Sylvania HID Upgrade...

[Happy Hummer]

Any one try this kit yet?? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

It doesn't seem bad for $499.00 includes shipping.

http://orderxenarc.sylvania.com/orderxenarc/productenlarged.asp?ProductId=141940&CId=%7BF70D81FA%2D04E7%2D4153%2D8740%2D4371BA955A7 3%7D&NC=152003163252

ROB

2003 Hummer H2, Black Lux. Pkg, Breathless HID lights and Stage 2B engine kit, Mazzi Maximus 18" chrome wheels and BFG 35X12.50 18 KM Mud Terrain Tires, Alpine DVD Navigation System, Myron & Davis 7" headrest monitors, Alpine 10 disc DVD Changer, XM Delphi Satellite radio, NXSTC DRL upgrade
2002 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
2003 Dodge Viper SRT/10 #150
2003 Honda Odyssey EX
2003 Harley V-Rod 2 Tone Anniversary Edition

[Happy Hummer]

Any one try this kit yet?? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

It doesn't seem bad for $499.00 includes shipping.

http://orderxenarc.sylvania.com/orderxenarc/productenlarged.asp?ProductId=141940&CId=%7BF70D81FA%2D04E7%2D4153%2D8740%2D4371BA955A7 3%7D&NC=152003163252

ROB

2003 Hummer H2, Black Lux. Pkg, Breathless HID lights and Stage 2B engine kit, Mazzi Maximus 18" chrome wheels and BFG 35X12.50 18 KM Mud Terrain Tires, Alpine DVD Navigation System, Myron & Davis 7" headrest monitors, Alpine 10 disc DVD Changer, XM Delphi Satellite radio, NXSTC DRL upgrade
2002 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
2003 Dodge Viper SRT/10 #150
2003 Honda Odyssey EX
2003 Harley V-Rod 2 Tone Anniversary Edition

I'm quite interested in this.

After installing these, would I still have both low and high beams?

[MAC]

I think in general there is no HI/LOW beam for HID lights, at least all the readings I did said that.

Before you spend $500, you may want to try $15-$25 Xenon/HID 9007 bulb replacement, which has a blue tint super white color, which will get you pretty close to full HID. I did and they look great, just like the HID, brightness is improved from stock bulbs.

[NSXTC]

Hey Mac,

Which brand did you get? There are tons of HID look-a-likes and some are bluer than others. With the blue ones, you can't see Sh*t.

Since I got the DRLs on, I'm going to match the 3157s with a bluish tint.

http://www.xtremewhite.com/ORD-Light~bulbs-Heliolite-Signal,Corner,Tail~and~accessories~bulbs-No-5748-1-1-1-1.cfm

[MAC]

I agree they are not like HID, but they are good enough for me. I know several members here have switched to Xenon HID bulbs and are quite happy with them. It is still a valid suggestion for others to try them out.
HID coming my way are often quite annoying, I have no need to go that way yet.

I switched to 3157 bulbs in the DRL, looks nice, especially since my DRL are day time only. The blue bulbs make the lenses look blue too, neat. They are just cheap blue glass bulbs I bought in Kragen auto store for $6.99.

9007, I tried 2 different types, DOT legal 65/55W and 100/80W, both okay. I don't think there is any brand to these bulbs, all Korean or Japanese made.

[valkolton]

Where did you buy them at (the 9007s)...

Val

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MAC:
I agree they are not like HID, but they are good enough for me. I know several members here have switched to Xenon HID bulbs and are quite happy with them. It is still a valid suggestion for others to try them out.
HID coming my way are often quite annoying, I have no need to go that way yet.

I switched to 3157 bulbs in the DRL, looks nice, especially since my DRL are day time only. The blue bulbs make the lenses look blue too, neat. They are just cheap blue glass bulbs I bought in Kragen auto store for $6.99.

9007, I tried 2 different types, DOT legal 65/55W and 100/80W, both okay. I don't think there is any brand to these bulbs, all Korean or Japanese made.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Klaus]

The Sylvania Lights are a complete kit that includes a high beam in the form of an H3 bulb.

Klaus

[1 bad h2]

HEY GUYS IF YOU WANT HID/XENONS CHECK THESE GUYS OUT THEY ARE THE BEST OFFERING O.E.M FOR BMW,PORSCHE,MERCEDES ETC...THEY ONLY SELL THE REAL DEAL...NAME OF COMPANY IS HIDS4 LESS http://www.hids4less.com/www/index.asp
I POSTED THIS A WHILE AGO FOR EVERYONE I HAVE THE STAGE 2 BULBS FOR MY HUMMER THERE THE TYPE THE LEMANS RACE CARS YOUS...YOU HAVE TO BE CARFUL WHERE YOU BUY YOUR HID KITS MOST PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE SELLING TIWANISE CHEAP BULBS WITH THERE KITS THESE GUYS GIVE YOU 5 YEAR WARRANTY WITH THERE STUFF......THATS ABOUT THE BEST OUT THERE...AND BOTH THERE BALIS AND BULBS ARE FROM GERMANY YOUSING BOTH PHILLIPS BALIS AND BULBS THATS THE SAME STUFF IN THE EURO CARS......AS FOR REPLACMENT BULBS THEY SUCK!!!!!!!NOTHING BEATS THE REAL DEAL XENON IS XENON

[MAC]

9007 bulbs.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=bulb+9007&cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&ht=1&from=R10&currdisp=2&itemtimedisp=1&st=2&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&BasicSearch=

[Vaka Humm]

WARRING....A WORD TO THE WISE....DON'T BUY YOUR FAKE HID LIGHTS ON EBAY FROM A RIP-OFF ARTIST THAT GOES BY THE NAME TRUFRESH!!!!!!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif
I bought and paid that day for them and waited over a month, got no responce then told me had a FLOOD when the finaly came the DDL lasted ONE DAY!! and will not reply to my emails after I asked him to send me replacements and would send him the bad ones back. Also no responce when I asked for a refund.

[1 bad h2]

GUYS TRUST ME FORGET THE FAKE BULBS,FORGET EBAY,FORGET BREATHLESS AND SO ON CALL HIDS 4 LESS
DONT SETTLE FOR LESS,WERE DRIVING H2S NOT NEONS

[Vaka Humm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 1 bad h2:
GUYS TRUST ME FORGET THE FAKE BULBS,FORGET EBAY,FORGET BREATHLESS AND SO ON CALL HIDS 4 LESS
DONT SETTLE FOR LESS,WERE DRIVING H2S NOT NEONS<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I think you're right, this may be a case of "I got LESS than I paid for"
I checked out their site and will be calling them in the AM. Thanks

[1 bad h2]

HEY VAKA I LIVE IN MIAMI AND LOVE CATCHING TARPON WHERES BOCA GRANDE????????????

[Happy Hummer]

but on the sylvania for the same price you get to keep the high beams. (I want this back again to flash back at people flashing me ALL the time http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/Gif/bart-moon.gif

ROB

[1 bad h2]

with hids 4 less with stage 2 kit youll have a bluer and brighter light ,which you wouldent even need the high beams anymore,plus if you have the offroad lights you dont need highbeams regardless.......plus the highbeams from factory hardly do anything anyway,i allways yous my offroads.

[NSXTC]

Those HIDs w/ both high and low beams are mechanical bulbs which moves the lenses (or reflectors) up and down. Just more things to break.

Although having high beams is a good thing. Esp for those of us w/ no roof lights.

[Neal Bardens]

Becareful i know several people that installed the cheap HID's that don't require the ballast and their wiring burnt up.

[Vaka Humm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 1 bad h2:
HEY VAKA I LIVE IN MIAMI AND LOVE CATCHING TARPON WHERES BOCA GRANDE????????????<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's on the west (best) coast, north of Ft. Myers and south of Sarasota. Boca is the mouth of Charlotte Harbor and from mid April thru July the silver monsters (90 to over 200#) come here to make baby silver kings. Fishing "the pass" is a real experence you won't soon forget. I recomend a day or two with Capt. Greg DeVault 1-888-557-1855 tell him Capt. Van refered you. You'll have a great time, book now if you want to go this season as he books up early, try to come end of May first part of June. Tight Line

[Mega Boris]

I spent a lot of time over the past few days looking for a viable solution to the H2's headlight situation..

like everyone here, im upset with the "candle with a mirror" that came stock with the car...

If you put in a HID 9007 Kit, you will LOSE your HI BEAM Capabilities.... as there are no quality bi-xenon kits....

BEWARE of any you find... Most claim to be HELLA brand, but only use hella ballasts... the actual bulbs are taiwanese.

Because there is no de-facto solution.. and I do not want to give up my Hi-Beam capabilities...

I installed Sylvania Silverstars 9007ST.
They cost 25$ a bulb...

The light produced is crisper and whiter...
You gain some brightness... not much...

Tonight, my first night using then, I got the brights from a couple of people... Obviously thinking that my brights were on... A good thing...

However, the design of the lens and reflector does not do justice... the aim is crap, and its not the silverstars fault...

In summation:

No HELLA Bi-Xenon HID Kits Available
All that claim are Hella Ballasts and Taiwanese Bulbs (crap). The aiming isn't gonna be perfect either. They are expensive... and most importantly,
NOT STREET LEGAL...

PURE Hella Kits from Philips are available, however you will LOSE HIGH BEAM functionality.

The Sylvania Xenarcs would need to be custom fitted inside the current Light Housing...
Something I do not wish to change, as I expect in the future, there will be a viable HID solution...

Do NOT buy Xenon-HID bulbs without buying a conversion kit.... The voltage is different and you will end up either melting your wires, or blowing the bulbs....

The Sylvania Silverstars are halogens, produce a color temp of 4000K, the xenarcs produce 4100k. The Color is white compared to the yellow of the stock lights. With these you DO NOT LOSE HI BEAM FUNCTIONALITY. They are inexpensive, an easy plug and play... and most importantly.. STREET LEGAL

So, until there is a bi-xenon 9007 ALL HELLA kit, (i don't care if its street legal or not, for the time being) I will not be purchasing an HID kit, as the Silverstars are viable substitutes until one is made...

I hope this helps...

For Reference, these are the bulbs you would need to buy. They should be carried at your local auto parts store:

http://www.sylvania.com/auto/silverstar.htm

In the 9007ST size.


I will have pictures tomorrow, if you want to check back.

[NSXTC]

Thanks Mega...this is the exact type of comparison I was looking for. Great post! I'm going with your advice until Hummer offers the HID option to 2004 models. Hopefully, it'll retrofit.

Until then...

Sylvania has a $10 rebate on a pair of Silverstars...Download rebate here...

http://www.autobarn.com/rebate/sylreb.pdf

Autobarn.com has 9007ST...link here...

http://store.yahoo.com/rodi/silverstar.html

Matching DRLs in Super white (slight blue tint)for those with the DRL + HL mod...

http://store.yahoo.com/rodi/apccolglasbu.html

APC 504055B WAFFLE 3157 SP.WHITE 9.95 (Price for 1 pair)


Total for 2 9007 and 2 DRLs including shipping from Autobarn.com...$66.80. Don't forget the $10 rebate = $56.80 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by NSXTC on January 07, 2003 at 12:01 AM.]

[Mega Boris]

I don't know what Hummer Has Planned.

For an HID to be DOT Approved, it has to auto-level...
For example, on BMW's and Benz's... if you go over a speed bump, the HID's automatically lower, as not to blind the guy on the other side...

The kits dont do that, so they are inherently illegal...

Hummer will most likely do what that sylvania xenarc does.... Low Beam is a Xenon HID, and your High Beam will be H3's.... in the same casing..

I don't know how it exactly works...

I plan on taking my H2 in to the dealer to get my beams re-adjusted... I suggest everyone does the same, as most factory H2's have crap aiming...

I never thought about replacing the DRL's and will prolly do so, to ensure both lights are the same (or at least close) color.

[NSXTC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
I plan on taking my H2 in to the dealer to get my beams re-adjusted... I suggest everyone does the same, as most factory H2's have crap aiming...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This will turn your headlights down to a normal level. Works for everyone that have tried it. Use a 5/32 allen.

[Mega Boris]

what exactly am I turning? I never looked at the HL in detail.. i replaced it when it was dark out.

[NSXTC]

Looking at the grill, there is a hole in the front headlight housing. This is used to adjust your headlight. If you are looking at the driver light, it's bottom right. Passenger light, it's bottom left (or vice versa). Anyway, can't miss the hole. Only one there.

[MAC]

Take a look, there are one hole each next to head lamp lense.
Takes seconds to do it yourself.

[Mega Boris]

i'll give it a try tomorrow...

last question before I disappear for the night...
it looks like its a pain to access the DRL's.

The manual is a little vague... whats the process?

[MAC]

Just reach in, turn from 3 o'clock to 12 o'clock, pull out.
Pull out bulb, insert new bulb.
Put assembly back in, turn from 12 to 3. DONE.

[Mega Boris]

thats my issue... where is the DRL accessible from...

since its located in the bumper, its not like I can access it from opening the hood... what do i need to get under, etc.

edit: 5 posts and i'm a vet... SWEET http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I've had my h2 since the 1st week in november...
If you see NY Plates: H2UMMER , that's me...

[MAC]

Mega, what you need to do is look at it. Much like the head lamp adjustment holes, they are there for you to see. When you walk to your Hummer, look at the back of the DRL, all your questions are answered instantly. Sounds like you have not even look at the back of your DRL, certainly never the front of your head lamps. We all learn from each others. I read about the head lamp adjustment from other members here months ago. Welcome.
Go to your Hummer and take a look.

[Mega Boris]

I'll take a look at it in the morning... As its 3am here, and im already ready for bed...

I wish I had found these forums sooner...

It has informed me about the wiper problems, and how to fix this problem as well... Im glad i could contribute to this specific thread as I did the entire searching process over the last 2 days....

I plan on getting some PICS of my h2 up soon...

I'm off for the night... I will stop by tomorrow to chat some more. Thanks for all the help!

[buddy]

When you're swapping the headlight bulbs around, don't lose the bulb retainer.

When I removed one of the HL bulbs, I forgot to put the retainer back on. Somewhere during a recent 2000 mi trip it fell off from wherever I laid it during the swap.

So, I head over to the dealer to get a new keeper. Not available. Dealer says, You have to buy the deadlight assembly http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif. to the tune of $180.00, or with discount $140.00. Anyway, they still have the HL.

I did get a chance to get a look at the assembly and doesn't appear to have any horizontal adjustment, just the vertical. I know some of us was wanting to eliminate some of the overlapping of the beam pattern.

If you ever need to replace the headlight, you have to buy the entire assembly..complete.

Don't misplace those bulb retainers.

[JCJ]

is possible by inserting (a # of) washers between left or right bolts (there are 3) and little holes in the hood, where head lamps are fastened.
When I hadn't figured out the easy way (w/ allen wrench in little hole in front) yet to adjust the head lamps vertically, I inserted washers in the top bolt.

[Mega Boris]

for the DRL's will any 3157 bulb do? I'm having trouble locating that APC bulb locally.

[NSXTC]

I think so. If you look at our DRL bulbs now, it has two filament. Not sure why they put a dual filament bulb in there. The dual filaments are 3157s and doubles as parking/brake (rear) or parking/turn signal (front). So I'm thinking that a regular 3157 will do eventhough the manual ask for 3157KX.

I think someone on this board has actually replaced the DRLs and can give more insight.

[valkolton]

NSXTC, I am in La Jolla too... Are you the other Orange H2 I saw driving on La Jolla Boulevard before I got mine??? Have you replaced your bulbs, I would love to see them in person.

Val
'03 Orange H2, Lux


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NSXTC:
I think so. If you look at our DRL bulbs now, it has two filament. Not sure why they put a dual filament bulb in there. The dual filaments are 3157s and doubles as parking/brake (rear) or parking/turn signal (front). So I'm thinking that a regular 3157 will do eventhough the manual ask for 3157KX.

I think someone on this board has actually replaced the DRLs and can give more insight.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[NSXTC]

Hey Val, Check your Private Topics. Let's hook up.

[MAC]

Not every 3157 will work. Strangely there are many types of 3157, with totally different bases. The 3157 used in Hummer has snap in base with 2 metal contacts on each side, some 3157 has only 1 wire each side, some 3157 has larger bulb as ours but some has tiny bulbs. I have switched to new 3157 "Super White" bulbs I found at Kragen Auto, these are the $7 cheap bulbs, light became white (vs. yellow) with a slight blue tint. But one only lasted 2 days, I am going back in to get replacement if they have any new stock, that was the last one on the shelf. Yes, they looked like cheap Taiwan bulbs and packaging, but the white light was good. I am hoping that was just a bad bulb. What you need to do is to take out your current DRL bulb to see and match it.

Yes, I agree with one post here said that you have to be careful with the eBay bulb sellers, they seem slimy and tricky to me. Target, auto or stereo stores and Walgreen sell many of these 9007 bulbs about $20, you can always return them to store, you can't do that with eBay. Add in shipping cost, eBay is not cheaper.

[This message was edited by MAC on January 07, 2003 at 03:02 PM.]

[PARAGON]

There is really only one logical option to get HID's on the H2. I searched all over the internet trying to find the right setup and finally did.

This is one of those things that should have been stock. Buy the Sylvania Xenarc X6024 replacement lamps and you won't be sorry. They are very easy to install and not only do you retain low and high beam functions, the low beam HID's stay on when you switch over to high beam.

I ordered my H2 with the wrap-around brush guard (which made installation slightly more difficult) and the factory off-road lights. With the new headlamp assemblies in, you cannot tell that the off-road lights are on as they are drowned in the light produced by the new beams.

You have HID on low beam and maintain the HID's on high beam but there is a second H4 halogen bulb in the sealed beam unit that kicks on and provides more light. I found the lights the cheapest at http://www.brightheadlights-hid.com/Sylvania-xenarc-sealed-beams.htm

It's an easy installation and comes with every thing you need. Also you'll find yourself not using the high beams very much afterward because the HID's on low provide great light.

[Matverick]

I had a set of the Xenarcs on my 2001 Silverado 2500HD. They made a HUGE difference over the factory lighting. You still have highbeams, just not the HID. (HID for low beam, Silverstar bulbs for the highs) Sylvania offers the Silverstar as a highbeam upgrade when you buy the HID kit. The bulbs closely match the color of the HID. The other thing that is impressive is the width of light coverage. I live in South Dakota, where deer are a real problem. It's so much easier to avoid them when BOTH ditches are completely illuminated. Definitely putting the 7 inch set on my H2 when it comes in 2 weeks.

And no, I don't work for Sylvania!

Mat

"Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds"

[Mango]

Paragon, tell us about the install. The stock unit does not use a sealed beam type system. Did you just replace the stock headlight enclosure (lens, reflector, etc) with the new sealed unit? Any mods necessary?

Mango -- Saltwater Flyfisherman, Photographer, Varmint Hunter -- Fort Worth, Tx

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

[mpetrich]

Paragon, I would also be interested in where you installed the ballasts and any other tid-bits of information you could provide on the install.
Thanks.

[PARAGON]

Actually the stock headlight is a plastic reflector made to the same specs as a sealed beam but it has a replacement bulb in it. The new lamps are true sealed beams and fit perfectly into the stock bucket (you just have to make a minor modification to allow a connector to fit properly).

To start you have to remove your grill guard (if you have one), and the entire grill. There are 4 nuts to remove for the grill.

You then remove the 3 nuts that retain the headlight assembly and pull the assembly out the front. You'll see that the headlight itself is mounted in a black sealed beam bucket and all you do is remove 3 screws and the bucket comes apart and the headlight simply falls out. I had to take a dremel with a sanding wheel attached and removed about 2x3 inch portion of the black plastic bucket on the back so that one of the new wire connectors would not bind.

After that you reverse the installation using the new headlights. The starter is part of the headlight assembly so you only need to mount the ballast. It's rather small and I simply mounted it next to the back of the headlights. The kit comes with everything you need and plenty of cable length. I'll try to mention a few of the things I did that made it easier.

First the headlights have to get their power direct, so I attached the supplied cable to one of the "always on" posts underneath the fuse box that's under the hood. I then ran a single ground wire over to the engine block for a ground and attached the other end to both grounds for the lights. I routed the wires around the battery and through a hole behind the left headlight. I continued the wiring for the right headlight across the front of the radiator and tied it off in places using the supplied ties.

You have to cut the plug off the end of the stock headlight wiring harness and use the supplied connectors to reconnect the new lights. The instructions are very good and tell you the colors of the connectors for each connection. Here is a link to a copy of the installation instructions: http://www.sylvania.com/xenarc/pdfs/x6024man.pdf

The way this installation goes, you (if you wanted to) can easily go back to the stock headlights by simply reattaching the stock plug and putting the old headlight back in. The modification to the bucket I made does not effect the stock setup at all.

One thing to note, after the initial installation I had to take it all back apart to make horizontal adjustments to the headlights. The beam pattern is very well defined and easy to aim if you could adjust both horizontal and vertical at the same time. You have to use trial and error with the horizontal by make the adjustment and then mounting the light back in and checking it. Luckily I was happy after the second removal.

Let me know if I missed something or if you have more questions.

[buddy]

Here's some more info.

www.redhummer.com/ (http://www.redhummer.com/myhummer/headlights/hid_headlights_x6024_for_the_hummer.htm)

[JCJ]

Would Sylvania (or other manufacturer) have replacement set (pref. HID) for DRLs as well?
What would be the DRL's size/diameter?