Headlights...

[mix3d_3motionz]

I am looking to convert my headlights to a brighter bulb. Frankly with all the newer cars out there I am sick of being blinded. So...which headlight systems are the best and how much brighter are they really?
Between CCFL, HID, and LED is there really much difference?

 

[Bud92gsx]

Led's don't have enough light output to be used for headlights. Check HID Xenon conversion lighting kits Give them a call. They will hook you up right.

 

[mix3d_3motionz]

Led's don't have enough light output to be used for headlights. Check HID Xenon conversion lighting kits Give them a call. They will hook you up right.

Thanks will give them a call in the AM.

 

[red_devil]

Im sure we will start to see led headlight retrofits. The Adui A7 has like 72 led's in its headlight system. But the best true HID conversion kit that is bolt in is this Bi-xenon Morimoto Mini Stage III Kit (H1) - Complete Retrofit Kits from The Retrofit Source Inc

 

[Bud92gsx]

The audi led's are kinda like eyes for looks, but are more like running lights or DRL.You can see them a ways away.But not great for light output.

And I just seen the new aidi led commercial.I'm intriged to learn about these.

 

[red_devil]

Yeah I'm not talking about the running lights, they are now used as headlights. They produce a more natural light color, last longer, need less energy to run, and can adapt quickly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JWY0vyGtKY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[Bud92gsx]

Awsome.I love technology.

 

[Blurred Talon]

Im sure we will start to see led headlight retrofits. The Adui A7 has like 72 led's in its headlight system. But the best true HID conversion kit that is bolt in is this Bi-xenon Morimoto Mini Stage III Kit (H1) - Complete Retrofit Kits from The Retrofit Source Inc

Plus one.
The only way to do HIDs is with projectors. The Mini D2S are ok projectors but their are much better performing ones available. However the Mini is easy to install.

 

[dropped99gs]

OP, IMO go with 8000k hid kit. I know it is not the ideal optimum light output when compared to something around 4000k. With the 8000k kit I installed without projector headlights I do not blind other drivers. The light output is just a little blue, really crisp and hits the reflective paint stripes at night when it's wet and one cannot see the stripes to distinguish the lanes. I have asked a handful of people I have followed somewhere how it was and everyone said it was fine and didn't mess with them at all. I have encountered my fair share of drivers who have the blinding lights, and with a lowered car, it is not fun. The drivers who do this could possibly ruin it for the rest of us.
I'm hoping to pick up a set of projectors I saw listed on craigslist, just waiting to see a pic. The projector housing will most definitely make a difference, but since my hid install did not bother other drivers I decided to wait and find a deal on a good used set of "new" projectors.

Food for thought.

 

[gusu]

OP, IMO go with 8000k hid kit. I know it is not the ideal optimum light output when compared to something around 4000k. With the 8000k kit I installed without projector headlights I do not blind other drivers. The light output is just a little blue, really crisp and hits the reflective paint stripes at night when it's wet and one cannot see the stripes to distinguish the lanes. I have asked a handful of people I have followed somewhere how it was and everyone said it was fine and didn't mess with them at all. I have encountered my fair share of drivers who have the blinding lights, and with a lowered car, it is not fun. The drivers who do this could possibly ruin it for the rest of us.
I'm hoping to pick up a set of projectors I saw listed on craigslist, just waiting to see a pic. The projector housing will most definitely make a difference, but since my hid install did not bother other drivers I decided to wait and find a deal on a good used set of "new" projectors.

Food for thought.

In my experience with cars with HIDS IN MY OPINION blue reflects more back, BUT white is a brighter more natural light. 8k has a great light blue tint for better lighting up road signs and reflectors and the more white in the color is just brighter and looks more natural.

The other thing about HIDs I can't stand is colored ones. My friend has green HID head lights and that shit is ANNOYING everything looks green when he has them on. The same goes for purple, deep blue, yellow, and pink. If you are wondering how you get pink, purple, red, orange, pink, and all the other colors you see is typically a 30,000k HID with a colored lens.

By the way for future reference deep yellow HIDs do not help in fog. The reason yellow is used in fogs is simple. Yellow while close to the ground helps you see more detail. It just does not work properly in the way head lights are set up.


About the reflectivity. I don't know if it's different for other people because I'm going color blind

 

[mix3d_3motionz]

OP, IMO go with 8000k hid kit. I know it is not the ideal optimum light output when compared to something around 4000k. With the 8000k kit I installed without projector headlights I do not blind other drivers. The light output is just a little blue, really crisp and hits the reflective paint stripes at night when it's wet and one cannot see the stripes to distinguish the lanes. I have asked a handful of people I have followed somewhere how it was and everyone said it was fine and didn't mess with them at all. I have encountered my fair share of drivers who have the blinding lights, and with a lowered car, it is not fun. The drivers who do this could possibly ruin it for the rest of us.
I'm hoping to pick up a set of projectors I saw listed on craigslist, just waiting to see a pic. The projector housing will most definitely make a difference, but since my hid install did not bother other drivers I decided to wait and find a deal on a good used set of "new" projectors.

Food for thought.

That was going to be my choice was the 8000k kit. And your very right about getting blinded with a lowered car..it is horrible. I also plan on running a projector set up, I have an old outdated set now but they are foggy and the lens are terrible. I would refinish them but I would rather have a black set then the chrome that I have now. Good food for thought!

I will be staying away from colors as well, A little blue is fine.

 

[dropped99gs]

In regards to lowered car and the headlights from behind, it really doesn't bother me. It's the improper hid installments. Whether they shine front or back, it's blinding. IMO it's becuase they either bought duall beam bulbs that are a little blue and run their lights bright to get the HID effect. Or they are running an incorrect HID setup. Even worse is dual beam HID's on bright.

I say good call with the 8000k's, and for as to where to buy them it's up to you and what you want to spend. I purchased mine from a local audio shop for $80. Came with a 2 year warranty, Xenon HID ballasts and bulbs. Pretty sure 55w. Took me about 30 minutes to remove and install everything properly.

Once I find the right set of projectors I will intall and HID kit for the brights as well. Also debating on HID fog lights?...?. OVERKILL????

 

[Alphashadow]

I appreciate the information given about the HIDs. However some information I have plowed through provides contrasting information about the New LEDs. There are H1 for Highbeam and H3 for regular lights/fog lights. ALL LEDs direct replacements. They are starting to become more common place since the HIDs carry hazardous materials such as lead and mercury.
I ordered a set of LED Angel Eye direct replacement with Xenon White (colored) head light sets. The whole lens container and bulbs.
I am very interested in getting them installed to see if they actually do compare to the HID system.

How often are you replacing the HID bulbs? I heard they don't last much longer than a year.

 

[norcal_drifter]

Depends on the kit, I've sold kits that last upwards of 5years and some that burn out around 3 years. I've notice that it all depends on like if a relay harness is used, if it's daily driven, obviously there more to consider on how long the lights last. Kinda like a light bulb in the guest room and a light bulb in the kitchen. The bulb in the kitchen would probably go out first cause it's always on.

 

[Alphashadow]

@norcal_drifter
Thank you, the points you made are very valid.
I was wondering if all the variables were equal would the HID be a worthy price point.
Also what about the statement the HIDs can't be turned off and then immediately turned back on again without a cooling down period?
That is worrisome to me. If by chance a scenario arose while night driving the lights had to be turned off and turned back on again (whehter accidental or situation dictated it) that the lights would not turn on and one would either have to pull off the to the road side or drive blind for about 15 seconds. (Not that the second option is an intelligent one).
Either part would be a major inconvenience.

 

[verbalcat]

I bought this kit and have not installed yet.

95 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse 97 98 Eagle Talon Halo Projector Headlight HID 8K Black | eBay

Waiting on my Optima battery. Will post up picks of the install and brightness. The housing is pretty good actually.

 

[grothe3297venge]

Well idk if this was mentioned other then someone listing the morimoto's on retro resource, but if your going HIDs without doing a retrofit, your not helping yourself at all. There's a reason people have brighter lights then you. Your halogens are out dated and HIDs are useful...with the correct projector housings, and not a standard halogen housing.

If you are doing this to blind people because "theirs" are blinding you, well, I think your doing it for the wrong purpose. People that put HIDs in there car when there not properly equipped for it should just not be driving at night because its a danger to all involved.

Just my .02 cents tho... So if you go HIDs, I deeply consider doing the retrofit.

I bought this kit and have not installed yet.

95 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse 97 98 Eagle Talon Halo Projector Headlight HID 8K Black | eBay

Waiting on my Optima battery. Will post up picks of the install and brightness. The housing is pretty good actually.

Honestly, idk how we'll these will work. They say you get what you pay for. Those projector lens' are cheap and will not give you that great of a cutoff. They may "look bright" but the clarity on the road will probably be worse then your OEM headlights. BTW verbalcat, HOLY thread revival batman!