HID help

[SilverSuby]

http://www.hidheadlightkit.com/SUBARU-HID-Kit/Legacy/
Are these a good kit of HIDs Im getting the 10k.

[Garrison]

I'd not buy that for a variety of reasons.

10k is garbage in terms of visible light output, and will net you tickets from cops for the temperature color.
The same kit you're looking at is available on Ebay from a united states vendor for half the price, and they come with a two-year (some, lifetime) warranty.

Above all else, I'm assuming you have projectors for these to go into? If not, then the typical halogen housing will not provide an adequate (or legal) situation for you. The halogen housing sends light out in various arcs, where as the HID's need to be used with projectors in order to actually get the (again, legal) benefits from them.


Taken from: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ing+thread (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=664361&highlight=hid+lighting+thread)



3. Can I put HID into my stock halogen reflector lighting assembly?

Yes. But it is strongly recommended that you do not. Although it may not seem so, directing the light produced by a headlight bulb to the right places requires a good deal of precision. Reflector assemblies on cars that come equipped with halogen bulbs are made to direct the light produced by halogen bulbs correctly. Replacing those bulbs with HID bulbs that produce three times the light yields a terrible beam pattern. You will have light going all over the place, most importantly into the eyes of drivers of oncoming vehicles. Even if you can tolerate such a beam pattern, your lights would be a safety hazard on the road. Many people try to solve this problem by lowering their lights. However, to reduce glare to acceptable levels, you would have to lower HID lights in halogen reflectors so much that you would not have much of a useable light increase over your stock setup.



Best source: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech ... d/HID.html (http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/HID.html)

[anothernord]

No no no no nooo.

First, 10k is ghey through the roof. Like Garrison said, you might as well not have headlights, or hold a flashlight out the window while you're driving.

Second, you're overpaying. Go to DDMtuning.com and get one of their kits, after you do your proper HID retrofit, of course.

Whatever you do, don't just buy awful HID's and throw them in your stock NON-HID headlights.

[SilverSuby]

So what brightness should i get...

[Garrison]

I use 4500k, which is similar to most OEM manufacturer spec (lexus, merc, bmw, etc). Shoot for no higher than 5000k.

And yeah DDMtuning is the (non-ebay) source for HID's. Lifetime warranty if I'm not mistaken.

[SilverSuby]

What size bulb does a 3rd gen BE have.

[Garrison]

You still haven't stated whether or not you're using projectors or typical halogen housings. The bulb changes for either type.

[GTDrifter]

I've been running $30 ebay 8k hids for a year and a half in my nonprojector crystal headligh
ts...never had issues with cops and the light output was better than halogen...irritated other drivers but oh well

[Garrison]

never had issues with cops and the light output was better than halogen...blinds other drivers but oh well

fixed.

[GTDrifter]

I wasn't told they were blinding, just annoying

plus people in my area don't like to turn off their high beams so they deserve it

[anothernord]

So what brightness should i get...

It has nothing to do with brightness. The number is for color temperature.

I seriously hate people that run have stupid ass 10k blinding HID's In halogen reflectors. Please don't do it.

[02_Legacy]

Another one of these threads... I will post what I post in every one of these...

Putting HID's in anything other than proper headlights that are made from them is RICE. It does not matter what temperature you get, or if you aim them all the way down, or if you never get flashed. It annoys other drivers, is dangerous, and is 100% RICE!!

/Rant

[SilverSuby]

http://www.andysautosport.com/subaru/20 ... 41519.html (http://www.andysautosport.com/subaru/2000_2003_legacy/lights/headlights/dimension_lab/dlab00141519.html)
These are the headlights I'm looking at

[02_Legacy]

Those headlights are no different than the ones that you have now. They are ment for halogen bulbs and will still do everything that was mentioned above.

[SilverSuby]

Ok screw it ill take it to my customs shop and have them do it I can't do DIY to save my life.

[02_Legacy]

These are what you need:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-LEGACY-99-0 ... _736wt_698 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-LEGACY-99-02-B4-BE5-BH5-HID-HEADLIGHTS-OEM-/270782585150?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f0be6593e#ht_736wt_698)

they are genuine HID headlights and bolt right in. There is some basic wiring to be done but we can help you with that when the time comes.

[GTDrifter]

Ok screw it ill take it to my customs shop and have them do it I can't do DIY to save my life.
It's really hard to screw hids up...if you get them pm me and I'll give you directions

[SilverSuby]

I just don't have the money for the projectors right now the shipping on the ones 02_Legacy showed me is $125

[stoggy]

If you don't have the money to do a proper projector retrofit then I highly suggest you wait until you can afford it--plus it's cheaper than buying JDM ones from eBay. Also, the JDM HID's don't give you the correct beam pattern on the road, you won't be able to see the right side of the road very well.

What you need: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/produc ... cts_id=227 (http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=227) <-- basic model for beginners.

Now there is some custom work to be done when doing a projector retrofit. If you want projectors this is the only way as no company makes projector headlights for this generation. And if they did they'd probably be crap anyways just like the rest of them.

Take it from my experience. I've had stock halogens (junk). HID's in stock halogens (brighter, but still junk). JDM HID's (very good lighting, excellent crisp beam pattern, but cannot see the right side of the road--junk). Projector retrofit (EXCELLENT).

You cannot beat a true HID projector setup. Don't waste your money like I did on several different lighting configurations--I've dropped over $500 before I finally ended up doing the right thing. If you want HID's, wait until you have the money to do it properly!!! If you're not good at DIY stuff then head over to HIDPlanet.com--there you'll find countless people that do HID projector retrofits for a living and can help you out.

Here's a few comparison pics if you don't believe me:

Stock GT Headlights w/ 5K HID's:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/hid_glare_1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/hid_glare_2-1.jpg

--

Proper Projector Retrofit in GT Headlights:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/photo_6-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/side_angle-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/head_on_40ft-1.jpg

Notice in the stock headlights with HID's there is no 'real' defined beam pattern. This is because the reflector is not designed to accept and HID light source and just scatters the light wherever. There is so much glare my camera couldn't even figure out where to start adjusting the white balance haha.

Hope this helps you make the right decision.

[SilverSuby]

I wish i knew what all the specs for the retrofits meant Im so dumb with all this...

[anothernord]

I wish i knew what all the specs for the retrofits meant Im so dumb with all this...

We all had to start somewhere. Check out www.HIDplanet.com/forums (http://www.HIDplanet.com/forums). Thats where I learned everything.

If you don't have the money for a real headlight upgrade, then look elsewhere to spend what you do have.

[StatGSR]

These are what you need:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-LEGACY-99-0 ... _736wt_698 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-LEGACY-99-02-B4-BE5-BH5-HID-HEADLIGHTS-OEM-/270782585150?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f0be6593e#ht_736wt_698)

they are genuine HID headlights and bolt right in. There is some basic wiring to be done but we can help you with that when the time comes.


those headlights are no better for HIDs than the original ones that he has, they still are not projector headlights.....

[GTDrifter]

Here's to show between HID's in non-projecor housings and normal halogen in the same housings...al on low beam
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/402322_2912468902781_1592413928_2534242_-1.jpg

[02_Legacy]

These are what you need:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-LEGACY-99-0 ... _736wt_698 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-LEGACY-99-02-B4-BE5-BH5-HID-HEADLIGHTS-OEM-/270782585150?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f0be6593e#ht_736wt_698)

they are genuine HID headlights and bolt right in. There is some basic wiring to be done but we can help you with that when the time comes.


those headlights are no better for HIDs than the original ones that he has, they still are not projector headlights.....

True they are not projector headlights, but they reflector pattern in them is made to accept HID's. They are OEM in japan and come with HID's directly from the factory. Therefore they would be much better than running HID's in halogen housings, but as was brought out before not as ideal as a proper projector retrofit. I simply posted those because the OP said he didn't have the skill to do a retrofit, and that is the best solution to run HID's without a retrofit.

[Yamazaki]

What's all this talk of "HIDs have to be in projectors"? My S401 and my Impreza both came with HIDs in reflectors from the factory. I think Subaru wouldn't have done that if it wasn't acceptable. Especially since both of those vehicles were the top trim level for their respective models....

[rougeben83]

What's all this talk of "HIDs have to be in projectors"? My S401 and my Impreza both came with HIDs in reflectors from the factory. I think Subaru wouldn't have done that if it wasn't acceptable. Especially since both of those vehicles were the top trim level for their respective models....

Nah, people are just making a blanket statement either to make it simple for newbies or they don't know any better. There used to (I don't think they make them for OEM's anymore as almost everyone is using projector type headlights regardless of halogen or HID) be the D2R HID capsule standard (r = reflector :wink: , the more normal HID capsule is the D2S variant) that has an extra strip printed right on the glass to act as a glare shield in reflector HID type setups like on the JDM Legacy.

*HOWEVER* this doesn't mean you can use those bulbs in any reflector headlight; each headlight is designed with the specific bulb it uses in mind. This means that the reflector geometry is meant to be optimal with the light output and pattern emitted by that specific bulb. Rebased HID capsules DO NOT take that into account. Simply put, that is why you get hotspots and uneven beam patterns in these kinds of "retrofits" because the new HID capsule/bulb you are using is not meant to be used with that reflector. Drivers still see them as an improvement over halogen bulbs however simply because the HID capsule just overpowers the bad geometry with pure light output.

Put is simply, Projector retrofit > JDM HID reflector >>>>>>>>> aftermarket HID reflector = stock halogen.

The other route you can take is optimize your headlights for halogen bulbs; thicker gauge wiring harness and relay with higher output halogen bulbs. The good thing about this is that should you go down the retrofit route, the thicker gauge harness will allow your HID setup to be much brighter than if youre going through the stock harness, AND as I've taught more than a few people here on this forum, bypass the low beam off when you use the high beams.

[stoggy]

I have to agree with Ben. Trust me guys, the JDM HID's are no better than an HID conversion kit because all the usable light is pointed to the wrong side of the road....remember they drive on the other side in Japan ;) Some USDM Subies did come with reflector based HID's and that is great because the light is pointed in the right direction for the side of road we drive on--however--from my experience Subaru doesn't really get the HID concept as their lighting is far from spectacular compared to other reflector based HID systems from other manufacturers...I was extremely disappointed with mine anyways--maybe I'm just super picky I dunno. If he's going to spend close to $300 on JDM lights he's better paying someone from HIDPlanet the extra $200 and pay someone to do a proper retrofit that comes with a guarantee.

On the other hand, I had extremely successful results running 14 gauge wiring with a relay and 100W H1 bulbs in my stockers--very bright but I got a lot more glare, simply because the optics are not designed to handle the excess lumens properly. By far the simplest upgrade and you still get the stock lighting pattern on the road. By the way, this works in any vehicle that has halogen bulbs if the OP is interested.

[kunchris]

most new cars in japan from toyota to suzuki are coming with HIDs. without projector lenses. i live in Kenya where we have loads of those imports from japan. nearly all of them have factory HIDs. its just the design of the reflectors and the lenses, that enables them not to blind drivers. point is you dont necessarily need projector lenses to install use HIDs. depends on the temperature and age of your car. i dont expect someone to install HIDs on the BC and BF legacies or early BGs and BDs....that just stupid.(coz i drove like that for a year) :smt011 i just swapped my headlights to projectors installed my HIDs into them but i cant see anything!!! dunno why. meh..

[SilverSuby]

most new cars in japan from toyota to suzuki are coming with HIDs. without projector lenses. i live in Kenya where we have loads of those imports from japan. nearly all of them have factory HIDs. its just the design of the reflectors and the lenses, that enables them not to blind drivers. point is you dont necessarily need projector lenses to install use HIDs. depends on the temperature and age of your car. i dont expect someone to install HIDs on the BC and BF legacies or early BGs and BDs....that just stupid.(coz i drove like that for a year) :smt011 i just swapped my headlights to projectors installed my HIDs into them but i cant see anything!!! dunno why. meh..

What year and model is your subie?

[drtylggy]

I'm running stock headlight housings with 8K and 3K fogs. Never had a problem with cops, been running them for about 5 or 6 months now with no problems with the cops. Just use the tuning nob on the headlight housing to keep them from shining to high or to low

[Wiscon_Mark]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/402322_2912468902781_1592413928_2534242_-1.jpg

I'm sorry, but this is dangerous, irritating, and illegal.

[stoggy]

Don't be sorry, you're absolutely right. HID kits are all of that and more.

[chuckthefuk]

Tell that to the BMW X6 riding my bumper! Legal kit + taller vehicle is just as dangerous.

-Chuck

[kunchris]

most new cars in japan from toyota to suzuki are coming with HIDs. without projector lenses. i live in Kenya where we have loads of those imports from japan. nearly all of them have factory HIDs. its just the design of the reflectors and the lenses, that enables them not to blind drivers. point is you dont necessarily need projector lenses to install use HIDs. depends on the temperature and age of your car. i dont expect someone to install HIDs on the BC and BF legacies or early BGs and BDs....that just stupid.(coz i drove like that for a year) :smt011 i just swapped my headlights to projectors installed my HIDs into them but i cant see anything!!! dunno why. meh..

What year and model is your subie?
96 Legacy BG3 with single turbo swap :lol:

[SilverSuby]

Oh fancy!

[kunchris]

most new cars in japan from toyota to suzuki are coming with HIDs. without projector lenses. i live in Kenya where we have loads of those imports from japan. nearly all of them have factory HIDs. its just the design of the reflectors and the lenses, that enables them not to blind drivers. point is you dont necessarily need projector lenses to install use HIDs. depends on the temperature and age of your car. i dont expect someone to install HIDs on the BC and BF legacies or early BGs and BDs....that just stupid.(coz i drove like that for a year) :smt011 i just swapped my headlights to projectors installed my HIDs into them but i cant see anything!!! dunno why. meh..
i found out where my problem was. i had the bulb too deep into the projector lens so light was refracting into the projector instead of outside. weird in know. i pulled the bulb outwards abit while facing a wall and voila!!! it worked. nice and bright.I had to take out the headlights and make a metal spacer or grommet that fit behind the projector lamp. this helped the bulb not to go deep inside the lens. did that for both sides, and i am realy diggging them!!! i aimed them correctly and the cutoff is sharp...not razor sharp but its there. they are 6000ks. :smt005 . the difference with the stock headlamps is quite literally dark vs night!! sorry i have no resulting pictures but il post them in my build journal. the JDM projectors are a worthy upgrade especially if you want to go HID on low beams.

[stoggy]

Tell that to the BMW X6 riding my bumper! Legal kit + taller vehicle is just as dangerous.

-Chuck

Yeah I can understand that...but tailgating is a whole other thread haha. Aren't factory xenon setup's supposed to have auto levelling to help minimize the glare from SUV's and/or trucks?

[kunchris]

have you guys researched on the d2s or d2r (not sure)HID bulbs that have an inbuilt cut off on the bulb itself, to reduce glare for reflector lenses. just opened up a JDM Toyota ALPHARD, which has reflector lenses and HIDS. the bulbs seemed to have a shielding on them, reducing glare.

[stoggy]

The shielding is a ceramic coating on the bulb, yes. Any OEM reflector based HID system (I stress the OEM part) will have proper optics designed around this shield so as to avoid any glare to other drivers. D2R is the most common light bulb designation for reflector based HID systems. This is not to say that a D2R bulb will work in any reflector...at that point you'd just have a PnP crap kit. D4R, D3R and D1R are other designations that carry this shield. The S is for projector headlights.

[Wiscon_Mark]

have you guys researched on the d2s or d2r (not sure)HID bulbs that have an inbuilt cut off on the bulb itself, to reduce glare for reflector lenses. just opened up a JDM Toyota ALPHARD, which has reflector lenses and HIDS. the bulbs seemed to have a shielding on them, reducing glare.


Yes, but unless they're designed specifically for your non-HID headlight housing (ie: 1997 Legacy one pieced headlights), I doubt they'll work properly. Non-HID headlight housings aren't built for HID lights.

[04Legacy]

Make a set of eyelids for your car in vinyl and lower the headlights when you get the HIDs. I say this because I have done this and it has worked just fine for me.
Also don't get anything higher than 8k or you will make yourself look like a ricer. IMHO get 5 or 6k and you won't have any problems.