need headlight recommendations
#21
Some explination is available here if you want to take the moderators word for it.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...-bulb-for-9004
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...52#post3133352
dada1234
The problem with 9004 is that its low-beam is only 45 watts, compared to other types (H4, 9007, etc) that have 55W low-beam. Obviously this makes 9004 weaker than the other bulbs.
-Virgil-
Moderator
The problem is the transverse filament. Sure, the wattage is lower on the low beam than on other low beams, but the main problem is that it's hard to get a decent beam pattern.
A higher wattage low beam filament means a brighter horrible beam pattern.
See this post: It's a three page long conversation about 9004's
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...52#post3133352
-Virgil-
Moderator
The 9004 system was engineered by Ford with heavy priority on low system cost and long bulb life. It's very difficult to wring good performance out of it unless you have a very large headlamp (such as the giant ones on the '86-'93 Volvo 240) and even then, you can't get anything resembling precise beam focus.
The best 9004 bulbs are the GE Night Hawk 9004NH and the Philips VisionPlus 9004VP. Amazon.com has the Night Hawks on sale.
Avoid Sylvania Silverstar, Wagner TruView, PIAA, Hoen, and all other brands of blue-glass "extra white" or "xenon matching" bulbs. They are a scam; despite the advertising hype, they reduce headlamp performance rather than increasing it (because the colored bulb glass blocks light that would otherwise reach the road).
You would also want to put in heavier-gauge headlight wiring with relays, to feed full power to the bulbs. There's another thread with info on that topic over here.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...-bulb-for-9004
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...52#post3133352
dada1234
The problem with 9004 is that its low-beam is only 45 watts, compared to other types (H4, 9007, etc) that have 55W low-beam. Obviously this makes 9004 weaker than the other bulbs.
-Virgil-
Moderator
The problem is the transverse filament. Sure, the wattage is lower on the low beam than on other low beams, but the main problem is that it's hard to get a decent beam pattern.
A higher wattage low beam filament means a brighter horrible beam pattern.
See this post: It's a three page long conversation about 9004's
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...52#post3133352
-Virgil-
Moderator
The 9004 system was engineered by Ford with heavy priority on low system cost and long bulb life. It's very difficult to wring good performance out of it unless you have a very large headlamp (such as the giant ones on the '86-'93 Volvo 240) and even then, you can't get anything resembling precise beam focus.
The best 9004 bulbs are the GE Night Hawk 9004NH and the Philips VisionPlus 9004VP. Amazon.com has the Night Hawks on sale.
Avoid Sylvania Silverstar, Wagner TruView, PIAA, Hoen, and all other brands of blue-glass "extra white" or "xenon matching" bulbs. They are a scam; despite the advertising hype, they reduce headlamp performance rather than increasing it (because the colored bulb glass blocks light that would otherwise reach the road).
You would also want to put in heavier-gauge headlight wiring with relays, to feed full power to the bulbs. There's another thread with info on that topic over here.
Last edited by Odin; 03-02-2015 at 12:33 PM.
#22
Registered User
I noticed this comment on Daniel Stern's site and knowing his reputation for the best there's probably a good reason.
Please do not ask for overwattage 9004, 9005, 9006 or 9007 bulbs; they are unsafe and not for sale.
I can't seem to find overwattage 9004's on Candlepowers site either. http://store.candlepower.com/houpbuthno.html
Finding 100/90's 9004's is strange to me...
Please do not ask for overwattage 9004, 9005, 9006 or 9007 bulbs; they are unsafe and not for sale.
I can't seem to find overwattage 9004's on Candlepowers site either. http://store.candlepower.com/houpbuthno.html
Finding 100/90's 9004's is strange to me...
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: idaho... the good part of it
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no, no part number and that was on purpose. i have been in mexico for the last few months and found my bulbs here... no USA p/n on the packaging and even aside from the quality issue i wouldn't ever recommend anyone take for granted that any foreign bulbs they buy would even be legal in the states... but they'll work until i get home and then i'll try out the nighhawks or LED's
i will say though that i have no problems with light scatter from these bulbs. the beam is very well focused... even better cutoff that the old ones i'd say. i've looked at them straight on and from various angles. no complaints from oncoming traffic either.
Last edited by brotherinbluejeans; 03-02-2015 at 10:05 PM.
#24
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