2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Opilux 9004 Bulbs really suck!

[SMorneau]

I tried some Optilux 9004 bulbs in my headlights and they are so bad I couldn't believe it. The pattern is a ring with a black hole in the middle... there is no way to aim these things that will work. The stock Sylvania bulbs work 10 times better. The optilux bulbs were suppose to be almost twice as powerful but they were totally unacceptable.





I also have a set of Optilux 1300 driving lights, yet to be installed, and they seem to work very nicely when connected to the battery. Nice tight, even, bright spots at about a 12 foot distance. I can't recommend them yet but they are definitely a better value than the ripoff 9004 bulbs.



Anybody have experience with higher wattage bulbs that have the correct pattern?



Anyway I thought maybe I could keep you guys from wasting your money.

 

[datablitz]

i just got some nice blue xtreme PIAA bulbs i am happy with, a little pricey though... . and they are DOT approved

 

[Crazy Horse]

Here's some good replacements you can check out. Silver Stars. Way better than stock, much brighter and whiter. Found em ay Schucks

 

[JohnE]

Optilux

Extreme XP or Xenon White HP?



Screw function is the color cool?



Before others jump on that last comment, SMorneau and I are good friends so... ...



I really need to update my forward lighting and in the wife's mommie van, so warnings as these are greatly appreciated.



I may have to break down and opt for PIAA.

 

[wtrenholm]

When your doing your headlight upgrade install relays in the lamp circuits. I had almost 2V drop in the wiring and switches on my truck. By putting all available voltage at the bulb you get a much brighter light, makes quite a difference and basically free if you go get a couple relays and harness ends from the junkyard (or backyard in my case).



BTW the 99 and later trucks have ground side switching. The bulbs are supplied 12V and the on/off and dimmer switches provide ground. Opposite of the push/pull switch on 98 and older.



Later,

Wayne

 

[tbrudder]

Before you buy new bulbs, you might want to look at http://www.danielsternlighting.com, in the technical articles section. This guy knows what he's talking about.



Basically, any headlamp bulb that's any color other than clear is robbing light from the filament. The blue-ish tinted ones like the PIAAs and SilverStars appear to be brighter because the eye doesn't constrict as much for blue light. But they actually put out less light than a normal clear-glass bulb. And the Silverstars, at least, use overdriven filaments, so they burn out fast.



--Ty

 

[SMorneau]

The voltage drop was not causing the incredibly bad pattern. They were higher wattage bulbs and I was prepared to deal with the decreased life... but they should be at least a good as stock. No John, no cool color!



Yesterday I installed the Optilux 1300 lights in my Ute Bumper (which BTW I think will be a major pain to keep looking nice) and the lights work very well. I have no experience with driving lights but they are nice and white with that roughly 3-4 times brighter than my highbeams. They put a lot of light way down the road. I think they were worth the $50.



I hooked the driving lights up to the stock foglight circuit and switch by removing the two fog lamp relays from the PDC and inserting flat blade connectors into the sockets. It was much easier than running wires thru the firewall and now I have the factory switch to enable/disable the driving lights which turn off and on with the high beams.



I wouldn't hesitate to try the PIAA or Brightstar bulbs but

I would probably try the brightstars. John, maybe you should try them and let me know how they work.