Gen 5 headlight upgrade suggestions - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Joel930 · 04-20-2006, 12:39 AM

I am looking to upgrade my headlights on my '03 LE. They just don't seem to be bright enough and I find myself using the high-beams way too often. Basically I want some brighter bulbs but not anything that will seem blinding. I'm looking for some suggestions from people with experience when it comes to this, some pics would be nice if at all possible.
One more thing, I was also considering changing the entire headlight assemblies to gen 5.5, would this be a better option?
Please advise.
Thank you

JMSinMD · 04-20-2006, 12:51 AM

I've been around this Camry/Solara community since about 1992. The best suggestion, unless you're willing to spend $1000+ on an HID retrofit is to purchase Sylvania Silverstars available at Autozone, PepBoys, etc. They'll run you $30-40 for a set (depending if on sale) and do improve visibility (in my opinion and I have them on 3 cars). Another option is a bulb called an HIR which is sold on ebay (I haven't found it anywhere else) that will run you about $50-60 for a set. Jon. check out sylvania.com for a list of appropriate bulb numbers for your specific vehicle.

white3ch0c0late · 04-20-2006, 01:21 AM

^Huh? What? You can get a pretty good retrofit for around $500... and thats projectors, ballasts, bulbs, etc.

Joel930 · 04-20-2006, 01:26 AM

I didn't realize that a housing is priced at what it is.
I will just stick with the Sylvanias.
Thanks!

LunarMist · 04-20-2006, 02:05 AM

Use Sylvanias at your own risk. I will never be a proponent of Silverstars ever again after mine just blew last week after only six months of minimal use. People can say that I didnt install them correctly or breathed on them or touched them all they want but I know I took careful steps to not do any of those things. Too much money to be having them blow in only half-a-year. But I will admit they are brighter but not how folks on here would have you believe. They still wont hold a candle to any REAL HID lights.

thapranksta · 04-20-2006, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white3ch0c0late

^Huh? What? You can get a pretty good retrofit for around $500... and thats projectors, ballasts, bulbs, etc.

Don't know about that. Sure the required hardware will cost you at or below $500 but after buying all the extra parts (glue, paint, tools, shrouds, etc.), you will surely be out of more. And if you have it done by someone else other than yourself, you will be out of even more cash. I would agree with JMSinMD. Around $1000 if someone does it for you, a few hundred less if you do it yourself.

LE05 · 04-20-2006, 01:08 PM

Joel930: changing the housings to the gen 5.5 won't do anything in terms of light output, and actually they're priced at about $150 - 200 each, depending on where you go to get them. Just stick with replacing the bulbs with silverstars, i think you'll be pleased... plus its a much cheaper option than a HID retrofit.

LunarMist: you know, you probably just got a bad bulb. I'm sure its under some kind of warranty, why don't you contact Sylvania? They'll probably give you a replacement.

Alloy · 04-20-2006, 01:48 PM

I am not very handy so HID retrofit is not an option for me. I am using Polarg B1 Halogen VIP Style Special White. You may use 9006 or do what I do. I use HB3=9005, cut off the 2 little pieces of plastic and it would shine even brighter without harming the socket. I did try K-2 7500K 9006 which costs $30CAD per pair, it was great too. They didn't burn out after 1.5yr but I switched to Polarg just because I wanna change the look

Here are some pics. Can any Gen 5 people post pics of the SilverStar? I would love to see its output as well, thanks!

OrangeJuice · 04-20-2006, 04:35 PM

i can post pics tonight.

Waghle · 04-20-2006, 04:42 PM

when you install the lightbulbs, make sure you wipe off all of your hand oils with alchohol, otherwise it will get too hot and break.

Alloy · 04-20-2006, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent Sharp

when you install the lightbulbs, make sure you wipe off all of your hand oils with alchohol, otherwise it will get too hot and break.

VERY IMPORTANT, so basically AVOID touching the bulb.

OrangeJuice · 04-20-2006, 11:33 PM

here are the pictures I said Ill get. Silver Star head light bulbs and cool blue fogs.

Alloy · 04-21-2006, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeJuice

here are the pictures I said Ill get. Silver Star head light bulbs and cool blue fogs.

Great pics, thanks! Seems like the output is really good. Btw, what did you do to your orange turning signal? Shouldn't they be on when the low beams are on?

OrangeJuice · 04-21-2006, 12:16 AM

hahhah, good observation. I dont have them on because I changed my headlight housing to JDMs. apparently the socket for the turn signals are a bit different (actually only the sockets for the high beams are the same. oh and I was using H7 silver stars for low beam) so in order for me to get turn signals, I had to fish around in the junk yard to find the right socket. the socket I found that fits does not have a high and low ablity. so in turn I lost my "low setting" on my turn signals. but I cant say I dont like it that way, sure is nice without the amber constantly on

Hawkeye-SE · 04-21-2006, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeJuice

hahhah, good observation. I dont have them on because I changed my headlight housing to JDMs.

Clearly they are not JDM because the beam pattern is LHD.

Even with halogens there is some glare there, but I suspect that is probably due to being parked too close to the door for me to really judge.