2004 Forester STi headlight upgrade

[BreakingBad]

Short days and bad weather have conspired to demonstrate that the standard headlights - both dipped and main beam - could stand some improvement.

Internet search is not helpful for SG9 STIs in the UK. Can anyone suggest a suitable upgrade? I would prefer a bulb or possibly headlamp unit replacement that does not entail changes to the wiring harness, if that is doable.

Thanks in advance.

[BreakingBad]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Will have a look at PIAA and double check the adjustment as well.

Existing headlights as above (the pic is my car) I’ll have a closer look at the weekend and try to ID the existing bulbs.

[BreakingBad]

Thanks vxr but on the local lanes, I sometimes put the front “fogs” on and it helps a bit with close proximity but what’s really lacking is some longer distance illumination. On the Audi, full beam turns night into day. On the Subaru, meh!

Been busy today but hope to get outside tomorrow and investigate why and how to improve things...

Edited by BreakingBad on Saturday 18th November 19:39

[BreakingBad]

Have had a chance to look a bit better but not much the wiser: Without taking a bit of time to remove the battery and / or a couple of ancillaries, it’s not sprays to see the bulbs as they’re tucked behind an array of reflectors in the headlight unit. Pic below.



As you can see, the lenses are pretty clean and clear and looking on Google images, there seem to be plenty of different types of headlight units inc. doubles, Projectors etc but can’t see others like mine for more info. The design of mine doesn’t seem (to my layman’s eyes) likely to produce a decent light output.

When I have the time, I think I will remove the battery etc and try to get a bulb out to see if a simple upgrade is possible, unless anyone has anything else to add...?

[BreakingBad]

Thanks for the comments and tips and about how to remove the units.

As I said, it seems like there have been several different types of headlights and I’m still unsure of how best to proceed. I’ve been emailing Neil at Slowboy about a couple of other upgrades and will ask his opinion on the lights when I see him.

Vxr, I’m “proper” South East: Kent / Sarf of the river What did you have in mind? PM me if you’d rather?

[BreakingBad]

Yep, my 2001 blob eye JDM STi had projectors too so doesn’t make sense that these are conventional reflectors and I think you’re right, Tecknopug, that is why the lights don’t illuminate properly: Might be best to keep the bulbs and replace the units!

[BreakingBad]

< nods head wisely whilst reaching for google...>

More research required