Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics Bad Headlights

I had my first night driving experience in my 1998 SE and couldn't believe how bad the stock headlights are. What's the best (and most cost efficient)way to pump out more light?

Buy high beam bulbs (I believe 9005), look inside the bulb socket of the new bulbs and find the little tab, grab an exacto knife and cut the tab out, and then stick your new bulbs in the low beam sockets. BAM! an extra 10 watts of light.

Quick reply on that one, thanks. This must be a pretty common Ford thing considering my dad's Lincoln has the same problem. Anyone know if that would be about the same fix?

For the Lincoln, it depends. Here's why:

If you look at our headlight set up, our low beams have deflectors in them to keep the beam on the ground. When you stick the high beam bulb in, it'll stay on the ground but just be brighter.

The Lincoln will need to have deflectors in the headlights for the high beam bulb to work or you will end up blinding oncoming traffic. If there's deflectors in ther, go for it.

Buy Silverstars....you won't be disappointed.

I was looking at the Silverstars online and they look to be pretty good. They come a little cheaper than the PIAAs, but how do they compare?

I think the PIAA's are over rated/overpriced.

Get the Silverstars or Sylvania's regular lights. The Coolblues have too much of a bluish tint to make the lighting useful.

Silverstars are the best lights you can get for the money. I've tried all the others (Hyper whites, etc) and these put out the best light by FAR!!!

i love my silverstar's...high beam 9005's in the lowbeam spots...they are so bright that for now i have no use for my regular highbeams...someday i'll replace the old highbeams with silverstars too

I just switched to Silverstars right after seeing the difference in light output between mine and Hectors car. Man what a difference I love these new bulbs.