Monday, November 14, 2005 - 10:35 pm, by: Tom McGruther(Bigcheese82)
hey guys, i know it might seem like a silly question, but can someone explain to me the different bulb types? I know that H1 is halogen, but then theres all other codes as well. Which ones can the soarer use, and more importantly which ones are needed for the fog lights? I see all these bulbs on ebay in a thousand different colours, for about $10. is it ok to purchase these or should i be looking at a higher price?
Monday, November 14, 2005 - 11:01 pm, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
Tom, they are all halogen these days (although I have my doubts about the anaemic standard Koitos)
The different numbers are like part numbers: the fogs (at least on the later models, like ours) are H3, which is the one with the wire and connector.
As for the bulbs on Ebay, the ones you want are most likely the 9005 (I say likely because it appears that some Au cars were modified at compliance to take something else) but bear in mind they don't fit straight in, you need to modify the lugs (because the original is a 9005J, which it seems is unique to Soarer/Koito).
You need a capped 9005 for the low beam and an uncapped 9005 for the high beam. Clear? Like mud... I have a complete set of Ebay bulbs and while they're not fantastic, for the price they are better than standard and don't have that sick yellow shade. Both the capped and uncapped 9005 are available on Ebay (under the same number, so check the pics). The uncapped are often either 65W or 100W, apparently you are to avoid the 100W lights at all costs or you'll end up with melted wiring.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 08:33 am, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
Tom, we have a '95 and '97 JZZ31. I never had cause to look at the globes on the older car, but I suspect they are H3. You might be able to check, by putting your hand back there and getting the globe out (or even pulling the whole light out). The fogs on the '97 weren't working when it arrived so I pulled one light (which was great fun, with the front bar still in place) but in the end it was the fuse (which is a bugger to find and replace).
So try to get your hand back there, if a wire comes off the side of the light globe base it definitely an H3 (but I think they all are anyway, right from '91). I picked up a set of the blue ones from Ebay recently, about $13 delivered. Don't know how they look as the car's in the panelbeaters, it's easier to fit them when bar's off.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 09:38 am, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
Tom, The globes in front are H3 for fogs, the ones at the back are 9005 & 9006 (US-spec headlights and some complied Au cars take 9006) for the headlights.
Mike do you have a pic of what the H3 look like when they're on? I've also noticed even with JDM 9005/9006 bulbs don't fit properly in the stock Soarer headlights (very weird), I'm just happy my HID's fit in with no problems at all.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 01:24 pm, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
Not as yet Jose- the globes and lights are at the panelbeaters, and the front bar is off the car. Hopefully my 65W high beam lights will be here soon, too, but then I have to modify them to fit.
So the HIDs went straight in? No modifying of the lugs at all? Presumably they are made for the Soarer lights, because our lights may be unique, or nearly so.
I'm convinced that HID is the way to go, but I'll wait until we hit the mainland as we don't need the extra candles here.
Mike, to my surprise yes my HID kit came with bulbs that were a perfect fit. I'll try to take a pic later (it's raining and don't wanna brave it hehe). I don't use any higher wattage bulbs in my car after I melted 3 sets of headlight connectors
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 04:08 pm, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
I can appreciate the risk, Jose, although 55 to 65W isn't a big jump. In any case the bulbs came up and were only $11/set, and I hadn't seen any capless 9005s.
I assume the HIDs go in the headlight? The high beams seem pretty good anyway- the Poms call them "main beam" but I consider low beam to be more important.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005 - 09:06 am, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
Cheers, thanks. They look great. I can see your fogs look yellow in comparison, I'll take a pic of the new globes when I get the car back, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't look anywhere near as yellow as that, I have them in the low beam (after modifying 9005s) sockets and the Wizard also has them (H1s) and I can see a difference on that car as the fogs and highs on that are original- in fact I might take a pic of the Wizard tonight and post that.