A Few Lighting Questions

[Beastolizer]

Ok, when it comes to lighting, I'm a complete so my questions will probaby sound dumb to you light tech savvy people.

1. I've scome across some bulbs while searching for replacements and I was wondering if they really do have a boost over normal lights. They are made by PIAA and they are called SuperWhiteBulbs. I believe they make them for tailight bulbs and side markers. Soo, do these bulbs really emit that much more of a white bright light?

2. I've been wanting to replace my low beams for a while as well as my fogs, as my fogs don't even work I think. Now what I want for my low beams is a bright white light with that hint of blue to it. Now I'm not sure what type of HID to get for this, all I know is there are H1's and H4's. What would be the best combo to give me that bright white/hint of blue light?

P.S. My beam lenses are looking a little dirty and very small chips in them and was wondering what the best/cheapest replacements for those would be.


I know that was a mouthful, but I'd really appreciate help from anyone. Thanks! :o

[Beastolizer]

Ok some help would be real nice :o

[DaveSmed]

You have a '91. Odds are you are rocking the stock sealed beams, which means no HIDs for you unless you upgrade to ellipsoids of some variant.

Interior light wise, I doubt they are brighter, but they are probably bluer. Go LED if you really want to upgrade.

[Beastolizer]

The SuperWhite Bulbs are for exterior lighting, so basically side markers and rear tailight bulbs.

And I told you I'm no good with lighting. What is the difference?

[DaveSmed]

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=116778&highlight=ellipsoid

That thread has some good pictures of ellipsoids. I'm guessing your headlights do not look like that.

[CorvallisBMW]

You can get Hella H1/H4 lights to replace your sealed beams, then choose from any one of thousands of bulb types/colors/temps. HID, SuperWhites, etc...

[Beastolizer]

Ok, so in order to get that more clear white/blue color I don't have to convert my headlights to ellipsoids? That would be REAL nice. If thats the case, I've been thinking of running a 35w 6000k bulb in my lows, will that work? And If I want just a crystal clear fog light color, what should I run in my fogs? BTW, Thank you so much!

And Dave, that is correct, mine are the stock sealed beams I believe.

[DaveSmed]

Well, the breakdown is this. With your sealed beams, I think they still make SilverStars for it. They will give you a slightly bluer light and about the same lighting. (crappy) The Xtravisions are a little better lighting wise, but not blue at all.

With H4/H1s, your lighting is vastly improved, and you have a decent selection of quality halogen bulbs. Not to mention the aesthetic improvement. BUT: these are reflector housings, meaning you should not run HIDs with them.

Ellipsoids also provide a good lighting improvement, US ellipsoids are cheap enough, and halogen bulb choice is as improved as it is with H4/H1s. With the projectors you can now run HIDs without blinding oncoming traffic.

[Beastolizer]

Ok, I seem to be confused on this point. Are my stock sealed beams, Hella H1/H4's, and Ellipsoids all different lighting options?

If so, what would the cost be to run a new set of Hellas, with H1 35w 6000k bulbs, and the same for the ellipsoids (cost for a set and same bulb)

[DaveSmed]

Yes sir, three different options. If you have your heart set on HIDs, ellipsoids are your only option. BUT its still not that easy. Do you want US ellipsoids or european ellipsoids?

European ellipsoid:


US Ellipsoids


The differences are mainly cosmetic, the Euro ellipsoids are called "smileys" due to the cut-out under the ellipsoid lens itself. These lights also have the european spec lighting cutoff, and have a city light.

The US ellipsoids are more plain/cleaner looking (all preference really) lack a city light, have a US DOT lighting pattern, are typically less expensive and are easier to find in good condition.

The European ellipsoids use a H1/H1 bulb configuration, and the US ellipsoids use a 9005/9006 bulb configuration.

[John in VA]

Check this link for Hella's Euro-code beam description for replacement of your sealed beams.

Here's the Hella H4 Euro replacement for your low beams. These will drop right into your existing buckets, and more bang for your buck than the "marginally better than halogen sealed beams" US ellipsoid set-up (which requires the buckets as well as lamps).

Here are your H4 bulb choices for additional output. You want WHITE, not blue light, if you want to see better at night.

Fog lights usually use H3 bulbs, so you may be able to replace your bulbs with ones with higher output, but it's probably old, pitted lenses that are limiting you at this time.

[Beastolizer]

Dave, that was the post I was waiting for, I needed those close up shots and your little explanation, thanks! :)

so now my question is, how much is a pair of us ellipsoids in good condition? and is the install hard or easy? and finally, to get that clear white light, i would want a 9006 bulb ? not sure if this goes to that bulb question as well but a 35w 6000k 9006 bulb, right?

and yeah im pretty sure my fogs are shot, the lenses are all pitted and starting to crack and the bulbs are blown i belive. Ill probably need to buy a whole new pair. cost?

btw, thanks john!

[DaveSmed]

Shoot, I'm not sure what they go for these days, you'll need to poke around the parts for sale forum for a bit.

The high beams are 9005 bulbs, which should be left halogen as HIDs are a poor choice for high beam duty for a few reasons and the lows are 9006 which will be the ones you want to convert to HID. By your description, 6000k sounds like what you are after.

Installation wise is fairly straightforward, the only "work" involved is wiring as they are bolt on. The connectors are a little different for the back, so they need to be changed. (you needed to do that anyway to install the HID kit)

[Beastolizer]

Ok cool, sounds like I'll go for a set of us ellips with the 9006 35w 6000k bulbs. And what should I run as far as higher quality and brighter high beams?

[isamemon]

not really stealing this thread
but I have some ellipsoids to install in my 91 to replace the sealed beams

the plug and wires coming out of the ellipsoids are 2 wire, the plug and wires coming out of the sealed beams are 3 wire

so what do I do ????