I think there are three things to work on when it comes to more light. Lens, Voltage, and Bulbs are my big three.

Lens:

You can polish the old lens if they are yellowed and improve the amount of light. Cheapest one, but if you have pitted lens, not hardly worth the effort.

You can replace just the front lens with new ones, you basically pry the old ones off and glue the new ones on your old buckets. Still have the big plastic lens, but clear is better than foggy and pitted.

The after market E-Codes are next, the go in place of the factory lens, some have had fitment issue, i have a set and did not have a problem with the fit. Ecodes focus the light down range and you will really like the results.

The most expensive solution is real Volvo E-Codes they are purchased of ebay and from other sources, also reported to be the best lights you can get.

Voltage:

There is a voltage drop that will really affect the brightness of any light in a 240. The most common solution is to install four relays under the hood that take the voltage right off the battery. You use the voltage from the old head light relay to energize the new ones under the hood. I used the page from Dave Shannon as the guide for Inga's modification. This will improve the amount of light for the big plastic lens and is a must for E Code.

Bulbs:

For the big plastic lens, the best option is a set of Sliverstar Bulbs. That is about the best you will get out them light wise. You will see the difference.

For E-Codes you have a different type of bulb (H3) that range from from 55 to 100 watt bulbs. I use a set of 55 watt and they do quite well. You can blind oncoming drivers with higher voltage bulbs.

Hope this sort of lists all the options.

My journey was polishing plastic lens first. Next was the Silverstar and that was a big improvement. The relay mod came next and that was about the peak for for the plastic lens. Installed the aftermarket Ecodes this spring, Would not go back to the plastic.

Regards,

Paul