What is this 9011 bulb ? Can I replace it ?

[Schulmann]

I was wondering if I can replace the 9011 high beam bulb with a 9005 100w bulb.

Anyhow I can't get a 9011. Why the Viper has got this special bulb ?

 

[99GTSACR]

It's the special inferred bulb. The only place that I could find them is Dodge. The 9005 seems to work almost as good. The PIAA 9005 superbrite bulbs work better.

 

[IEATVETS]

I replaced both of my bulbs and wanted to put in brighter bulbs but was told to stick with putting in a 65W bulb not any higher. I am no expert by any means but was told that if you put in a higher wattage bulb you could and will fry the wires and possibly start a fire. That is what I was told.

 

[Schulmann]

Once I had a bulb fire in my Hella FF 100 fog lamp. I put a H3 100w bulbs instead of the H3 55W. After the wires were burned out the fire stopped ...

I will try a 9005 65W.
Though I have en entire FIAA 9005 100w box in my garage.
I used then in the High beam of my Stealth.
I will try them in the High beam of the Viper.

Thanks for the info !

 

[99GTSACR]

The PIAA bulbs only draw 65w but put out over 100w of light. In other words they are 65w bulbs that put out the same light as a 120w bulb.

 

[Scorch]

Ah yes, the infamous 9011 bulb. I was involved with GE at the time of the 9011's development. Basically the glass is coated with materials that reflect IR energy back on to the filament raising its operating temperature thus creating more light. At best it is 15% more efficient than the 9005 and the life expectancy is significantly less (due to the added heat stress). Go to your local auto parts store and replace them with 9005's.

Also, using high wattage bulbs is definitely not recommended. Although I'm not intimately familiar with the Viper's wiring, it's not a chance I'm willing to take with my car for the sake a small improvement in light output. As stated by others there is a fire risk over the long run. The wires may survive for a while but IMHO it's a ticking bomb. Sooner or later you will get a short and the rest is up to random chance. (My opinion is based on 15+ years of automotive lighting experience so you can take it for what it's worth.)

Interesting topic. What changes have others made to the lighting systems in their Vipers?

 

[99GTSACR]

I use the PIAA bulbs and they are 100% safe to use as a 9005 replacement in any vehicle. They put out as much light as the 120w bulbs however only draw 65w. PIAA bulbs will not hurt the wiring.

I don't know if I would trust some of the cheep bulbs like on ebay.

Using these cheep higher wattage (current draw) bulb will overheat the wiring over time. Always look at the load wattage and make sure it's the same as the factory bulb. Light output equivalent wattage is a different story. It can be higher.