I'd like to go HID but it's a little too much $$$ for the result. Would going with higher wattage bulbs, (racing or similar), be a good way to get more light and as such better vision?

I was thinking going to 85/100 watts (lo/hi)

Any brand or place you'd recommend to get those bulbs?

no need for higher watts, alot of owners swap the OEM's with Sylvania Silverstar ones

If you want more light output without HID then yes the easy way is with higher wattage bulbs. But you should keep in mind the stock wiring is not designed to handle higher wattages, so you shouldn't go much higher without installing a relay harness.

For example if you upgrade the highbeams from 65 to 100, and you left the highbeams on for a while then it's possible the wiring and/or the connector could overheat and melt. So it's a good idea to install a relay harness, not only for safety but it can also increase brightness too.

jcwhitney.com has a selection of good quality bulbs at reasonable prices.
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It also should be noted that installing a higher wattage bulb can melt not only the wiring harness, but also the headlamp housing. That would not be a cheap piece to replace!!

HIDs are expensive, I paid about $200 for my WIDEVIEW kit off ebay, but they run much cooler than the stock bulbs and theoretically cannot burn out.

If anyone is considering a HID conversion please see my posts in the other HID threads about how to wire them correctly...they are NOT plug and play in the 2000 and newer GC.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10626#post10626

-Mike

notsag, try the Silverstars.

I picked up my SRT8 new from the dealer and by the time I got out of there, it was late. I turned on the lights on the way home and went, "oh, oh."

The lighting was a whole lot less bright than on my FX45, and I was thinking I would have to upgrade to HID's. But I looked on this forum and a lot of guys had upgraded to the Silverstars. For $70 (Walmart) and a lot easier time to install, I thought I would give them a try.

Well, they have been excellent and I don't think I need anything else. The light is a nice bright white. I was up to my mother's house out in the country about a month ago, where the auto high beams kicked in. I would say the illumination provided by the Silverstars was as good or better that my Infiniti on high beam (with HID's).

Another vote for Silverstars. I have them in the Liberty and Ram, and what a differnece they make. As said before, a nice bright, white light, not yellowish.

notsag, try the Silverstars.

I picked up my SRT8 new from the dealer and by the time I got out of there, it was late. I turned on the lights on the way home and went, "oh, oh."

The lighting was a whole lot less bright than on my FX45, and I was thinking I would have to upgrade to HID's. But I looked on this forum and a lot of guys had upgraded to the Silverstars. For $70 (Walmart) and a lot easier time to install, I thought I would give them a try.

Well, they have been excellent and I don't think I need anything else. The light is a nice bright white. I was up to my mother's house out in the country about a month ago, where the auto high beams kicked in. I would say the illumination provided by the Silverstars was as good or better that my Infiniti on high beam (with HID's).

Put 9005's in the fog light housing instead of the spec'd 9145's. Higher light output for the fogs, great fill light for the low beams. Alternative to Silverstars are Nighthawks by GE (not quiet as white, but half the price of Silverstars)

Ther is a eller on eBay that is selling 2 silverstars for $17.99 plus $4 shipping.....and silverstar ultras for $19.99 for 2. I bought all four bulbs in the Silverstar Ultras for like $45 shipped

Lets see some night pics of these Silverstars/Ultras.

I changed out the high/low beams and driving lights with the Silverstars last night... took all of 10 minutes. What a difference!!! The lights (when you're standing in front of them) are so much whiter and brighter. Driving to work this morning with the high beams on I could literally see 50-75 yards further down the road than with the stock bulbs. A well-spent $100... highly recommend this mod.

Just ordered these lights as well. Anyone have any pics with the Sylvania 9005/9006 SU that they can post on here.

Thanks.

I figure I will get a pair of these sylvania sliverstar for my 2007 before it comes in. What are the model numbers for the headlights and fogs?

Yeah to replace high/ low and fogs what model numbers for the sylvania's?

Yeah to replace high/ low and fogs what model numbers for the sylvania's?
9005High 9006Low 9145Fog

Does using 9005 instead of 9145 in fogs cause any problems w/the wiring like using higher wattage bulbs?

thanks chief

For better whiter light I bought this:

Low beam:
PIAA H11 Xtreme White Plus - 15211
H11 55W

High beam:
PIAA 9005 Xtreme White Plus - 19615
9005 60W

For better whiter light I bought this:

Low beam:
PIAA H11 Xtreme White Plus - 15211
H11 55W

High beam:
PIAA 9005 Xtreme White Plus - 19615
9005 60W

Just ordered mine today. Do you know what PIAA fog light bulbs to use?

Just ordered mine today. Do you know what PIAA fog light bulbs to use?

It must be this:

PIAA H4 Ion Crystal Bulb 70446
H4 60/55W=110/100W Ion Crystal Yellow XTRA, Single

I just tried to put my low beam PIAA's in, and the don't fit. I ordered the Low beam:
PIAA H11 Xtreme White Plus - 15211
H11 55W

Did they fit on yours?

From my own experience; PIAA bulbs work better than Sylvania. You can use 9005 bulb in the fog light housing. Yuo may have to grind a tab a little.

I put the sylvania lights on the truck this afternoon, and while they do help in seeing further on the road, I really dont see that much difference between that and the original lights. I think I will use them for a few months and upgrade to a HID kit.

Thank you for the feedback. I think I might jump to the HID and just resell the SS back on ebay when I get them. I wish I heard this feedback before I bought the SS but, at least I know before installed them. Thanks GodfatherSRT8. Street WK sign me up.

I put the sylvania lights on the truck this afternoon, and while they do help in seeing further on the road, I really dont see that much difference between that and the original lights. I think I will use them for a few months and upgrade to a HID kit.

I'm your man when you decide to come over to the dark side... errrr, bright side ;)


Thank you for the feedback. I think I might jump to the HID and just resell the SS back on ebay when I get them. I wish I heard this feedback before I bought the SS but, at least I know before installed them. Thanks GodfatherSRT8. Street WK sign me up.

You got it bud. PM'd back :D

I just tried to put my low beam PIAA's in, and the don't fit. I ordered the Low beam:
PIAA H11 Xtreme White Plus - 15211
H11 55W

Did they fit on yours?


Anyone have an answer for me? Thx

Lowbeams are 9006, not H11. Fog bulbs are H10 though.
Just curious, where did you hear the lowbeams are H11?
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edit: just saw the post from justyli. doh!
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Lowbeams are 9006, not H11. Fog bulbs are H10 though.
Just curious, where did you hear the lowbeams are H11?
---
edit: just saw the post from justyli. doh!

Yes, from this post. I guess I could sell them on ebay and order the 9006...:mad:

I installed the Sivlerstar and I like them a lot. They are not HID....but I think they are enough. What makes the extra difference is I also put the 9005s in to replace the fog lights. (The 9005s are the 65 watt high beem bulb)
Got that advise from someone in this string.

thanks!

Note: the auto high beem dosn't kick on as much....I think its because it is more bright in front of you.....but it does still work....just needs to be real dark.

Lowbeams are 9006, not H11. Fog bulbs are H10 though.
Just curious, where did you hear the lowbeams are H11?
---
edit: just saw the post from justyli. doh!


It put in without any problem:

Low beam:
PIAA H11 Xtreme White Plus - 15211 H11 55W

High beam:
PIAA 9005 Xtreme White Plus - 19615 9005 60W

Are there different bulbs used for the WH type?

What makes the extra difference is I also put the 9005s in to replace the fog lights. (The 9005s are the 65 watt high beem bulb)
.


Does putting in the 9005s in the fog lights mess with the wiring in anyway? That sounds like something I want to do, just gotta be sure first.

The 9005s just plug into the existing connector...

There is no wiring change at all. I did read that you may need to "grind" the "tap" on the bulb a little so they click in. I didnt need to do that either. The passenger side needed a little "persuasion" but really no big deal at all....just make sure it is even when you push it in. The tabs are slightly different if you compare it with the factory 9145 bulb....but in the end the 9005s went in and work great. I was leery too...but not anymore.

The 9005s are 65 watts and the 9145s are 48 watts....so its only 17 watts more. I checked it out and didnt feel that there was any heat problem either. And the wire is the same gage as the high beem wire. That's about all i know....

lemeknow how you make out....

I went ahead and changed the fog lights with the 9005 and it looks great. Alot brighter and the fit was perfect.

Thanks 07! Good info there.

I went ahead and changed the fog lights with the 9005 and it looks great. Alot brighter and the fit was perfect.


Do you still think you will go HID?

Thanks 07! Good info there.


you got it ;)

Do you still think you will go HID?


Yes, I will use these for a few months and upgrade to HID's. They just look so bad ass on. Everytime I see them in my rear view mirror trying to keep up with me, makes me want to get the kit.

I'm also making the change to HIDs. I kinda shopped around for awhile and finally decided on Kaixen. (www.kaixen.com). I'm doing them in the lows and the fogs.

Ge2 that link doesn't work...

I think its http://www.kaixen.co.kr/

Shoot-- sorry!

http://www.kaixenkits.com/

which ones? 5k,6k,65k,85k?

ahhh.... thats much better in English!!

Which ones are you buying for your lows and fogs?

I'm doing 6000s in both spots. They get installed on the 7 & 8th along with a few other goodies. I'll post up pics afterwards.

http://www.kaixenkits.com/

When it comes to HID's, my knowledge is lacking. This looks like a classy kit. Thanks for the research - cannot wait to see the results.

Please do not buy HIDs until you've done your research.

All you need to know and more can be found at www.hidplanet.com

Try these: www.eurodezigns.com

I have used them for both my high and low. Great price, comes in packs of 2. Much better then stock. The blue ones are 8500k. Installs in less then 5 mins into stock harness.

I'm trying SS Ultras soon & I want to replace the 3157's w/something brighter. Are the 24LED's anygood/brighter/safe? What 3157's are you guys using?

I have just replaced the stock bulbs with PIAA Xtreme Force bulbs.

(UK Model)
H11 - (Dip Beam) PIAA H318 Xtreme Force
9005 - (Main Beam) PIAA H259 Xtreme Force
Wedge Bulb PIAA H322 4 LED Xtreme Force

These codes are from the UK web site (piaa.co.uk).

Will eventually replace the Fog's which are H10's but PIAA do not do these at present.

Might change the LED as it's a bit blue (BLING !)

Makes a vast difference driving around the UK country lanes - especially on full beam. I had Bi-Xeons on ML320 and I recon they are just as good.

Mark

Will the HID plug n play setups even be very effective/functional since the reflectors in the headlights weren't developed with HID use in mind? They'll throw more light down the road, but will it be patterned appropriately? OEM HID's always seem to have very sharp cutoffs to the beam pattern.... otherwise oncoming traffic gets grouchy :)

I put the SS ultras in & it doesn't appear that they are much better than stock, which were Sylvania's to begin with. If I feel they are much better after some more night driving I'll post. Till then maybe HIDs?

I put the SS ultras in & it doesn't appear that they are much better than stock, which were Sylvania's to begin with. If I feel they are much better after some more night driving I'll post. Till then maybe HIDs?


did you do the fogs too?? See my post #22

did you do the fogs too?? See my post #22
I'm putting reg 9005 in the fogs soon(not SSU, hoping the the more yellow light is better for fogs). I'm just not impressed w/the very subtle diff between the eom & SS Ultras.