Headlight tech: Sylvania comparison chart
#1
Headlight tech: Sylvania comparison chart
I've described in other posts the ins-and-outs of incandescent bulb technology. I've indicated that certain technologies are less reliable, and how there can be a trade-off for reliability and brightness (or color).
The chart below shows the basic Sylvania product line. Disregarding the right hand column (HID lighting), you can see some things pretty clearly. This chart may even have been posted before, but I post it to note some apparent conclusions.
The dimmest bulbs last longer on average.
The brighter, and bluer bulbs last less long on average.
Bulbs that are both bluer and much brighter (Silverstar's) last the least time of all.
Sylvania doesn't do this, but you can tint the glass of a standard bulb and make it whiter/bluer -- but it will be DIMMER.
These rules apply to virtually all bulbs. Higher wattage bulbs can give you more light, but at the expense of substantially increased heat and electrical loading. In our trucks, the wires/connectors were made JUST heavy enough for standard headlights.
Here's where I got that chart: http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...on/default.htm
The chart below shows the basic Sylvania product line. Disregarding the right hand column (HID lighting), you can see some things pretty clearly. This chart may even have been posted before, but I post it to note some apparent conclusions.
The dimmest bulbs last longer on average.
The brighter, and bluer bulbs last less long on average.
Bulbs that are both bluer and much brighter (Silverstar's) last the least time of all.
Sylvania doesn't do this, but you can tint the glass of a standard bulb and make it whiter/bluer -- but it will be DIMMER.
These rules apply to virtually all bulbs. Higher wattage bulbs can give you more light, but at the expense of substantially increased heat and electrical loading. In our trucks, the wires/connectors were made JUST heavy enough for standard headlights.
Here's where I got that chart: http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...on/default.htm
#4
Originally Posted by TippnOver
i wonder how much for a simple xenarc HID kit for our trucks...hmmmm?
if you find a quality kit that fits Rangers be sure to post it
I have been looking but not found one that is compatible yet
it will not be cheep though, figure on at least $500 for a set
#6
proper HID conversion is a lot more than bulb changing (although I am sure you knew that)
it requires a whole new lamp housing
others have tried to modify the existing housing and fabbed up a lens and bulb combination - it really does not work
HID is high temperature, and needs a true focusing lens (at least the best ones do)
check out a BWM or other quality OEM set up
the lens actually moves in and out for high beam/low beam change over
not sure about all the mechanisms involved, but it is more than putting in a ballast and bulb
when they come out with one for Rangers I would be interested, but it would have to be worth the money - no matter how much
it requires a whole new lamp housing
others have tried to modify the existing housing and fabbed up a lens and bulb combination - it really does not work
HID is high temperature, and needs a true focusing lens (at least the best ones do)
check out a BWM or other quality OEM set up
the lens actually moves in and out for high beam/low beam change over
not sure about all the mechanisms involved, but it is more than putting in a ballast and bulb
when they come out with one for Rangers I would be interested, but it would have to be worth the money - no matter how much
#7
i saw on cardomain, this guy in a new dodge ram installed an HID system....he took pics and everything and it was bright as crap, and he used this stock headlights...i didnt know that u needed a focusing lens, or whatnot...
eh, it just adds to the price....
i know HID's are basically amplified light bulbs with pecial stuff done to 'em...i was jsut thinking of a simple kit to amplyfy the lights..thas all...
eh, it just adds to the price....
i know HID's are basically amplified light bulbs with pecial stuff done to 'em...i was jsut thinking of a simple kit to amplyfy the lights..thas all...
#8
I think i've had my silverstars about a year or so, headlights and foglights. About two weeks ago one of the fog lights burnt out, and just about 2 days ago the other one burnt out. I think I remember everyone saying they only last about a year. But the headlights seem to be doing good. I wonder if the added flash on/off from locking the doors has anything to do with it?
#9
Could be.
I know the Sylvania's don't shine blue, but the Cool Blue's and Silverstars have MORE blue spectral content, which renders the yellower light of incandescent bulbs more WHITE. I still refer to it as a "bluer" white light -- but I didn't mean that to be confusing, sorry.
Most HID's have only one light emitter per headlight, whereas 9007 bulbs have 2 filaments in different positions relative to a built in reflector in the bulb. In order to have high beams and low beams you would need TWO emitters per headlight (large and expensive) or a variable aiming/focusing system (also expensive). Add in the additional electronics and you can see why they are so expensive.
I know the Sylvania's don't shine blue, but the Cool Blue's and Silverstars have MORE blue spectral content, which renders the yellower light of incandescent bulbs more WHITE. I still refer to it as a "bluer" white light -- but I didn't mean that to be confusing, sorry.
Most HID's have only one light emitter per headlight, whereas 9007 bulbs have 2 filaments in different positions relative to a built in reflector in the bulb. In order to have high beams and low beams you would need TWO emitters per headlight (large and expensive) or a variable aiming/focusing system (also expensive). Add in the additional electronics and you can see why they are so expensive.
#14
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Coal Region, MTC to be exact...heart of the coal region.
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they make the filaments burn different in the silverstars thats why they dont last. i've had mine in 2 1/2 yrs and they're still burning bright. i use my lights 40% of my driving time.
i seen the Xtravisions and was curious to see how they compare to the Silverstars...maybe a side by side comparo? i noticed my silverstars give an awful glare when its wet out and i can hardly see. looking at the Xtravision they look promising...for $25 i might get em
i seen the Xtravisions and was curious to see how they compare to the Silverstars...maybe a side by side comparo? i noticed my silverstars give an awful glare when its wet out and i can hardly see. looking at the Xtravision they look promising...for $25 i might get em
#16
Originally Posted by Dave and Julie
Last edited by karrbass4life; 01-13-2006 at 07:04 AM.
#19
#20
That site doesnt work... I found another site its 399$
http://www.xtralights.com/index.asp?...WPROD&ProdID=2
Normally in the ranger if you do go with HID.. you just lose your high beams...
I suspose you could aim your offroad lights (if you have them) to compensate.
(if they arent the 150watt variety)
Rand
http://www.xtralights.com/index.asp?...WPROD&ProdID=2
Normally in the ranger if you do go with HID.. you just lose your high beams...
I suspose you could aim your offroad lights (if you have them) to compensate.
(if they arent the 150watt variety)
Rand
#23
#25
I think there the same as xtravision, phillips has a new bulb called blue vision that is vey similar to silverstar but a lil more blue tint, I had some and they are pretty good. I just saw these there 2 they are called nightGuide 3 in 1 bulb
http://www.nam.lighting.philips.com/...nightguide.php
http://www.nam.lighting.philips.com/...nightguide.php
Last edited by GrafixGuy; 12-26-2005 at 05:09 PM.