Brightening up the low beam

[davek1]

Is there anything I can do to brighten up the low beam without a major overhaul?

[andy]

Is there anything I can do to brighten up the low beam without a major overhaul?

Three characters: 'HID'

Use the search engine Luke!

[zippy_gg]

It takes about an hour to install an HID low beam kit and down a Guinness... or 5.:D
The result of both operations are worthwhile!!!:beer: :thumb:

[davemoore]

Is there anything I can do to brighten up the low beam without a major overhaul?

All right, so these guys are HID blinded. I recently did an HID mod and just love it. But, short of spending the $80+ bucks, there are brighter H7 bulbs you can drop in that will help. 55W PIAA bulbs cost about as much as an HID, so that's a no brainer. The standard H7 is 55W but I have found higher wattage (70W) bulbs for $11-$14 apiece. Resist going higher (>80W) as they can melt plastic or burn wires. There are a lot of automotive sources - try Googling. I can't find the site I used to buy from, but this one has 70W H7 bulbs:
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Headlight_Conversion_Kits.html

OK, here's another one - Nokya Arctic White, 2 for $19.99 (70W)
http://www.istoreparts.com/nokya-artic-white-c-249_250_262_1349.html

Meanwhile, there are other types to avoid, like dichroic (blue) bulbs. Good discussion on bulb types here:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/books/xj-s/26-Lightmods.html

[hallzee]

I personally swear by the CQLight. Lots of information, with pics here on the site for installation. It was worth every penny of the $99.00 it cost. I had replaced the stock light with a 55w PIAA, and that made a nice difference, but nothing like the CQLight HID.

[deputy5211]

I may be blinded by HID, but only because it lights up so much better than any single lamp I've seen on an LT. My '05 has high and low HID, plus PIAA 1100x, plus MotoLights I just pulled had from the '00 that will be making their way onto the '05 REAL soon.

See the light!

[patroa1]

Dave, HID is the why to go and easy to do. You just missed 2 group buys for HID's but you can still get one for under $100.

I would suggest you stay as close to 4300k temp. for best light. Check in the sub- forums under lighting to see where to order. I have the one from http://www.fashtek.com (http://www.fashtek.com/) and couldn't be happier.

If you decide to go with the HID and need help PM me and we will work something out . I live on the west side, west of Pontiac, and a straight shot down M-59. It shouldn,t take more than 1 hour to install.:dance:

[davemoore]

I may be blinded by HID, but only because it lights up so much better than any single lamp I've seen on an LT. My '05 has high and low HID, plus PIAA 1100x, plus MotoLights I just pulled had from the '00 that will be making their way onto the '05 REAL soon.

See the light!

I definitely don't disagree with you, I was just pointing out other options I had tried back when HID's were $300-$400 each. Now it's a choice of a $11 bulbe upgrade or a much better performing $80-$100 HID. Not a real hard choice to make.

[ez_rdr55]

Before you do anything fix your ground wire. It's acting like a resistor. If you don't believe me turn on you light and touch it. Damn that was hot wasn't it!
After that I used a Silverstar bulb and the lighting is acceptable

[zippy_gg]

Before you do anything fix your ground wire. It's acting like a resistor. If you don't believe me turn on you light and touch it. Damn that was hot wasn't it!
After that I used a Silverstar bulb and the lighting is acceptableI tried the Silverstar before my first HID... No improvement noticeable enough.
I forked up the $300 it used to cost for a low beam HID and I was amazed at the amount of light produced!!!
At todays' price of $99.00 shipped for an HID, this is a no brainer!!!
At 35 watts you actually spare your wiring, except when you first turn your ignition on.