100W bulbs - Honda Prelude Forum

RASHID007 · 12-01-2001, 12:17 AM

I just put in some 100W bulbs in for my high beams. I've heard of people saying 100W bulbs have exploded and ruined the headlamp. How likely is this? How much does the headlamp unit cost to replace? I thought it would be alright because they are only the daytime running lights, and I don't use the high beams that often? what do you think? should I stick with 55W?

RASHID007 · 12-01-2001, 11:38 AM

no response?

YVR_98Prelude · 12-01-2001, 12:41 PM

I've heard similar comments however I do a lot of highway driving in the mountains so went with 100W (Osram) for high beams. Since the lens pattern (lack of) on the 5th Gens leaves a lot to be desired, the 55W just don't cut for throwing light down the road. I'd rather see a deer or moose down the road and risk the chance of the bulb shattering..... much cheaper than the damage an animal can cause.

shik0me · 12-01-2001, 01:34 PM

I had a pair of 100W bulbs off Ebay and I had the same concerns. The bulbs didn't burst, but the passenger-side one died after only a month. This is a really common problem with H1 aftermarket bulbs, for some reason. And 99% of the time the passenger side will die first.

YVR_98Prelude · 12-01-2001, 02:01 PM

One of reasons that the H1's seem to have a short life is that (for those of us with DRL's) the bulbs are operating at a reduced voltage. A halogen bulb ideally needs to be run at it's full voltage to reach it's high operating
temperatures. At a reduced voltage not enough heat is produced to evenly and consistently deteriorate the filament resulting in a shorter life. At $9(Cdn)/bulb it's not a huge expense.

vtec-prelude · 12-01-2001, 05:42 PM

I have gone thru so many pairs of H1 bulps! Since my last set went out I replaced the headlight fuses from 20a to 30a. Now, the lights seem bright as hell, and it seems like they're going to last longer than my other pairs from before.

00G · 12-01-2001, 06:52 PM

I am using the Hella H1+30 (xenon) for driving and Hi beams. They seem like about 50% brighter and more white, no blue stuff. I think they are comparable to the Osram (lower wattage), if they aren't identical. They only cost about $10 each also.....

LudeMunky · 12-01-2001, 09:43 PM

100w bulbs run too hot and may melt your housing. would not recommend installing 100w bulbs.

RASHID007 · 12-02-2001, 01:10 AM

Melt the housing huh. But do you think I have to worry if I've put the 100W bulbs in my high beams which are rarely used at full power. Most of the time they are just the daytime running light which is not running hot at all. What do you guys think?

jayz · 12-02-2001, 01:22 AM

well not flaming or anything but if you're gonna put them on your high beams and you're not gonna use them constantly like you said then what's the use for them, just stick with 55 watts..this is just my opinion of course

RASHID007 · 12-02-2001, 01:28 AM

Good point.

Like Tupac's soul.

Neulude · 12-02-2001, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vtec-prelude
I have gone thru so many pairs of H1 bulps! Since my last set went out I replaced the headlight fuses from 20a to 30a. Now, the lights seem bright as hell, and it seems like they're going to last longer than my other pairs from before.

You must be asking to fry your wiring... They put in a 20 amp fuse for a REASON!!!

that's so funny!!! ahahahahahaha

Neulude · 12-02-2001, 01:39 AM

One thing you guys gotta remember is it's a halogen filament. Meaning if any type of oil/dirt gets on the bulb, it potentially shortens it's life and risks explosion. What you should be doing is once you take it outa the wrapping, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol and let it dry out. DON'T TOUCH THE BULB AT ALL! Ive had my Rabrig 100w headlights in for over a year now, and they work fine...And no, my housing isn't melted and I do drive in the dark (just kidding)

vtec-prelude · 12-02-2001, 11:48 AM

I also bought a wiring kit for H1 bulps from Pep Boys. That's the reason why switched to 30a fuses. I've been checking to make sure that the wires don't get too hot. I should be alright.

corruptdvtec · 12-02-2001, 03:16 PM

i dunno i bought a set of bulbs for the lude i got them from the same guy that i bought them off of for my pathfinder i had....and they same wattage...80/100w...the pathfinder didnt melt.....but no i still havent pout them in the lude in fear that it might........kinda scared....i won them off of ebay...i have had these bulbs for like 2-3months still sitting in the box, unopened....