Pross

iTrader: (3)

So I have a 95 WRX, lights are ****, of course

I have upgraded to the later clear lights, but now its getting dark and miserable im wonder what bulb will give me the best light without going down the hole illegal HID route.

I cant remember what bulbs are in it now, was probably something out of halfords, please forgive me.

Was looking at the phillips whitevision http://www.philips.co.uk/c-p/12342WHVB1/-/overview

Or maybe these 100/80s http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/H4-...-80W-pair.html

Anyone else in the same boat?

Yes I searched, couldn't find anything conclusive.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

There isn't really anything conclusive, there's never a concensus of opinion. Plus new bulbs come out and older models are discontinued.

With those lights, if you want realy good lighting that will pass the MoT, look here:
https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...mpler-way.html

If you don't want to go to those lengths, any of the so-called "uprated" bulbs will give better light, Philips Ultra Vision, Ring 120% uprated, Halfords Ulta Brilliance, Osram Night breaker etc etc.

I'd avoid higher WATTAGE bulbs as they draw more current, which leads to wires melting etc esp in older cars

And bear in mind that if you stick with bulb, seven HID aftermarket kits, (not HID projectors), the lights themselves are crap, so don't expect brilliant lighting no matter what you do.

stealthbomber

iTrader: (3)

I've fitted some halfrauds ultra brilliance (something like that) to my bug running prodrive lights and they're a vast improvement, I think they claim 120% brighter but who knows all I can say is they are brighter and emit a nice white light, they were on a bogof but similar uprated bulbs eg phillips, osram are cheaper on line.

dj219957

I have osram night breakers. very good. not white, but very good throw and bright.

TECHNOPUG

iTrader: (1)

I have also fitted the Ultra Brilliance to my Bug after a recommendation on here. They're still dangerously rubbish.

What are the Prodrive lights? Are they simply projectors with standard bulbs or are they Xenon/HID? Or can you retrofit HIDs to them, being projectors?

Need to bite the bullet and do something about mine very soon. Soon be past the purchase price just in "essential upgrades"

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

For the bugeye, both Prodrive and Morette made different lights, using four lenses instead of two, (a pair of lenses per side).

Morette: https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=e...morette+lights

Prodrive: https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=e...rodrive+lights

never having owned a bugeye, (shudder...), I can't say which is best, whether either was better than standard, nor even what bulbs were in use.

AFAIK, both of the aftermarket lights used separate single filamant lights for main and dip, while the OE lights used an H4.

If single filamant bulbs are in use, you could go HID, but:

DO: buy decent, not cheap far eastern copies.
buy 4300K or 5000K colour temperature, no higher. Any higher is too blue and you lose light too.

DON'T: Scrimp on wiring, do it carefully and use decent connectors.
touch bulbs before fitting.
test bulbs off the car, they burn in at different colours unless you are v.lucky

TECHNOPUG

iTrader: (1)

Had HIDs on previous cars, so bulbs and wiring not an issue. Given the price of 2nd hand Prodrive/Morrette units, I might have a go at retro-fitting to the standard units, as you've done on your Classic.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I'd NOT go back to standard bug lights, (shudder...).

Mine are later 99-on classic lights with HID projectors fitted.

Tidgy

what kit you got alc?

bobby chang

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-XENON-S...item19e427bfa3


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-H4-Ultra...item51b9523e78

These are good enough.

TECHNOPUG

iTrader: (1)

Your's were a generic kit though, so I presume they could be fitted to any unit with a little modification?

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

https://www.scoobynet.com/technical-...mpler-way.html

Yes, generic, but before buying, ensure they will PHYSICALLY fit inside your lights.
Bug lights are an odd shape..to say the least.

An e-mail to retrofit source will elicit dimensions of the units you are interested in, they are quick to reply and very helpful.

TECHNOPUG

iTrader: (1)

Have emailed them. Will probably pick up some second-hand headlights to work on. Your guide is quite thorough (even though it's in regards to Classics) so will be great to be able to refer back to.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Job was relatively easy, hardest part was cutting the OE headlight reflector at the bottom to allow the projectors to sit level. I did it with a slitting disc in a Dremel., working slowly and cutting off little bits at a time.

You can't put material back....as they say....

TECHNOPUG

iTrader: (1)

I'm a dab hand with a Dremel now, after cutting up my doors and interior to fit some stereo. I'll definitely get a spare set of headlights to work on though.

Pross

iTrader: (3)

For now I went with Osram nighbreaker unlimited. So far very impressed.

Id love to go the projector route but im no diy expert, i already have a garage half full of half finished projects including 2 ducatis lol

I do have a spare pair of clear lens headlights tho ive I get brave enough to stick them in the oven, unless i find someone else to do it

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Easy enough.

150 deg, start at 5 mins in a preheated oven, remove, handling with oven gloves, place on folded tea towels an try and pull apart. If it won't come, give another 2 mins, try again.

As they separate, have a knife etc handy for NOT allowing trails of hot glue to descend onto the reflector and spoil the effect.

Then allow to cool while you do the next one.

It really is easy enough.