comment HID's

[IHC Power]

Just installed a set of Zenon 9007 HID's in my headlights and WOW what a difference in night time driving, plus the blue looks kick ass. I got them cheap on Craigslist for $100. Then after seeing them I ordered a set for the fog lights (H10). It was cut and dry install just plug and play and I strongly suggest anyone who drives alot at night to try them out, you'll love them. And quick question while I'm starting the thread, I NEED onboard air for tools, horns etc. Anyone know a reliable compressor on the market that won't break the bank? I'll load some photo's of the HID's tonight so you all can check them out.

 

[AK Rover]

What temperature did you get? Did you get the dual beam or just single beam? I personally like either the 5000K or 6000K. I have 6000K in my headlight, 5000K in one set of driving lights, 4200K in the other set of driving lights and 3000K in my fog lights. The 3000K gives a bright yellow light that is great for fog lights.

I have to agree that they make a huge difference. I would find it difficult to go back to halogen headlights.

 

[fordman60]

Just installed a set of Zenon 9007 HID's in my headlights and WOW what a difference in night time driving, plus the blue looks kick ass. I got them cheap on Craigslist for $100. Then after seeing them I ordered a set for the fog lights (H10). It was cut and dry install just plug and play and I strongly suggest anyone who drives alot at night to try them out, you'll love them. And quick question while I'm starting the thread, I NEED onboard air for tools, horns etc. Anyone know a reliable compressor on the market that won't break the bank? I'll load some photo's of the HID's tonight so you all can check them out.

is there a kit with the ballasts and everything for the sd or is it a universal kit?

 

[AK Rover]

is there a kit with the ballasts and everything for the sd or is it a universal kit?

The conversion kits are universal, based on bulb style. 2005-2007 use H13 bulbs. Not sure about the earlier models. All the conversion kits come with the bulbs and ballasts. Installation is pretty much plug and play.

Quick tutorial on HID.

HID bulbs
There are a four different styles of HID bulbs.
1. Single beam, you lose the use of high beams.
2. Xenon low/halogen high. Ok if you only use high beams occasionally.
3. Dual beam xenon. These actually move the bulb itself to change the beam. Some retract the bulb into the base and others systems tip the bulb down to produce a high beam effect.
4. Bi-xenon. Two xenon tubes on each bulb base and using 2 ballasts per side. IMO, this is the best but also most expensive and hardest to find.

Wattage
Most HID conversions are 35 watts. Some places sell 50-55 watt kits for extra money. I personally don't feel the need for anything more than 35 watts. I have been using HIDs in my vehicles for a while now and haven't seen where an extra 20 watts would make much difference. Proper beam pattern is more important than wattage. And since HID conversions are questionable in terms of legality I don't feel it necessary to attract the attention of law enforcement anymore than necessary.

Color/temperature
Contrary to popular belief hotter bulbs (higher Kelvin value, e.g. 8000K) actually produce less light than the cooler bulbs. 4200K - 6000K is considered white light and puts out the most light. 4200K will have a slightly yellowish tint to them but not to the point of halogen. 6000K is slightly bluish but not bad. 5000K is my personal preference if it's available. 3000K gives a very yellow light and work great in fog lights. 8000K and above gets very blue in color and light output is reduced.

Ballasts
There are analog and digital ballasts. Analog is cheaper and therefore that's what you find in most HID conversion kits sold on ebay or other such sites. The ballasts are larger than digital and it has been my experience that they produce a lot more radio frequency interference with CBs and such. Obviously being physically smaller the digital ballasts are much easier to find a place to hide them.

Wiring harness
Most places that sell HID conversion kits offer a relay harness which I highly recommend. Even though the HID lights are pulling less power through the factory switch than standard halogen bulbs I still like to use the relay harness and pull the power directly off the battery. The dual beam and true bi-xenon conversions should come with the relay harness standard.

 

[IHC Power]

Fog lights too

Just installed the 9007 bulbs in my fog lights and now I can see everything infront of me! What a difference!

 

[BIG JOE]

I NEED onboard air for tools, horns etc. Anyone know a reliable compressor on the market that won't break the bank?/QUOTE]

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I bought a Vi-Air set-up from them.. use it alot.. works good.

joe

 

[Cratos]

I just love getting blinded buy guys with these dam things on two lane roads! or sitting at a light with one behind when i am in the car.

 

[clintusaf]

if you point them correctly or have projector housing, you shouldnt get blinded.

 

[AK Rover]

I have my headlights pointed down just a little lower than normal to try and keep from blinding as many people as possible. For those that choose to drive small cars or lowriders, well that's their choice and if you get blinded because I drive a truck too bad.

I don't see HID lights going away, especially with them becoming more common option from the factory. I actually see the aftermarket conversion receiving DOT certification before law enforcement spends the time and money trying to ticket every vehicle with aftermarket HIDs.

 

[RSG]

I have mine pointed lower, and still get an occasional annoyed flash from an oncomer, but that is their bad, not mine. I would like to better understand how to do this for my foggers. I have "dual beam" by the above definition. Is the fog light a separate kit? Gotta link?