Sylvania SilverStar High Performance Headlights
May 09, 2004 | By: Matyas Varga - SRO
When it comes to modifying your ride, you have to ask yourself what it is that you're really after. Some people seek to improve the look of their ride while others just want to improve performance figures. While we can't always admit to it, cosmetics play a large role in determining whether or not you'll purchase a particular aftermarket product. This is particularily true when it comes to aftermarket headlights. Ideally, we all want High Intensity Discharge Lighting (HID's). But for those like myself who can't jusify the $500 price tag will probably look to purchse a set of "pseudo HID" halogen bulbs. Fake HID Aftermarket Halogen bulbs are a dime a dozen. But for the large part, most of them tend to be of substandard grade. If you simply want that fake HID blue look, there are plenty of bulbs out there that cost a fraction of the price of the Sylvania SilverStars. Be warned that most of these cheap bulbs won't last for more then a month or two. A second mistake people tend to make is that they buy a higher wattage bulb then that which their vehicle was set-up for. This is a very stupid thing to do. The wiring was designed to handle only a certain wattage. Replace your bulbs with appropriate ones. To understand why this is important, think about how many times you've been blinded by some ricer with only one ultra bright misaligned headlight and you'll get the picture. Not only does it distrub other drivers, it makes you look like a complete retard. Not so cool if your trying to impress the ladies either. Anyway, we chose the Sylvania SilverStar Halogen bulb because it promised to be the brightest and whitest aftermarket Halogen bulb out there. In fact, they claim to project light in the range of 4000 K's. Normal Halogen's only reach 3000K, while HID's project at 4100K. Futhermore, Osram Sylvania is an industry leader when it comes to both Automotive and Industrial lighting application. Having faith in the brand, I dished out $40 for a pair of these. The picture below compares two Volkswagen GTI's. The one on the right is equiped with a stock halogen bulb. The one on the left is equipped with a pair of Sylvania H7 SilverStar headlight bulbs.
The picture above isn't altered in any way. As you can see, the SilverStar bulbs are much whiter. As soon as I pulled out of the driveway, I noticed a difference as the grass seemed much greener. This bulb is much whiter. However, I somehow doubt that they truly project in the 4000K range. If you compare them to a set of BMW HID's you'll know what I mean. Going back on the topic of cosmetics, a head on look at these lights lacks the aftermarket fake HID blue look that I was after. But on second thought this might be a good thing if you don't wish to attract unwanted attention (If your gonna drive fast, make sure you don't light up like a christmas tree). Overall, Sylvania's Silverstar headlights are a wise choice if you truly seek a cheap way to improve your headlights. But if you want an aftermarket blue look, these aren't for you.