vaaccess

I just noticed that one of my fog lights is out on my 2k1 and I'd like to replace them both while I'm at it. I have read several threads discussing what a PITA it is to replace them, but I'm game.

What I'd like to hear, however, is recommendations of a model/brand to get?

I drive with my lights and fog lights on 100% of the time. It's a safety thing. Anyway, I therefore want something that I won't need to replace often and at the same time I want something that will look good, etc. Right now I believe everything in there is stock, though since I just got it this fall I can't be 100% sure.

I have read several threads where people were dissing PIAA and I guess before I read that, I was planning on going with PIAA though now I'm not so sure.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Mike

vaaccess

*ping*

Even if someone can just give me the link or title to another thread that would answer the question I'd be most appreciative.

I was also thinking that I may need to just replace all the bulbs at the same time so everything matched, but I'm not sure that would be necessary...

Thanks.

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

I responded to your question in another thread a few minutes ago.... If you wanna go for the HID look, I recommend (as I've done numerous times) the JCWhitney Xenon bulbs. They imitate the HID look very nicely and emit good light. Here's the link to the H3 (fog) bulbs
http://jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stor...&storeId=10101 You can get a higher wattage 130 or 100 watt bulb, or the stock 55 watt bulb. The ones I have are the Xenon Halogen bulbs
And of course a Picture: The left one is the JCWhitney bulb

and then we have the stock vs. the Xenon

Hope this helps! Check out my cardomain page for more pics too

PhatMax

In mine I put Hella Yellowstars. 85 watt bulbs that are kind of blue tinted when off, but when turned on produve a very crisp yellow light. Gives a very euro look to the car, NON ricey and it really lets you see where the fogs put light. The lamp design simply does not shoot light out far. High watts will just REALLY light up the area on the street right in front of your car.
High watt bulbs in the 100 130 range can be a hazard to the lamp assembly as they crank off a lot more heat. The other much more expensive hazard is to your wiring harness. The high watt bulbs draw more and can melt those fine wires.
I roasted a harness in my Stanza right at the socket with high watt headlights. In that I replaced the socket. In my Altima high watt headlights caused a short somewhere in the harness and it was going to be so expensive to fix I traded it in for my Max.
I am sure to be flamed by the many folks who have put bulbs in with no adverse effects. They are lucky and I wish them all the best. It is a risk that you decide to take.
If you want to try the Yellow Stars http://www.rapidparts.com/Pages/vwc025p.html
They have lasted me 2 years with use every night.

Triple8Sol

iTrader: (29)

PhatMax, do you have pics of the Yellowstars installed on your Max? I'd love to see it.

Right now I've got PIAA Crystal Ions:

nissan5788

Did the box that came with these bulbs say what K rating the bulb's output is? I'm trying to find 110W+ 5000K H3 bulbs but can't find them anywhere (Ebay bulb's are crap).

FidizzyTypeS

These are the best IMO all the acura guys love them for the TL.

http://www.sylvania.com/auto/silverstar.htm

vaaccess

Wait a second. Those bulbs are only $10/per while all the others I've looked at are $25ish? What gives? Am I going to be replacing these monthly? I'd only go for the 55W ones, FYI. And, are there good headlight bulbs from JC Whitney that match? I'd like to order them and replace them all at once so they match, etc...

outkstdmaxima

Well, I got the PIAA Xtreme White H3 Fogs and I love 'em!

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

The bulbs are $10 a bulb, and a pretty good deal. I had one blow out a month ago and tried about 4 or 5 different "HID matched" bulbs, and none of them did. Also, they make the same kinda bulbs for regular headlights, just look up the type of bulb you need, and then select the Xenon one.

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

Also, they last plenty long, usually. I had them for like 2 years on my old car, till I sold the car. My Maxima burnt out the 100 watt high, and I blew a fog right after I did the rewire, but no problems since. They look great!

vaaccess

Ok. I wanted to avoid asking yet another question...BUT...I haven't found the answer to my follow-up question...Which is...

What wattage is stock? I don't want to go higher than stock and the bulbs I'm looking to use come in several different options. Not sure which ones I should go with. Here are the wattages available:
100/55
100/80
130/90
60/55

I'm guessing I'm going to find out that the stock is 60/55...Right? I guess that's what I'll end up getting...

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

Stock Highs are 60, stock lows are 50 or 55. you could probly get away with runnin the next step up for wattage, but the 100 watt high beam will be significantly hotter and MAY burn out or burn a wire. Probly not, but might.

vaaccess

Thanks for the info, Bido...

You know, I didn't realize this at first, but I don't think I'm going to go with the JC Whitney bulbs since they aren't street legal. I know, I know, I'm being ****, but...Let's take a look at this scenario:

Traveling on 2-lane 2-way road. Oncoming car loses control and hits me head on. They make some comment like, "his lights were really bright" or "were distracting" or whatever. The police or insurance company examine my car and see that my lights aren't street legal. I get sued, lose my insurance, etc, etc, etc. I know it's unlikely, BUT, it could happen. Probably more likely to happen than winning the lottery, ya know?

Anyway, I guess that means I'll go with a Sylvania or PIAA or whatever. I'm going to go to Costco tomorrow, maybe they'll have something for a good price? *shrugs*

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

Up to you, but they are much less blue than many other bulbs, and certainly less bright than a true HID setup. But if you wanna play it safe, thats your call

2k3TitaniumSe

iTrader: (3)

I know that super plasmas are the best. To help you guys out, don't waste your money on 5 bulbs to find the right match, just get an H3 HID kit.

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

Or get new fog lights. I wish the pics of my new driving lights didnt get deleted accidentally, you'd all love how they look

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

how long does it take to install them? and is it hard? im still working on my audio system but i think when im done some bright fogs would be nice.