i have a 99 maxima with the reflector type headlamps. what would happen if i removed that little refletor in front of the bulb? could i achieve more brightness? or would that screw up the light pattern? thanks for your comments.

 

This is and old mod that the Z guys use on their foglights. It will make you lights brighter, but the shield is used to cut down on glare on other drivers. Its not worth blinding everyone on the road to get marginally brighter lights.