Installed replacement headlight housings with the standard bulbs ..... is there a alternate replacement bulb which would be brighter/whiter than the standard replacement bulbs? ...... how much can I pump up the bulb wattage without causing electrical problems?

Thanks.

I used to work for an automotive distributor that sold light bulbs.
Sylvania Silverstars were the best that we handled.

Also, how are the headlamp lenses? Nice and clear or starting to oxidize on the surface?
If they are cloudy there are many DIY kits to clean the cloudy oxidation.

Thanks for the suggestions/ideas ..... lenses and reflectors were in bad shape ... so replaced the headlight housings/lenses with URO aftermarket units .... which really solved the light problem .... now just trying to find the brightest lamps/bulbs to use fr that little extra in brightness.

Thanks.

Hi. On my '98 S70, I went with Daniel Stern's H9 bulbs on a H7 base - 65W Osram Ultra High Output (2100 lumen, H9 burner on H7 base, race and special-purpose use. I just use them on the low beams, but it was an upgrade. We had to replace both headlight assemblies (with OEM) a few years ago due a fender bender.

Bill

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/products/products.html

Thanks for the info Bill ..... this sounds like it might be what I'm looking for. How long have you been using the Stern bulbs? .... assuming they are brighter than std. H7's such as the silverstar ultra's? ... other comments?

Thanks.

Abuelo,

I've probably had these Stern (Osram) bulbs for over three years. Have not tried the Silverstars, so no data there. I did not want a big increase in current requirement (higher wattage) for fear of melting the stock wiring/insulation. I burned up bulbs years ago in my GTI with 100W H7 bulbs.

I had some PIAA 9004 bulbs in a 4Runner years ago, they were OK. I'd listen to the advice of the other Volvo folks on this forum. The Osrams work for me.

Good luck.

Bill

I have been pleased with the PIAA bulbs.

I have seen several posts about damage done by higher wattage bulbs.

The Sylvania Silver Stars that I put in my 855R are actually 5 watts less than stock.

I bought a dozen bulbs for my wife's 854 base from Taiwan on ebay, Quite white, bright and cheap. Same wattage as stock.

I got a dozen for the price of four - I am not sure if they will outlast four quality bulbs though.

--
'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '72 Yamaha Rd400, '68 Honda 350-4, '12 XC70, the first 5 are mine, heh, heh, 525,000 miles put on 10 bricks James A Sousa

Hi Jim,

I upgraded my 854R (factory Euro headlamps) to HID and am actually very happy with the results. I went with pure white and the light is much better than incandescent. The digital ballast kits are so inexpensive now that you can actually build a decent setup for less than you would think - and if you choose a mature adult color like factory white (5000k or 6000k - I went 6000K and have subtle blue tint to the light when viewed from outside, pure white from the driver's seat) and not pink, purple, or some other "pull my stupid ass over" color you do get a meaningful upgrade in my opinion. I use HID for the lows and PIAA super whites for the highs (because I want the highs to come on strong for warning flashes and dont' want to wait for HIDs to warm).

On another note... you still have my old '67 1800S, no? What are the odds that you would be interested in parting with the springs?

Shoot me an email - it's my handle here but at gmail. Hope you are well!

~Sam

I got these for my wife's Honda and I have to say I'm impressed. It's a 2010 so I didn't expect to see a major difference and I don't ;) but there IS a difference and I had to replace the bulbs anyway.

Looks like they have them for ours too:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-X-treme-Power-Headlight-Bulb/dp/B00480GZ9I/ref=au_pf_ss_8?ie=UTF8&Make=Volvo%7C27&Model=XC70%7C152&Year=2007%7C2007&carId=003&n=15684181&s=automotive