Headlights.... Wattage?

[TheLastMarauder]

Maybe someone can help me understand...

I'm looking at buying a pair of headlights (Sylvania XtraVision) in our 9004 size. The wattage is listed as 65/45 watts. Is this okay? What is the highest wattage our stock wiring can handle safely?

[BoostedPro]

Yeah, those should be fine. I currently have a set of 85/100watt bulbs in my Protege and have no problems.

Adam
1991 Protege GTR
#1739 of 2500

Disclaimer: The "Protege GTR" is a custom car. Mazda never made this vehicle.

[funkdaddysmack]

Anyone know what the silverstars are rated at?

[TheLastMarauder]

I've done some research... apparently 64/45 watt is something of an industry standard for the 9004. If it doesn't say, its probably 65/45 or less... And even if it's not, enough people have had them that I don't think you'll have any problems.

By the way, here's a website I found through TheMAN's faq....

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/bulbs/bulbs.html

This guy talks about 'blue' bulbs (like Silverstars) and why they don't really improve visibility, but do increase glare. Some are even illegal because with all the yellow light blocked, there isn't enough light left to really illuminate... Silverstars overcome this by intentionally using a filament that will be overdriven, resulting in brighter light but a short lifespan. (like a home lightbulb, only more expensive)

Of course, if you're talking about Osram Silverstars and not Sylvania, what I just said doesn't apply, and they are a lot better.

[goldstar]

The OEM rating for the 9003/H4 bulb in the sedan is 60/55 watts. The Osram Silverstar H4 bulb is also rated at 60/55 watts.

[charles]

Originally posted by goldstar
The OEM rating for the 9003/H4 bulb in the sedan is 60/55 watts. The Osram Silverstar H4 bulb is also rated at 60/55 watts.

Those aren't really applicable to this car, except for maybe the e-spec lights.

9004 standard is 65/45. There is no Osram Silverstar in 9004 that I have found. Sylvania makes them in the correct wattage, though I don't think there's that much benefit.

[Kevin]

oye.. personally, the sylvania sliverstars are some of the better 9004 bulbs available out there. i've bought and returned 3 different pepboy's sets of 9004's, and even had a chance to do some side by side comparissons, my conclusion was to stick with the silverstar's.. but even so, there's no bulb you can throw into MY headlights that make it easier to see in the rain. simple as that. blue tint bulbs.. forget it.. may look better while looking at it, but you can't see worth santa's cock on that one!
peace