lighting changes

[wobbit]

hello!

i just got an 88 prelude. can't believe i bough such an OLD car, but it is in amazing condition and I love it already.

sorry if these have been covered already, i didn't have very much luck with the search function.

1. have any specific headlight upgrades found favor with any of you?
2. are the red and clear tail lights from 1991 swappable with the red and orange tail lights from 1988?

THANKS!

[spiffyguido]

Wobbit,

First of all, welcome to PreludeDriver.com. We're really happy you're here. Don't worry about your questions. We don't flame people here, nor do we just try to get people to use the search.

To answer your questions:

Personally, I have found that the best headlight upgrade is to get an H4 conversion headlight casing and put a PIAA Super Plasma H4 bulb in. PIAA bulbs are exceptionally bright, and have really improved my nighttime visibility.

A little tip about PIAA bulbs: Many people complain that they don't last very long in 3rd generations, and because they're expensive bulbs, this can be frustrating. The trick that has worked for me: always turn your lights on an off in 'High-Beam' mode. Before I figured this out, I was going through PIAA bulbs every 6 months, now though, because I always turn my lights on and off in Bright mode, my bulbs are in their 3rd year.

If you don't want to pay the dollars for PIAA (which are very premium bulbs), then many people say the Silvania Silverstars are nice.

Your second question: Yes, you can swap in the tail lights from a 1991. You'll need to also acquire the center decorative prelude logo from a 91 as well that runs in between the lights.

[RedRacer]

Ah....you guys only have one bulb that serves low and high beams. I get it.
Wasn't sure what you meant by turning the high beams on and off, Spiff. Sure. That makes sense now. The high beams for extended periods get too hot and you're going to cut the life span of your entire bulb by running just high beams for a long period.

I've never spent the money for the PIAA bulbs for the Prelude. Just couldn't see doing it when I've known so many people who say they burn out so fast. But then, I drive with my lights on all the time, day and night so there's another reason why I don't use the extremely expensive PIAAs.

I started out burning the Sylvania Cool Blue. Liked those. Then the Silverstars came out and I liked them even better. And now they have the Silverstar Ultra which is cooler burning, whiter light and lasts longer than the regular Silverstar bulb. They cost about 50 bucks for a pair, but compared to half a year with the Silverstar, the first burn out of my new Silverstar Ultras was almost a year to the date when I bought them.

I buy in pairs and replace both. Usually they are going to fail relatively close to one another, so I take out the one that still works of the pair, pack it nicely in the box and stick it in the trunk. This way I always have a spare that I can put in immediately, should one burn out unexpectedly at night.

If you're going to use the Sylvania product, I would recommend the Silverstar Ultra. They look great (at least they do in my 4th gen with the nice reflector housings of the light assembly) and I get a lot of compliments and people asking me what kind of lights they are.

I have an old pair of Silverstars in my high beam sockets. They've been in there for over three years now. I don't use my high beams very much because the brightness of the low beam Ultras along with my "el cheapo" brand driving lights, provide a great beam spread and plenty of light on the darkest roads.

Like Spiffy said, if you've got the money, get the PIAA's but the Silverstar Ultra (and plain old Silverstar) work nice too.

[spiffyguido]

To clarify, I only turn my lights on and off in the High Beam setting. Once they're on (and the retractable headlights are up) I dim them and carry on my way. It just seems to be the switching on and off in High Beam mode that is important. My guess is that the PIAA high beams are less sensitive to voltage surges.

Here is what PIAA Super Plasmas look like in my car:

[RedRacer]

I know your lights are square, but in this picture, your Prelude looks like an older style Miata, on crack!

HUGE ROUND EYES!

[spiffyguido]

It's true! It does look like a miata, and those are only the low beams.

Truly, they are awesome bulbs. Nighttime visibility is greatly improved.

[RedRacer]

I'm too lazy to go look up the application, but what are those running at now? Like 50 dollars a bulb, or more?

[wobbit]

thanks for the info guys!

[spiffyguido]

I get a pair for about $60 through a Honda Dealership here that has enjoyed a lot of business from me.

They're likely giving me a deal, so yes, they're expensive bulbs. Although, ever since I wrecked a second gen hitting a deer 7 years ago, it's the best money I've spent.