Notices
ScoobyNet General General Subaru Discussion

HID conversion is it worth it.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05 January 2012 | 11:18 AM
  #1  
b11fyn's Avatar
b11fyn
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Gwent
Default HID conversion is it worth it.

Hi guys,

i have a 2002 sti bugeye wiv tha prodrive lights & wanted to improve my dipped beam,,,my dip & high are seperate & have upgraded the the high beam to 100w & am happy with the result, iv dun the same to the dipped beam but tbh i cant see any diff, the dipped beam is the round ball type projector lens,,,, so i woz wounderin wether a HID conversion would improve this,,,,its a H1 type bulb & also wa colour rating should i go for ( most seem to say the 8000k range) but im not sure...

your thoughts & advice would be most appriciated..


shaun.....
Old 05 January 2012 | 11:43 AM
  #2  
vc_1985's Avatar
vc_1985
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 0
Default

stick to 6000k mate
Old 05 January 2012 | 12:12 PM
  #3  
Shaks-STI's Avatar
Shaks-STI
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 0
From: Leicester
Default

i have 8000k on my classic and i like it, with 6000k you will have more hint of yellow.
Old 05 January 2012 | 12:28 PM
  #4  
Qwertyco's Avatar
Qwertyco
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: NE England
Default

4300k are best for light output and are white,
anything higher rated starts to become blue and loses efficiency.
Above 8000k just looks silly.
HID's work well with projectors, and are well worth trying, massivly better than any halogen bulb.
Old 05 January 2012 | 12:31 PM
  #5  
hoyleyboyley's Avatar
hoyleyboyley
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Default

6000k is usually white - once you go above that you start to go blue-er IME.

got a set on my blobeye from aztec performance on here, love them and MUCH improvement over the std halogen bulbs.
Old 05 January 2012 | 01:14 PM
  #6  
Aztec Performance Ltd's Avatar
Aztec Performance Ltd
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (234)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 0
From: Over 500ft/lbs of torque @ just 1.1bar
Default

4300k - Pure white
6000k - White with slight blue tint
8000k - White with strong blue tint
above 8k - don't bother

I like 4300k personally as it looks completely standard. 6000k is the most popular though.

http://www.superhids.co.uk/hid-conve...1-fitment.html

Feel free to call if you need.



Old 05 January 2012 | 01:57 PM
  #7  
ALi-B's Avatar
ALi-B
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 38,052
Likes: 301
From: The hell where youth and laughter go
Default

I'd go with what Aztec says.

The colder white colours struggle in bad weather as you get worse contrast (driving rain on badly lit roads, but traffic prevents use of high beams etc). As the human eye is more sensitive/better suited to warmer spectrum colours.

Plus it looks more OEM so you won't get pulled by plod.

I have OEM HIDs on my Golf and the colour temperature of these when compared to some of higher K aftermarket conversions make teh non-OEM ones stick out like a sore thumb (not to mention the glare from non-projector retrofits ).

Blending in is the key here when you consider the new MOT regs comming out, you may get a few months where plod and VOSA will be on the look out for cars with "blueish" lights as they serve to enforce the news regs like a new toy (pity they don't pull/fine more cars with blown headlight bulbs ).

Last edited by ALi-B; 05 January 2012 at 02:07 PM.
Old 05 January 2012 | 03:24 PM
  #8  
b11fyn's Avatar
b11fyn
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Gwent
Default

Cheers everyone for the help & advice it is much appriciated, il give Aztec a ring 1st to see wot their price is for the conversion,, if not, i have one lined up on ebay ready at a good price & with good feedback.

thanks all

shaun...
Old 05 January 2012 | 04:39 PM
  #9  
alcazar's Avatar
alcazar
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 40,781
Likes: 27
From: Rl'yeh
Default

The problem with colour temperature is that people don't realise that the colour temperature is the OPPOSITE of the light output.
ie: those with the LOWEST colour temperature have the HIGHEST amount of usable light.

Another thing not realised is that the blue-ish tint to OEM projector HIDs is due to refraction through the lens, NOT the colour of the bulb

Oh, and if we are being pedantic, "bulb" is the wrong word anyhow.......
Old 05 January 2012 | 05:20 PM
  #10  
JPC500's Avatar
JPC500
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
Default

I have a bug with prodrive lights and i fitted a HID conversion and it really improves the look and you get a brighter light to give more visibility, at nite I don't even need to use my full beam when I'm out on country roads
Old 06 January 2012 | 10:13 AM
  #11  
b11fyn's Avatar
b11fyn
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Gwent
Default

Hi, JPC500,

wot colour range did u use??

thanks

shaun...
Old 06 January 2012 | 10:24 AM
  #12  
JPC500's Avatar
JPC500
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
Default

I have the 8000 k hid kit mate, I would definetly recommend it.
Well smart 😉
Old 06 January 2012 | 10:51 AM
  #13  
b11fyn's Avatar
b11fyn
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Gwent
Default

thanks, thas the colour i fancied, im gonna order one now.


cheers

shaun...
Old 06 January 2012 | 10:52 AM
  #14  
andy97's Avatar
andy97
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,296
Likes: 118
From: Api 500+bhp MD321T @91dB Probably SN's longest owner of an Impreza Turbo
Default

I have ordered a set of aftermarket lights with projector halogen lamps from the USA, also I will changing these projectors for a hid projector setup.

The cut offs with the correct hid projector setup are amazing.

There will be alot of work in dismantling the new lamp assy, but I know it will be worth it!

Andy
Old 06 January 2012 | 11:24 AM
  #15  
alcazar's Avatar
alcazar
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 40,781
Likes: 27
From: Rl'yeh
Default

Originally Posted by JPC500
I have the 8000 k hid kit mate, I would definetly recommend it.
Well smart 😉
So you'd rather be seen than see then?
Old 06 January 2012 | 03:12 PM
  #16  
MattJ85's Avatar
MattJ85
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Kent
Default

What's the new law with these and the mot ?
Old 06 January 2012 | 03:27 PM
  #17  
JPC500's Avatar
JPC500
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
Default

You are ok if you have the projector headlights, mine past it's MOT no problem
Old 06 January 2012 | 04:41 PM
  #18  
JPC500's Avatar
JPC500
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
Default

Alcazar read earlier posts before you comment, I already mentioned how good the visibility is !
Old 06 January 2012 | 05:15 PM
  #19  
Marc Frobie's Avatar
Marc Frobie
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield
Default

Originally Posted by MattJ85
What's the new law with these and the mot ?
Lighting

Products on the lens or light source that obviously reduce the light's intensity or change its colour will become a reason for failure – applies to front/rear position lamps, registration plate lamps, stop lamps, rear fog and direction indicators,

Headlight requirements are updated to take account of the particular characteristics of High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps.

HID headlights can cause dazzle if they are dirty or aimed too high so car manufacturers must fit headlamp cleaning and levelling systems. A car will fail if a mandatory headlamp cleaning or levelling system is missing, doesn't work or is obviously defective.

Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must also be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.

If a headlamp bulb is not seated correctly the resulting beam pattern will be indistinct and this will result in a test fail.
Old 06 January 2012 | 05:17 PM
  #20  
Marc Frobie's Avatar
Marc Frobie
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield
Default

taken from:

http://uk.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ch...are-you-ready/

(Other new laws will affect aftermarket steering wheels, fixed bucket seats, smoothed doors etc...)
Old 06 January 2012 | 07:03 PM
  #21  
alcazar's Avatar
alcazar
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 40,781
Likes: 27
From: Rl'yeh
Default

Originally Posted by JPC500
Alcazar read earlier posts before you comment, I already mentioned how good the visibility is !
I don't care how good YOU think the visbility is. I'm telling you what the manufacturers, (as gainst SOME sellers) say: 4300K gives the most USABLE light.
Then 5000K.
Then 6000K.
By the time you get to 8000K the LIGHT outut that your eyes can use has dropped by about 30%.

Do some research before posting on here please

Here you go: (This is from a German bulb-testing website),

And a comparison of Kelvin to lumens;
Standard OEM halogen 55W 9006(HB4) = 1100lm (lumens)

4300k D2S Philips = 3200lm (lumens)
4300k D2R Philips = 2800lm (lumens)
4300k D2S Philips = 2400lm (lumens) actually 5800k
4300k D2R Philips = 2000lm (lumens) actually 5800k
4800k D4S/R (brand) = 3800 (lumens) ** brightest in the market
5800k D4S/R (brand) = 3300 (lumens)
7000k D2S other = 1790lm (lumens) *(other bulb brand)
7000k D2R other = 1390lm (lumens) *(other bulb brand)
8000k D2S other = 1180lm (lumens) *(other bulb brand)
8000k D2R other = 780lm (lumens) *(other bulb brand)

Higher than 8000k, the light output significantly drops off, causing the light to be almost useless.

One should point out that although light output drops off after 8000k, the fact that the light is in the blue-purple spectrum, it still puts a major strain on the eyes of others.


So your wonderful 8000K bulbs are no better than a 55W halogen for usable light.

Ever been conned?
Old 06 January 2012 | 07:05 PM
  #22  
alcazar's Avatar
alcazar
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 40,781
Likes: 27
From: Rl'yeh
Default

Originally Posted by Marc Frobie
Lighting

Products on the lens or light source that obviously reduce the light's intensity or change its colour will become a reason for failure – applies to front/rear position lamps, registration plate lamps, stop lamps, rear fog and direction indicators,

Headlight requirements are updated to take account of the particular characteristics of High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps.

HID headlights can cause dazzle if they are dirty or aimed too high so car manufacturers must fit headlamp cleaning and levelling systems. A car will fail if a mandatory headlamp cleaning or levelling system is missing, doesn't work or is obviously defective.

Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must also be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.

If a headlamp bulb is not seated correctly the resulting beam pattern will be indistinct and this will result in a test fail.
You need to stop posting this Marc, the ACTUAL regs say that IF systems are fitted they MUST work. I know, I've SEEN THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
Old 06 January 2012 | 07:33 PM
  #23  
ALi-B's Avatar
ALi-B
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 38,052
Likes: 301
From: The hell where youth and laughter go
Default

Originally Posted by alcazar



So your wonderful 8000K bulbs are no better than a 55W halogen for usable light.

Ever been conned?

Although they may help for the treatment of S.A.D and possibly help vitamin D production

Group buy on 8000K interior lighting anyone?

< tumbleweed >

Old 09 January 2012 | 11:38 AM
  #24  
b11fyn's Avatar
b11fyn
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Gwent
Default

Hi guys,

Well i ordered a set on fri midday & they arrived on sat morn ,,, i went for 55w 8000k H1, cost me £40 delivered with a 2yr warrenty,,, i fitted them sun in just over an hr & couldnt believe the difference, so much more light on the road & 10x better than the 100w bulbs i had fitted.....


This is my honest opinon, i know sumone will give sum tech lecture, but so long as im happy thas all tha counts, thanks to everyone for their help, opionons & advice ..

shaun....
Old 09 January 2012 | 11:45 AM
  #25  
Shaks-STI's Avatar
Shaks-STI
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 0
From: Leicester
Default

Originally Posted by b11fyn
Hi guys,

Well i ordered a set on fri midday & they arrived on sat morn ,,, i went for 55w 8000k H1, cost me £40 delivered with a 2yr warrenty,,, i fitted them sun in just over an hr & couldnt believe the difference, so much more light on the road & 10x better than the 100w bulbs i had fitted.....


This is my honest opinon, i know sumone will give sum tech lecture, but so long as im happy thas all tha counts, thanks to everyone for their help, opionons & advice ..

shaun....
Dont worry about what others think of it, you like what you have and thats what matters, i have 8000k on my car too and i dont give a sh*t what anyone else says about it i like it and i can see very well with them.
Old 09 January 2012 | 12:15 PM
  #26  
JPC500's Avatar
JPC500
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
Default

Too many saddos on here with too much time on their hands trying to be negative copying sections off the net blah blah blah !!
So long as you like it is all that matters,
Ps told you they will look good matey 😉
Old 09 January 2012 | 02:07 PM
  #27  
alcazar's Avatar
alcazar
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 40,781
Likes: 27
From: Rl'yeh
Default

Wow! Just think how much BETTER you'd have been able to see with 4300K?

Oh, sorry, it's about being seen, isn't it?

LOL
Old 09 January 2012 | 02:15 PM
  #28  
dunx's Avatar
dunx
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 0
From: Slowly rebuilding the kit of bits into a car...
Default

Hope you have a friendly MOT tester...

One of the many things they are tightening up on.

dunx

P.S. I recently bought some halogen bulbs to go back in mine...
Old 09 January 2012 | 02:59 PM
  #29  
SkydiveMacca's Avatar
SkydiveMacca
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 701
Likes: 0
From: Peterborough
Default

Originally Posted by b11fyn
Hi guys,

Well i ordered a set on fri midday & they arrived on sat morn ,,, i went for 55w 8000k H1, cost me £40 delivered with a 2yr warrenty,,, i fitted them sun in just over an hr & couldnt believe the difference, so much more light on the road & 10x better than the 100w bulbs i had fitted.....


This is my honest opinon, i know sumone will give sum tech lecture, but so long as im happy thas all tha counts, thanks to everyone for their help, opionons & advice ..

shaun....
Hey emperor, your new clothes are ready...
Old 09 January 2012 | 03:05 PM
  #30  
EddScott's Avatar
EddScott
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,574
Likes: 64
From: West Wales
Default

Originally Posted by dunx
Hope you have a friendly MOT tester...

One of the many things they are tightening up on.

dunx

P.S. I recently bought some halogen bulbs to go back in mine...
This is what I thought but as it seemed to be getting a bit handbags at 20 paces in here I decided not to comment.

However, I think I'd want to hold on a little while to see of the new MOT rules affect these HID lights. I don't know how it works but it would not surprise me if the MOT centres haven't adjusted too well to the new rules and some tightening up will occur in the next few months and HIDs might be an issue.

IMHO of course.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:16 AM.