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

 

i have to say that i love my silverstars, also they do not shine blue.

i had to buy a new 9005 for one of my fog-lights because moisture got inside and fried the bulb :(

 

the cool blue series seems to be crappy compared to the others...

i wonder how much for a simple xenarc HID kit for our trucks...hmmmm?

 

simple and HID should probably not be used in the same sentence
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

 

eh, i was just thinkin that since the 9007 bulb is common, that they'd have a kit for it

 

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

 

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...

 

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?

 

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.

 

http://www.hidexpress.com/ $399

 

That's why I got the Xtravisions...bright and last long

 

i like my silverstars... they have been in my truck at least... 2 years, now...

maybe bulbs don't last as long up north?

 

I have the bulbs that were in the Cobra and I sold that a year ago and had them in there for a while. They're lasting just fine so far.

 

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 made this a sticky since headlights & their variables are a hot topic. John summed it up quite well for everyone here and it's a good reference.

 

I think they do deals on group buys, that is a nice kit, and we all know nothing can compaire to HID kits.

 

i just put mine in the ranger today, and i put a set in our new pathfinder which i got a pic of the difference....silverstar being on the left

 

Whoa, blast from the past!

Yeah, I like silverstars too. Since the HID kits are illegal now, I'm gonna try and find one that is still lurking around for the Ranger.

 

lol i just now noticed this....those xtravision lights put out the same amount of light as silverstars and last longer but arnt white... does the white color really help out that much more?

 

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

 

This has been posted before but it's probably worth another look:

http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/...es/525825.html

 

Silvania Xtravisions are 10x better than silverstars. i have a hard time, when on a wet road, seeing anything with my SS. i drove my dads truck which i put the XV in and its nice.

 

i like the street glow bulbs there bolth bright and they give off a light blue tint and they also do good in foggy and wet conditions and i think i payed like 45 for them worth a look!

 

I bought some GE Nighthawks today because they were like half the price of the silverstars. Abouts where on the comparison chart would they stack up?

 

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