hi: i am getting ready to change from 5.25" outer headlights to 7" on my '87 (yup, i prefer the bug eye look). i am keeping it simple by opting for sealed headlamps. i am questioning what improvement will a halogen bulb rated at 55/60 watts (approx $50 each) provide over a 35/60 bulb (approx $20ish each)?

 

Unless you are doing a lot of country driving in the dark having the 55/60 watt bulb is a waste of time.
The 55 watt refers to the low beam output and is useful for spotting animals on dark roads while the beam is low for oncoming traffic.
The 35/60 bulb is quite adequate for built up/city driving and general trips in the country.

 

Hi retroren,
I do hope this is a Series III XJ. Changing the outer headlights to 7 inch will definitely improve your lights.
I'm not sure what the legal requirements are in Detroit for vehicle lighting, but be guided by them.
You will need the mounting hardware for the 7" and possibly the buckets that mount in the fenders. I think someone was making kits for this, but you may need to look in UK or Europe for them.
When I updated the lights for my 84 XJ12 I already had 7 inch outer lights. I bought Semi-sealed outer units. Cibie, Hella, or any of the european brands will work.
They also make the 5.25 inch inner high beam units.
For bulbs I used 130/90 watt outers and 100 watt inner bulbs. Don't waste your time with tiny things of 35 watts. Even the standard 65/50 bulbs are great.
Edit: I found an article I wrote for our local Jaguar club magazine which covers this subject.

Pete M

 

I agree with Pete; the normal halogen 55/60s are night and day better than those pathetic sealed beam units.

 

thank you for the great information and your opinion. i will move forward and order a pair of 65/50. it might be overkill given the ambient lighting conditions in metro Detroit (things tend to be well lit in detroit for safety sake . as a side bonus maybe i'll inflict a little night driving visual discomfort upon the drivers of modern cars with blindingly white head lights. thanks for the article too. ren

ps: i bought all the oem buckets, rings and the assorted bits/pieces from a guy on the other side of the pond.