was generally agreed that HID's are the onyl real upgrade considering that the volvo has pretty competent lighting...
Tech said the fairly cheap ebay HID kits can be reliable and are a viable option, I guess just pay attention to where the ballast is made cause the bulbs themselves are pretty affordable..

im pretty sure your t6 came with fog lights.. that means you can be running four bulbs at any given point in time, H7's and H1's which is a fair amount of wattage, I have never found my s80 wanting for more light with the brights on..


 
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Old 10-16-2008, 02:11 AM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

1. A decent upgrade would be to Sylvania Silverstars.

2. HID's are the only true upgrade in lighting performance. Also you think they are expsensive when they are not. Go to SharpHID.com and talk to John he will take good care of you. For the price of PIAA's + like an extra $20 or so you can get an HID kit that works and looks great.

 
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Old 10-16-2008, 08:30 AM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

Thanks for all the quick replies. I guess that's what I expected to hear for the most part haha.

You're right though, I can't say I'm not happy with the lighting output to begin with. I recently adjusted the angle of the headlights (one was pointed 4 feet in front of the car) and that made a HUGE difference - which is what prompted my interest in upgrading. I suppose I'll hold out on any new bulbs, at least until my next burn out. Then I'll give the Sylvanias a try.
 
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Old 10-16-2008, 09:14 AM
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Default RE: Headlight Bulb Upgrade?

Silverstars are an ok replacement for OEM.

Seriously go with HID's, for less then $150 you will get an entire kit and easy plug and play.
 
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