Replacement Headlamp

[Oldschooler]

I have a 96 B6s. I was thinking of replacing the headlamp with a better, brighter one. I know the refractor and the lens limit just how much better lighting I can get but since the lamp is stock and lamps have come such a long way in the last 9 almost 10 years, I was hoping one of you have already done this. What kind of lamps are you guys running? Did you notice an improvement over the stock light?

[Red01]

It's a standard H4, so there are tons of options.
Just keep in mind if you go with a bulb with more than ~10 watts above stock, you'll need a relay as the stock wiring isn't up to the task.
In fact, just installing a relay on the stock bulb will give you more light since the bulb will get more voltage.

Since I don't have a 1G Bandit, I'll leave bulb recommendations to those who have experience in that area.

[Oldschooler]

A relay? I don't quiet follow   I mean I know what a relay is, but I'm not sure what type or size you mean.  Where would I pick one up?

[Red01]

Pick one up from an auto parts store. Get a generic one (or one for aftermarket lights) rated for a little higher load than you intend to run.
It should come with a basic wiring diagram/schematic to tell you what wires go where. Mount it as close to what you want to run as possible.

[SHREDDER]

I just installed a new headlight bulb in my 98 B6.  I put in a PIAA Extreme White bulb.  PIAA is the best brand in the bulb market.  Its more expensive but its worth it.  It provides a brighter and whiter light without using more wattage.  If your on a budget however you can try using Silverstar bulbs made by Sylvania which are better than stock but tend to burn out quicker.  www.denniskirk.com sells the PIAA bulbs individually instead of having to pay for a pair.

[Red01]

Based on my experience in the off-road community, PIAA is no better (or worse) in output or longevity than any other name brand lighting manufacturer... they just charge more.

They do make good looking aux lights, but if you're just buying light bulbs, save your money.

[mcrides]

I have a 96 B6s. I was thinking of replacing the headlamp with a better, brighter one. What kind of lamps are you guys running? Did you notice an improvement over the stock light?

Several are available. Philips offers the Vision Plus. There is also the new GE Nighthawk. Also the Silvania SilverStars. They all use about the same wattage as stock but put out much more light.

I've got a review up of the SilverStars if you need more info:
http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides/product_evals/sylvania/silverstar.htm

That should be enough to get you going in a direction.


Bruno
Montreal, Canada
Gerbing G3 heated glove review
http://pages.videotron.com/mcrides/product_evals/gerbing/g3-gloves.htm

[ldbandit76]

I've got a 1st gen B12, and have installed a headlight relay harness from California Sport Touring.  It's a drop-in installation, and provides heavy-gauge wires back to the battery, with a relay to mount in the fairing.  

For a while, I used a 90/100W lamp with it.  Many more lumens on the road.  But the bulb didn't last too long (more watts = more heat = burns out sooner).

I've got Hella lamps coming that I'll use for aux lights.  

Here's the relay harness:

http://casporttouring.com/thestore/prods/17104.html

Dave