HEADLIGHT UPGRADE

[petervankleeck]

Gentlemen,

What do you recommend for a headlight replacement for my 90'? I don't want to make any modifications to the original wiring. I would also like to see as far down the road as possible given that parameter.

Thanks in advance.

Peter, #659

Also, many thanks to Marc Haibeck for the chip upgrade and repairing my tach and ECM.

[ram_g]

LED headlamps with the "Yun relay modification" to allow foglamp operation.

I bought these from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G31G4VB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They work great but require a slight physical mod to the headlamp buckets (removal of a small sheet metal "bump").

I installed the Yun mod with a spare standard automotive relay so if I want to I can re-install the original relay and all is back to stock.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Hella Z Beams with 100/55 watt
H4 bulbs.
No screwing around with LEDs and
they'll lite up you life. 💡

[lmcptman@gmail.com]

Hella Z Beams with 100/55 watt
H4 bulbs.
No screwing around with LEDs and
they'll lite up you life. 💡

Did you have to upgrade your harness or install relays to use 100/55

[Mystic ZR-1]

Nope, all stock relays etc.
Hasn't melted down yet.
Had them on my last 2 Vettes with
no problems.
Wouldn't try the 130/55 bulbs though...

[lmcptman@gmail.com]

Nope, all stock relays etc.
Hasn't melted down yet.
Had them on my last 2 Vettes with
no problems.
Wouldn't try the 130/55 bulbs though...

I was thinking about going with the 100/80 but think that i would need to upgrade wiring. Going to keep it simple and use 100/55.
Thanks

[Paul Workman]

Well...

Apparently, LED headlight conversions have come under fire in many places. In fact, I just looked at my sources and the conversion headlights I suggested in my article from a couple years ago are NO LONGER carried.

At issue, apparently, is one I warned about - (LED) lights that do not have a cutoff line, or are not properly aimed to prevent blinding on coming drivers, have resulted in petitions (at least) and legislation in some cases, banning the LED lights.

This is really too bad. The LED headlights really make a huge improvement over stock lights, to be sure. AND, because the C4 Corvette lights are at a so relatively low height, relative to the ground, they are far below eye level (low beams) IF they were initially aimed correctly when installed.

And, before you think that because you didn't opt for the LED headlight, choosing HID or some other upgrade route, know these too are under the gun in many places too.

This is something to keep an eye on, going forward. Stay tuned!:cheers:

[ram_g]

If you choose to use load resistors, suggest you go with a specific combination of resistor and LED lamp that has been tried by others and shown to work. My initial stab at this was to buy a set of load resistors from Amazon along with the LED headlamps, and they did NOT work. (The high beam of the LED would come on whenever I turned on the foglamps...if you study the wiring diagrams you can see how this might happen, depending on the specific voltage expected by the LED.)

So I went to the Yun relay mod as a fall-back and it worked perfectly.

[XfireZ51]

If you choose to use load resistors, suggest you go with a specific combination of resistor and LED lamp that has been tried by others and shown to work. My initial stab at this was to buy a set of load resistors from Amazon along with the LED headlamps, and they did NOT work. (The high beam of the LED would come on whenever I turned on the foglamps...if you study the wiring diagrams you can see how this might happen, depending on the specific voltage expected by the LED.)

So I went to the Yun relay mod as a fall-back and it worked perfectly.

Same here. Resistor defeats advantage of LEDs vis a vis current draw.

[Mystic ZR-1]

I was thinking about going with the 100/80 but think that i would need to upgrade wiring. Going to keep it simple and use 100/55.
Thanks

80 watts on the low beams is too much.
You'll PO everyone coming the other way.

[GOLDCYLON]

LED headlights is the best option. I went from stock, to Hellas, to HIDs and then finally LEDS. So impressed both my ZR-1s now have the same LED upgrades.

[Paul Workman]

LED headlights is the best option. I went from stock, to Hellas, to HIDs and then finally LEDS. So impressed both my ZR-1s now have the same LED upgrades.

Thanks for that assessment! (I wuz wondering what the difference might be!)

Back to the subject of blinding on-coming traffic, those headlights, including LED type that met legal requirements have a very distinct cut-off or 'drive line' on the low beam setting. If that cut-off is not adjusted to slant down toward the road and in no way angle up toward on coming dirver's eyes, then YOU are creating a hazard - and the very impetus of the brew-ha-ha going on over ANY non-stock headlights. (Proposed legislation in some States would ban anyone except some "certified" mechanic from buying and installing headlights. NOBODY wants that!)

However, (again) working in our favor is the fact that the center of our lights are only about knee high above the road surface. So, combined with the unmistakable cut-off/drive line, keeping the low beam glare below eye level of on coming traffic is easily accomplished. That said, high beams and those off-road type flood lights do create a hazard by on coming traffic.

These type lights (attached) have made their way to some vehicles and were never approved for highway driving.

[ZR2]

I just did the Hella H4 bulb upgrade for my 94 and ordered multiple H4 bulbs, 55/60/, 55/80 and one more I think it was 80/100, cant remember. I installed the 55/80 bulbs and can say that even on low beam I feel like the light is sharper and on high beam definitely is better. I try not to be out much after dark......too many deer, but am very pleased with these lights. Really nice upgrade.

[ZuggZR1]

I used these on my 1990 C4 ZR1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014Q6HSOY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You will need these as well:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/flashers-load-resistors/headlight-load-resistor-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs/2179/5079/


Attached is a picture of high and low beam pics

[ram_g]

You will need these as well:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/flashers-load-resistors/headlight-load-resistor-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs/2179/5079/



Not necessarily, you could do the foglamp relay mod ("Yun mod") instead.

[VikingTrad3r]

I used these on my 1990 C4 ZR1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014Q6HSOY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You will need these as well:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/flashers-load-resistors/headlight-load-resistor-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs/2179/5079/


Attached is a picture of high and low beam pics

This is what I use and they have a beautiful cut off. And they?re cheap. And they?re bright as all get out. Make the lights look like a new car at night from inside. For me it was just plug and play maybe I lost fog lights or something but I don?t care

[Flyman 27]

I was told that these GE NightHawk lights were the best. They were $500/pr until recently. Walmart has them for $75 ea but you have to wait for the next shipment maybe. Act fast when they come in, they are popular.
I used them on my Z and couldn't be happier.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-Lighting-69822-Nighthawk-LED-5x7-Inch-Sealed-Beam-Headlight-1-Pack/929156431

They have a very highly defined high/low beam separation.

Good review on them:

https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/reviews/electrical-and-ignition/p128-nighthawk-led-headlight-for-c4.html

[mpiecyk]

Flyman 27,
Are the G E Nighthawk 69822 lights plug and play or will a load resistor be needed for each light ?
Thanks in Advance
Mike P.

[Flyman 27]

I grounded the green wire on the fog light relay and that allows everything to run properly.

[-=Jeff=-]

Flyman 27,
Are the G E Nighthawk 69822 lights plug and play or will a load resistor be needed for each light ?
Thanks in Advance
Mike P.

I have those on my car too.. no load resistor.. I added one relay and skipped the load resistor.. works fine

[chesnut]

Mystic ZR-1

Saw your post about upgrading headlights to "Hella Z Beams with 100/55 watt H4 bulbs."

Would appreciate it if you could provide the Hella part numbers as am not having much luck searching for those.

Thanks in advance,

Gary
....

[ZuggZR1]

I just purchased these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014Q6HSOY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/flashers-load-resistors/headlight-load-resistor-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs/2179/5079/

[chesnut]

thanks ZuggZR1 for the LED info.

Am looking for where to order "Hella Z Beams with 100/55 watt H4 bulbs" from.

Gary
....

[ZR2]

I got mine from Summit Racing. You can order additional H4 bulbs at the same time. Not terribly hard to install. The high beam was great and the low beam was definitely sharper even though that is the same wattage as stock. I actually had the 55/80 watt bulbs.

[-=Jeff=-]

https://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/hella/part-type/sealed-beam-headlight-conversions/oem-headlight-number/h6054

[ZR2]

Jeff, I would put the year and make in etc. in Summits site and see what comes up. I found the receipt. Here is what I ordered for my 94 HLA-003427811 and I also ordered a few H4 Bulbs, HLA-H4-100-80WTB and also HLA-H4100-55WTB

[-=Jeff=-]

Jeff, I would put the year and make in etc. in Summits site and see what comes up. I found the receipt. Here is what I ordered for my 94 HLA-003427811 and I also ordered a few H4 Bulbs, HLA-H4-100-80WTB and also HLA-H4100-55WTB

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hla-003427291

these will fit, however I moved to LED. I had a set of Autopal (Hella knockoffs) I used for years. those now reside in my Father-in-law's 84

[chesnut]

Guys,

Many thanks for your help and assistance on the Hella Headlamps.

BTW, if you have Summit warehouse close by and shop in person, you can get a Military Discount.

Gary
....

[Mystic ZR-1]

Mystic ZR-1

Saw your post about upgrading headlights to "Hella Z Beams with 100/55 watt H4 bulbs."

Would appreciate it if you could provide the Hella part numbers as am not having much luck searching for those.

Thanks in advance,

Gary
....

The Z beams were transplanted from my 89 many years ago when I got the 90 Z.
Can't remember where I got them? They came with 55/60 watt H4 bulbs installed.
The 55/100 watt bulbs were ordered separately. Anything beyond 100 watt hi beams would be pushing the limits on the stock wiring? Ask Big John how he likes being in front of me in his Callaway LM ZR-1 when the high beams are on 😀 (that's the only thing on my car he can't easily outrun!) 😀

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

I just purchased these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014Q6HSOY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/flashers-load-resistors/headlight-load-resistor-kit-h4-led-headlight-bulbs/2179/5079/

I like these and am considering getting them. One of the very first reviews for it is a 1995 C4 owner that details the install. Did not realize how hot the load resistors got. Looks like a clean install. Snagged the pics of that install from the Amazon link.

[bsneade]

I just upgraded my headlights, but I used the instructions from a post on Corvette forum.

The reason the ballast is needed is so the fog lights and high beams work correctly. To do that you only need a small amount of resistance, not the full load that the off the shelf resistors take on to simulate the original bulb.

I like his mod because the entire thing can be contained to the bulb itself and no modifications to the car.

Here is the link to my reply where I posted my results. The actual instructions are further up in the thread.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/3594678-led-headlights-foglight-solution-6.html#post1604497463

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[tstrohl12560]

I bought these off of eBay. Plug and play requiring zero modifications. Hi and low beams work perfectly and are at least 3x brighter than stock. Fog lamps work perfectly, and they are very inexpensive. Awesome upgrade to our pathetic OEM lights. Highly recommended!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393439669184

[Matt B]

72 Watts eachs - boy, that's a LOT for LED. Guess these simply can burn other cars off earth's face and thereby help saving fuel otherwise wasted for a full throttle passing maneuver :D

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[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Likely explains why the fogs work properly with no mods.
That about 50% more watts than stock.
Most LED's are less.
Interesting though.
Thanks for posting!
:cheers:
Marty

[spork2367]

I like the stock look of these. A little $$$ though.

https://www.headlightrevolution.com/Sealed-Beam-Holley-RetroBright-LED-Headlights-5x7?quantity=1

[Figure8it]

I bought these off of eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393439669184

I just ordered these to give them a try. In need of some small projects to get me through the winter.

[Matt B]

I like the stock look of these. A little $$$ though.

https://www.headlightrevolution.com/Sealed-Beam-Holley-RetroBright-LED-Headlights-5x7?quantity=1Very nice, thanks for the hint! Too sad they're not asymmetric.

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[Starman]

I put the Sylvania Silverstars in my car. Much brighter than original, not too salty and plug and play.


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[Prez1967]

I put the Sylvania Silverstars in my car. Much brighter than original, not too salty and plug and play.


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Have a part number? im not looking to upgrade to LED and like the stock look.

[Figure8it]

17119

Hard to tell which is the new LED 🤷*♂️


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