LIke the title says, I've stumbled upon a cheap and effective upgrade for the 03+ Sunfire headlights. The stock low beam bulb for these cars is an
H11 bulb. The bulb specs for H11 are 55 watts, 1350 lumens. The high beam bulbs are an
H9. They are spec'ed at 65 watts, 2100 lumens. Simple math shows that these bulbs have 64.3% more light output than the low beam bulbs.
There are few physical differences between the H9 and the H11 bulbs. Slight modification of the H9 bulb will allow it to be used in the H11 part of the headlamp housing.
First, the differences in the plug-in between H9 and H11 bulbs at the bottom of the housing can be seen here. The new H9 bulb is on the right.
There are slight differences at the top as well. It is hard to see in the picture, but the larger tab in the center is offset in different directions between the H9 and H11 bulb
First, using either a Dremel tool or pliers, remove the tab at the top of the H9 bulb.
Then, remove about 3mm of metal from the LEFT side of the large tab with the bulb facing you as shown in the picture. I used a Dremel tool./b]
Next, clean the bulb glass CAREFULLY with a clean cloth or paper towel, using a little bit of rubbing alcohol to make sure there is no residue on the bulb.
And finally, install the modified H9 bulbs in place of your low-beam H11 bulbs. You will now have the brighter H9 bulbs in both low and high beam positions!!! Since the reflectors are designed for low beam light pattern reflection, there is no additional glare to oncoming traffic.
And now, pictures for comparison. 
The left light in these pictures is the brighter H9 bulb. The right bulb is a Silverstar H11.
This first picture is the difference in light output from inside the car, with the vehicle running.
This second picture is the difference in light output from inside the car without the vehicle running.
And this last picture is taken from outside the vehicle with the car running. You can clearly see the same focused beam pattern, but a much brighter light output.
The only cost involved was about $20 for new bulbs, and the time for modification, which for me was about 5 minutes per bulb. Overall, it should take about an hour in total to complete the bulb swap. Enjoy your new brighter headlights!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Saturday, December 25, 2010 12:35 AM
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
wow.
well i asked last night for something new on the jbo and here it is today! nice work roofy!
nice job, brighter light same spread pattern.
I was looking into doing this on my Vibe as well (9005 high beam bulb in place of 9006 low beam bulb), but the problem is you
could have some wiring issues due to the higher wattage of the H9 bulb. Also, the H11 bulb has a gray cap on the end while the H9 doesn't which will cause the light to be scattered and may cause glare. Just my $.02 though.
J TO ENVY wrote:I was looking into doing this on my Vibe as well (9005 high beam bulb in place of 9006 low beam bulb), but the problem is you could have some wiring issues due to the higher wattage of the H9 bulb. Also, the H11 bulb has a gray cap on the end while the H9 doesn't which will cause the light to be scattered and may cause glare. Just my $.02 though.
The wattage is no concern. Just think, you are already running 65 watts through the factory high beam bulbs and harness. The Low beam harness is exactly the same except for the plug-in. There is minimal additional scatter from the low beam housing. It's designed to keep glare to a minimum anyways, and I've personally tested it out with no noticeable excess glare. MUCH less than you would have by throwing in a set of HID's.
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
only if i hadnt have already bought my fake HID bulbs lol
^^^^^^ur old sig was ALOT better. didn't show what a pos that thing looks like. mirror tint and steelies? really bro?
so you are running a high beam as a low beam, couldnt u just click on your high beams?
gmanz24 (The Bash Whore) wrote:so you are running a high beam as a low beam, couldnt u just click on your high beams?
Yes you could, but other drivers wouldn't be too happy with you blinding them all of the time. This headlight mod allows you to run the brighter bulb without blinding other drivers.
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
blucavvy wrote:^^^^^^ur old sig was ALOT better. didn't show what a pos that thing looks like. mirror tint and steelies? really bro?
hmm lets see, i made it because i was bored, oh and look at that, its winter, must explain my winter tires are steelies, and the tint is coming off when i get around to doing it, oh and did anyone ask about your opinon about my sig? no they didnt, and if my car was a POS i wouldnt be driving it
This thread makes me happy.
...I mean because of the headlights, not the new sig.
Jk, jk...
At least we can see your new winglessness.
dxdean3 wrote:blucavvy wrote:^^^^^^ur old sig was ALOT better. didn't show what a pos that thing looks like. mirror tint and steelies? really bro?
hmm lets see, i made it because i was bored, oh and look at that, its winter, must explain my winter tires are steelies, and the tint is coming off when i get around to doing it, oh and did anyone ask about your opinon about my sig? no they didnt, and if my car was a POS i wouldnt be driving it
lol, i'm sorry man i honestly wasn't trying to be a complete dick, i just can't stand mirror tint, it's so fuc king ghetto lol
blucavvy wrote:dxdean3 wrote:blucavvy wrote:^^^^^^ur old sig was ALOT better. didn't show what a pos that thing looks like. mirror tint and steelies? really bro?
hmm lets see, i made it because i was bored, oh and look at that, its winter, must explain my winter tires are steelies, and the tint is coming off when i get around to doing it, oh and did anyone ask about your opinon about my sig? no they didnt, and if my car was a POS i wouldnt be driving it
lol, i'm sorry man i honestly wasn't trying to be a complete dick, i just can't stand mirror tint, it's so fuc king ghetto lol
yeah i was in a bad mood when i read it, and one thing led to another lol, but i dont mind it too much, but i am getting new tint done sometime in the spring early summer i hope
