So I noticed that alot of people have been doing the HID conversions on their cars and it got me thinking about doing something with mine. I am always looking for more visibility. From a little investigating, it seems that the HID kits placed in regular halogen housings are the reason why I curse the tuner cars driving around in my area that completely blind me when they drive by.

I considered the Sylvania Silverstar Ultras and Sylvania zXe bulbs that I see at autozone all the time. A little basic research revealed that all of those blue coatings (zXe and competitors) are marketing and and actually reduce the amount of usable light while appearing brighter.

The Silverstar ultras were an option but I figured there had to be a better bulb out there. Besides, I heard too much about silverstars burning out shortly.

I found a bulb made by OSRAM, which I believe is owned by Sylvania believe it or not, that are MUCH brighter than any other H7 bulb. These are the OSRAM Rallye 65w which put out 2100 lumens of light. Thats the same output that you get from your H9 high beam bulb. Regular H7 bulbs give anywhere from 1200-1400 lumens.

I ordered mine from Candlepower: http://store.candlepower.com/osraulhiouh7.html
It turns out that they are located 10 minutes from my house in Rockville, MD so I called and spoke with Kenny about these bulbs for a little bit and arranged a local pickup (they also offer free shipping). I will be picking these up tomorrow and then installing in the near future. I will update with some pics once this is complete.

 

Are they the same color as the OEM bulbs or are they a bit whiter?

 

I was once told that a high-output bulb will burn hotter where you'll need to replace the plastic bulb connectors with ceramic ones with heavier gauge wire. I have no definite information as to its authenticity. I have PIAA H-7 bulbs and have had no problems whatsoever.

 

I had heard that as well so I sent a note to Sylvania asking for clarification. They said that given two different 55 watt bulbs, the one that produces more light will burn cooler. The energy can either be turned into heat or light. As one increases the other decreases.

I'm running the Sylvania Silverstars, not the Ultras, and I think they're a nice improvement over stock.

A 65 watt bulb is likely to burn hotter and may cause the inner clear lens to turn yellow over time.

 

Lighting threads always interest me.

You're right about issues using an HID bulb in a reflector housing designed for a halogen lamp. The light pattern from the HID bulb is very different from a halogen bulb, and it produces "hot spots" and other issues when used in a reflector housing designed for a halogen bulb. Most (not all) HID bulbs use a projector lens. One other thing to consider is that OEM HID systems are required by the DOT to use an auto-leveling system. This sytem is designed specifically to prevent dazzling or blinding oncoming traffic due to the increased light output of HID lights. The tuners who add HIDs to their Civics don't add auto-leveling systems.

You're also right about the blue or purple coated bulbs that appear similar in color to HIDs. These coatings on these bulbs produce a very blue light, which is not good for the human eye. The human eye works better with yellow or white light. Sunlight is approximately 4,300K in color temperature, which is what most OEM HID system try to simulate. They produce a white light, not purple or blue as you see when a car approaches you with HID lights. Coated bulbs produce blue or purple light, generally in the 6,000K or higher range. Because the light output is so restricted with these bulbs, manufacturers increase the wattage in an attempt to put more light on the road. This results in the isses with heat, melting wires, burning lenses, etc. that you read about.

Have you ever noticed the blue lights on the steps at movie theaters? They are blue because the blue light doesn't distract you from the film. Have you ever noticed how many people trip on the steps in movie theaters? They trip because their depth perception in the dim, blue light is horrible. If you want to see in dark or adverse conditions, you need white or yellow light. What color are proper fog lights? You guessed it... yellow. They are yellow for a reason.

I do think you can find some good quality halogen bulbs that increase your color temperature with minimal side effects. That's what I did when I had a car with halogen lamps. I believe I used Silverstars.

My recommendation for any Porsche owner who really wants to switch to HIDs to install a proper HID system. I know it's expensive, but it will give the best overall results. Otherwise, I'd buy good quality halogen bulbs and stick with them!

 

They appear just a bit whiter due to the higher output

 

I was worried about this as well but these lamps already run pretty hot and these bulbs just increase output to the same as the H9 highbeams so I dont think that they will be significantly hot enough to warrant and changes or caus any damage. Besides, lots of people are running these in their cars already with no ill effects. Kenny, the gentleman at candlepower told me that he was running these same ones in his wifes minivan.

 

While I am no expert on heat and plastics, I do expect that these housings are made to handle a decent amount of heat. I would also think that these bulbs burn cooler than the HID light and ballast combo retrofits that everyone is installing. I have read a bunch of mixed information about what causes the yellowing... from heat or UV rays. These bulbs are supposed to be UV filtered light to prevent yellowing if its from UV. If it is from heat, I cant imagine a change of 5 degrees yellowing up the headlight housings all of a sudden.

 

You pretty much nailed down my logic in going with these bulbs. I didnt have time to pick them up today so I will try to do that tomorrow and then get comparison pics up.

Regarding yellow fogs.... I heard that they give better visibility in rain and snow and fog. Has anyone gone with installing yellow fogs?

 

I've really thought about changing my fogs to yellow, I just haven't gotten around to it. The ONLY time I ever use them is in foggy weather, so it seems logical.

 

That guy's minivan probably doesn't have a clear inner lens just an inch or so from the bulb, so that isn't a valid comparison. I would not use higher wattage bulbs than what's recommended.

 

If our headlights have an inner lense then that would help reduce yellowing as it would act as a barrier to keep the outer lens from heating up and discoloring and getting cloudy and bOnded to dirt

 

Ask our Canadian friends who use the headlights as DRLs how that works out.

 

Installed them yesterday after work, these are some of the easiest headlights ive worked on! Very easy to remove and swap bulbs and reinstall. I drove home and around for a little while and they dont seem to be putting out any additional heat over the stock bulbs as these are simply an H9 filament in an h7 housing. (our highbeams are also H9's so the headlights are made to handle it, and if they fail regardless, perhaps I will be replacing the housings in 10 years instead of 15). The light is brighter and sharpens the peripheral view. Its not night and day difference in the pictures but its definitely noticable IRL and when driving.

New Bulbs


Old Bulbs: