headlight bulbs....

[RSG]

HID vs Halogen w/harness?

#50 to this post

1. Pure Diesel Power has a relay harness, 2 silverstars and the option to leave low beams on with high beams on, for $89+shipping, say $100.
Pros: brighter than stock on account of both bulbs and harness, reasonable cost, straightforward install
Cons: still just a halogen


2. HIDFoglight.com has the HID Xenon kit with relay harness + ballasts for $209 plus shipping, and there is a $40 rebate until end of this week (12/31), say $185.
Pros: brighter than the halogens, straightforward install
Cons: costs nearly double, headlight readjustment seems prudent

I'm ready to spring, don't know which way yet! How 'bout a vote?

 

[ender]

#50 to this post

1. Pure Diesel Power has a relay harness, 2 silverstars and the option to leave low beams on with high beams on, for $89+shipping, say $100.
Pros: brighter than stock on account of both bulbs and harness, reasonable cost, straightforward install
Cons: still just a halogen


2. HIDFoglight.com has the HID Xenon kit with relay harness + ballasts for $209 plus shipping, and there is a $40 rebate until end of this week (12/31), say $185.
Pros: brighter than the halogens, straightforward install
Cons: costs nearly double, headlight readjustment seems prudent

I'm ready to spring, don't know which way yet! How 'bout a vote?

I just switched from #1 to #2 and this is my opinion only. The "upgrade" of the halogens makes the bulbs VERY hot and they seem to die off a lot sooner. The 2nd time it happened I got a ticket coming home with only one headlight and it cost me $225 on the ticket.

Ender

 

[RSG]

Ender
Just to clarify, you are switching to the HID because #1 is too hot and you experienced shorter bulb life? Or you just switched and and it is the HID that is too hot?

Thanks!

 

[ender]

I think the "upgrade" makes the bulbs run too hot which shortens their life span. I had 3 bulbs die out in less than 9 months.

I have had a 35W hid kit for about 6 months and a 50W hid kit for barely two weeks and so far no problems, and no sign of overheating.

Ender

 

[Frankenstien]

My 6054's work great... course they've been adjusted....

 

[Crumm]

I got a ticket coming home with only one headlight and it cost me $225 on the ticket.

They think you should carry a spare bulb in your back pocket? $225 is about the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.


Hid bulbs run very cool, no heat to them. When traveling in snow of freezing fog this can be a problem as they don't make enough heat to melt off the lens but other than that the low heat is fine.

 

[Big K]

Hid bulbs run very cool, no heat to them. When traveling in snow of freezing fog this can be a problem as they don't make enough heat to melt off the lens but other than that the low heat is fine.

I doubt that is a problem for me in Texas !

 

[RSG]

Thanks Ender for clarifying...I'm going with the HID then, order it tomorrow after I verify 9007 fittings.

Crumm--that low heat can be a problem in snowy driving, I remember cracking a lens on a 78 Toyota pickup after a long night slog through a snowstorm from NY to MN...the ice scraper did it in. So now you got me wondering...Naw, I'll go for the HID anyway.

 

[ender]

Hah! If you have to use the heat from Halogen bulbs to melt the snow off of your car you have bigger problems than not being to see where you're going.

I have switched 2/3 of vehicles and would never go back. Driving out in the total dark in the back roads ... oh my it makes a big difference.

Ender

 

[RSG]

I splurged for $200 on the HID "bi-Xenon" kit. Will ship in a week or so. The "bi" means it has a funky electro-magnet to adjust reflector angles for both high and low beam.

Questions:
1. anyone else have this?
2. any tips on headlamp re-adjust (besides adjust until nobody flashes at me)
3. how much/what to drink to have a bladder reserve for bio-melting the ice buildup on the lens (that's how Crumm probably gets away with these in AK! )