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Old 03-17-2011, 07:55 AM
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headlight options

on my 90 truck, headlights suck, which from my searching, everyone agrees on.

What are my options for improving this?

obviously better bulb/lights, but which ones are best/$?

havent measured voltage drop to the bulb with the factory wiring, but is it a common problem like in chevys where the factory wiring has a significant voltage drop?
Old 03-17-2011, 08:22 AM
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Get a set of hella e codes and some decent bulbs and be done. Difference is night and day
Old 03-17-2011, 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by SCToy
Get a set of hella e codes and some decent bulbs and be done. Difference is night and day
that adds quite a bit of cost. for my beater truck i was hoping for a cheaper option.

I kinda wonder how much brighter brand new cheapo sealed beams would be..
im sure these are worn and tired
Old 03-17-2011, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by greencactus3
that adds quite a bit of cost. for my beater truck i was hoping for a cheaper option.

I kinda wonder how much brighter brand new cheapo sealed beams would be..
im sure these are worn and tired
The cheaper bright sylvania sealed beams burn out really quick... Ask me how i know. Over time that would offset the cost of 100 dollar investment in ecodes. Plus the ecodes have a better beam pattern and better bulb options.
Old 03-17-2011, 08:32 AM
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The sylvania bright ones are a significant improvement, but get used to them burning out at least once a year if you drive at night very much. 20+ per light per year, doesn't take long to add up IMHO
Old 03-17-2011, 08:47 AM
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I agree, the silverstars are the best as far as sealed beams go, however, I just had one burn out on me as well in less than a year.

Look into the ebay autopal h4 conversions and some decent PIAA, Hella, or Sylvania H4 bulbs.
Old 03-17-2011, 10:51 AM
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Osram makes quality bulbs as well. I had bad luck with sylvania h4 bulbs ad well. They burn out as quick as their sealed beams
Old 03-17-2011, 01:40 PM
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damn, less than a year? thats ridiculously short!
Old 03-17-2011, 04:32 PM
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I've had bad luck with sylvania bulbs and sealed beams in every vehicle I tried, but they are bright and somewhat cheap. I would recommend going with a different bulb company. Stay away from anything that advertises HID/blue etc.. colors on a halogen bulb. PIAA and Osram are good choices imo. I don't know about the ebay H4 housings, but you could give them a try, they are cheap I think.
Old 03-17-2011, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by SCToy
The cheaper bright sylvania sealed beams burn out really quick... Ask me how i know. Over time that would offset the cost of 100 dollar investment in ecodes. Plus the ecodes have a better beam pattern and better bulb options.
x2 on the Hellas. The Silverstars suck. I was going through a pair of the 9007 bulbs every 5 weeks, until the warranty ran out.

In my 4Runner I have the Hellas with PIAA Extreme White bulbs. Love them. Best money I've spent on it.

As for the cost, yes, they are pricey compared to some options, but you really do get what you pay for.
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