Head light? for my new 4runner

[sandcrawler]

What is exactly is modded to get the H9 bulb into the stock H11 Plug and Reflector assembly, and what is modded to get the 9011HIR bulb into the stock 9005 Plug and Reflector assembly?

Is it really as easy as trimming a plastic tab on the bulb, and they become a true "Drop in" replacement (after trimming the tab)? Plugs will all match up and stock relays and fuses will be happy?

yes, very easy. i've been running this setup for almost 3 years; same bulbs, no problems, no blown fuses. here's a helpful link for the H9 modification: Converting Foglights from H11 to H9 - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)

the pic you linked from candlepower's tech section shows exactly what you need for the HIR mod.

Would these 9011HIR's be a good choice for High Beams if using the Narva H9's linked to above for Low-Beam? (also from store.candlepower.com)
NEW Philips 9011 (HIR1) - (12.8V 65W - PX20D)

yes.

just get the set of (4) Phillips bulbs from candlepower.com for a discount if what I currently understand is accurate...

when you say 4 Phillips bulbs, what do you mean exactly?

 

[Randyman...]

Thank you, sandcrawler!

when you say 4 Phillips bulbs, what do you mean exactly?

I figured Phillips also offered an H9 to supplement their 9011HIR's - but I guess not (Candlepower offers a discount if you buy 4 Phillips bulbs). Looks like a mix-and-match then

Is that the setup you've run in the past (Narva H9 low-beam and Phillips 9011HIR Hi-Beam)?

PS - What about the Fog Lights?

Rock on

 

[Kraeken]

I just did this mod, I posted a thread about it. I probably should have just added to this one. It worked out great! Mods please combine if its appropriate...

 

[Randyman...]

I just did this mod, I posted a thread about it. I probably should have just added to this one. It worked out great! Mods please combine if its appropriate...

Sweet - I see you mentioned you used Philips lights for both Hi and Low beams - are you happy with them overall?

In addition, did you do your Fog Lights, too? What did you decide on? I know some prefer the yellow fog lights - I use mine more as driving lights - so I'll probably stick with white Fog Lights.

 

[Kraeken]

I'm fine with the Philips bulbs. The stock bulbs are Osram. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. I think the basic stock-equivalent bulbs are fine. The aren't that cheap to begin with, and those gimmick bulbs are either not as bright, or cost more than the extra light output is worth.

I am going to leave the fogs the way they are. I think they do a fine job as is, and I don't use them often enough to justify a swap. They do look good with the new headlights, they don't appear too dim or yellow.

 

[sandcrawler]

Thank you, sandcrawler!



I figured Phillips also offered an H9 to supplement their 9011HIR's - but I guess not (Candlepower offers a discount if you buy 4 Phillips bulbs). Looks like a mix-and-match then

Is that the setup you've run in the past (Narva H9 low-beam and Phillips 9011HIR Hi-Beam)?

PS - What about the Fog Lights?

Rock on

yup. Narva H9 lows and 9011 HIR highs for the last 3 years. my HIRs are the Toshibas, however.

i cheaped out on the fogs and got some yellow H9s (i forget the brand) but they aren't yellow enough for my taste. i only use them when weather calls for it, though, so it hasn't been a priority to replace them with the PIAA yellow H11s i probably should have just ponied up for in the first place.

 

[adam2562]

yea the factory headlights are amazing i think.. to the point where i don't care to upgrade to projectors and hid's

 

[Intruder]

i only use them when weather calls for it, though, so it hasn't been a priority to replace them with the PIAA yellow H11s i probably should have just ponied up for in the first place.

I'm running the PIAA yellow bulbs (can't remember the exact name) in my fogs and IMO they are definitely not worth the extra money. When mine burn out I'll be replacing them with regular clear H11 bulbs.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

I'm running the PIAA yellow bulbs (can't remember the exact name) in my fogs and IMO they are definitely not worth the extra money. When mine burn out I'll be replacing them with regular clear H11 bulbs.

I agree...if they are the PIAA Ion Plasmas or whatever, I won't be replacing mine either...going back to clear

 

[sandcrawler]

I'm running the PIAA yellow bulbs (can't remember the exact name) in my fogs and IMO they are definitely not worth the extra money. When mine burn out I'll be replacing them with regular clear H11 bulbs.

I agree...if they are the PIAA Ion Plasmas or whatever, I won't be replacing mine either...going back to clear

thanks for that feedback, guys. sounds like i shouldn't sweat making the swap then. PIAA is funny; s diehard fans

 

[sandcrawler]

I'm running the PIAA yellow bulbs (can't remember the exact name) in my fogs and IMO they are definitely not worth the extra money. When mine burn out I'll be replacing them with regular clear H11 bulbs.

I agree...if they are the PIAA Ion Plasmas or whatever, I won't be replacing mine either...going back to clear

thanks for that feedback, guys. sounds like i shouldn't sweat making the swap then. PIAA is funny: diehard fans in one camp; vocal critics in another. their 55W = 110W marketing schpiel is definitely eyebrow-raising.

 

[Intruder]

their 55W = 110W marketing schpiel is definitely eyebrow-raising.

[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] can probably tell you that it's physically impossible to get 110W out of 55W. Marketing hype is all it is. I had a set of their 110W super white bulbs and they lasted less than a year. I also agree with everything that's written about them - they make stuff that's close seem brighter because of the white light but they don't "extend" as far as a regular bulb.

 

[1engineer]

[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] can probably tell you that it's physically impossible to get 110W out of 55W. Marketing hype is all it is. I had a set of their 110W super white bulbs and they lasted less than a year. I also agree with everything that's written about them - they make stuff that's close seem brighter because of the white light but they don't "extend" as far as a regular bulb.

Exactly. I learned a long time ago the laws of physics and the OEM headlight bulb are hard to beat. Just remember that twice as bright usually means they last half as long. I stick to OEM or OEM spec bulbs. If I wanted more light I would install auxiliary lighting. Another thing: "Whiter Light?" Sorry guys but light is light. Your perception of the wave is what changes, not the light.