Headlight question

[nomuken]

Sorry for this newbie question (I know nothing about lighting) but here goes. I was driving my '89 240sx down the freeway at night and realized that the stock headlights are grossly inadequate. They are dim, yellow, and shine only about 30 yards ahead. When I go over 70mph I feel like if an obstacle comes up on the read I won't have time to react.

So, my question is what is a cheap way to remedy this situation. I looked into HID systems, and external lamp offerings from companies like PIAA, but these cost from $200 to over $1000. Will replacement bulbs do the job? Maybe Sylvania Silverstar or XtraVision or something like that. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks,nomuken

[[Zero-S]]

You'd have to get a sealed beam replacement (goto http://www.enjukuracing.com). Then you can use standard halogen lights.

[nomuken]

What's a "sealed beam replacement"?

I checked out http://www.enjukuracing.com, but the only lighting products I see for the 240SX is some clear corners, and an empty Fog Lights section.

[4felix20]

i think the clear corners section includes the headlights

[[Zero-S]]

Sealed beam replacement...where you can buy an empty glass "shell" that you can put regular halogens into. Unlike the stock 240sx lights that you have to replace the entire housing everything it burns out.

[nomuken]

Let me see if I understand this. If I want to put in a bulb like Sylvania Silverstar I have to change the glass/reflective enclosure in the middle of which the bulb sits? I can't just replace my stock bulb?

[[Zero-S]]

because you have a SEALED BEAM light. If you take your light out you'll see that the entire glass housing has to be replaced.

[xyster]

I have the H4 conversion, from PDM Racing. Any H4 bulbs fit them, and the difference is incredible. Dump the cheap plasma blue bulbs that come with it, and buy some $6.49/ea whitish/yellow h4's from advance. I don't have any pictures, but they're crazy bright.

[nomuken]

ic