HIDs in JDM projector headlights?

[Boxer Wagon]

I searched it, but didn't really come up with a clear answer. Can I run HIDs in the halogen projectors? The cutoff is pretty crisp with the H1 bulbs I have in now, and was wondering if anyone had run HIDs in these lamps before, or if I'm better off retrofitting my USDM lights with TSX projectors.

[ScoobySnack]

Yes you can run HID H1 bulb in your jdm projector headlight. The major improvement would be that HID light output is three times that of halogen. As for cutoff of course if you retrofitted tsx projectors into your current jdm projector setup there would be a significant improve in cutoff and light clarity much like the any high end car. Try HID kits from http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Catego ... g/HID-Kits (http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Categories/HID-Kits-Lighting/HID-Kits) most SLI members would agree with their products as that is my current HID kit is from. They have 35w and 55w kit and explains the differences between them. Color temp for most beneficial use of light would either be 5k or 6k. Higher the temp, the light output is compromise for color over brightness. Up to you and good luck.

[Boxer Wagon]

Yeah, a couple guys from my car club ordered theirs from DDM Tuning, and I'm probably going to go with that kit.

So basically, I can run HIDs, they just won't be quite as clear as they would be in a nicer projector, but cutoff shouldn't be a problem.

Sound about right?

Thanks Scooby!

[anothernord]

Yeah, there's some output pictures somewhere of HID's in the halogen projectors, and the output isn't real nice, but the important thing is that the light cutoff is still where it should be.

Rule of thumb:

Halogen projectors + HID's = ok
Halogen Reflectors (aka stock headlights) + HID's = "Hello I'm a Dickhead"

[Boxer Wagon]

Roger that. While the output may be poor, it will be better than the halogens I have in there now, so I'm happy.

[ScoobySnack]

Well said anothernord. :smt023 Boxer Wagon it will be a night and day different in nighttime driving enjoyment so a good overall investment.

[Garrison]

If you decide to use hid in your jdm projectors, take the time and dremel down the ---\____ ledge so you'll have an even-across beam pattern. It will help tremendously. Also, go with 35w hid, there is no real improvement with 55w.

All that said, retrofit is a vast improvement!

Edit: Haha, Jarod. I know exactly what you mean, I always take notice when hid's are in the obviously halogen housings. It's a night and day difference from projectors.

When you had yours jdm, did you angle them down to try to avoid blinding people? I did a little eyelid job on mine to aid the effort as well as possible (looks like sh*t though, haha).

[Boxer Wagon]

Ohhh, good call Garrison. I hadn't thought of that. I will definitely dremel that piece nice and even. Can I do that without opening up my headlights? I actually did go with the 35w (I ordered before I saw your post), so it's good to hear I made the right decision!

Are you going to the MD meet in February? If so, let me know. I'm trying to get a group together for our northern excursion.

Scooby, I'm looking forward to it!

[Garrison]

While you probably could do it without seperating them, it would be difficult to get all of the shavings out, or ensure it was perfectly level. Disassembly and reassembly aren't really too big of a deal, just be careful how hot you heat them as you can warp the plastic. A heat gun is helpful too, $11 @ harbor freight

[Boxer Wagon]

I'll have to wait and see. I'm really stupid busy at the moment

[Chrisboy]

When i got my bg5, I got hid's in the projectors, the hi beam lamp and fog lamps. I'm running some problems with the hid ballasts in my projectors so I've decided to switch back to halogens. The bulb is H1 right?

[Boxer Wagon]

Yep. The silverstar ST ones are what I have in now, and they do really well.

You should probably take the hids out of your high beams, but that's personal preference. If you do, the high beam bulb is an H3.

[Chrisboy]

Yep. The silverstar ST ones are what I have in now, and they do really well.

You should probably take the hids out of your high beams, but that's personal preference. If you do, the high beam bulb is an H3.

Will remove it soon. The low beam are H1?

[Boxer Wagon]

Yes

[Chrisboy]

Thanks a bunch boxer wagon

[Boxer Wagon]

:smt023 That's what we're here for!

[Chrisboy]

I've changed the hid to halogen in the projectors low beam and the light output is definitely less than the hid. On the other hand I believe this is better in the long run as lifespan of hid are not that good, and costs more.

[Boxer Wagon]

HIDs last longer than halogens. Yes, you will pay more per bulb, but a good set of 4300k is only $50. I can't remember where, but I heard halogens only last 2-3 hundred hours, while hids last into the thousands. I'm not sure on this, so you'd have to ask someone else. For me, I run HIDs and love 'em. I'll do my best to never go back to halogens.

[Chrisboy]

I think the ballasts are the problem. Warranty of these are only 1 year here in the Philippines.

[Boxer Wagon]

That's a pain. Check out ddmtuning.com, they have hid equipment for cheap. I got the bulbs, ballasts, some leds, and a wiring harness for around $80.